Hope for Children organisation on Monday said it has hosted during the past three years, 257 unaccompanied minors, in its ‘Home for Hope’ shelter, offering them support during their transition to adulthood.

The humanitarian organisation said in a press release that the establishment of the children’s shelter was done with the approval and continuous cooperation of the social welfare services and Cyprus’ deputy ministry of welfare, and was co-financed by the EU’s Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (90 per cent) and by the Republic of Cyprus (10 per cent). In the context of the project and during its implementation period for the years 2019-2022, a total of 257 unaccompanied children have been accommodated and received services, it adds.

During these 34 months, it said, the children hosted there received psychosocial support and legal guidance services, while, as part of the integration efforts, the organisation provided them with educational activities including Greek, English, music, cooking and physical education. Special emphasis was also given to supporting children during their transition to adulthood, both in terms of finding employment and housing outside the children’s shelter, as well as providing social skills and empowerment workshops.

The operation of the shelter is set to continue with funding from the social welfare services of the deputy ministry.