Aristotelous sends messages of support to the enclaved pupils of Rizokarpaso

Head of humanitarian affairs for the missing and the enclaved Anna Aristotelous has sent messages of support to the pupils of Rizokarpaso during their graduation ceremony. She also handed over money prizes to all graduating pupils of high school and elementary school and all those who excelled in their studies.

Representing the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides, Aristotelous said that the aim is for all pupils to have equal opportunities in education and praised the Rizokarpaso pupils for their strength, persistence and hard work.

She also referred to various decisions taken in order to further support the pupils and the quality of their lives. Aristotelous also said that in collaboration with the Education Ministry they will introduce various training courses based on the pupils’ needs.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

Turkey forcibly expelled about 180,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes.

Another 20,000 Greek Cypriots, who had remained in the occupied areas, were also forced to eventually abandon their homes and seek refuge in the safety of the government controlled areas. Today, few enclaved Greek Cypriots remain in the occupied areas.