A story has the power to inspire, to change the way of thinking, to lead to meaningful changes! This is the aim of the special event “A story I will tell you…” being held by Enavsma Foundation in November, as part of the Access City Festival, speaking to the hearts of young and old!

The Foundation aims to give more and more Cypriot young people the opportunity for postgraduate studies, to become leaders and pioneers of tomorrow. From 2018 to the present, Enavsma has offered a total of 29 postgrad scholarships in Cyprus and abroad, in excess of €185,000.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Leventis Gallery’s landmark space in central Nicosia, from 11am-2pm, an event delivering unique life stories, children’s tales and kids’ art activities will take place.

From 11am until 2pm, the Gallery’s first floor will transform into a human library, filled with the stories of Human Talks Cyprus. Visitors will be able to chat in person with people who will share their own experiences that make them special – whether due to their religion, ethnicity, disability or other characteristic. The aim of this intimate dialogue is to eliminate prejudice towards any group. All participants in Human Talks take part in the initiative voluntarily, in order to celebrate diversity, promote understanding and create an inclusive society. In addition to these one-to-one encounters, the Leventis Gallery’s auditorium will see other human library participants tell their personal stories to a wider audience, with narratives interspersed with other surprise tales that will also inspire!

Meanwhile, also from 11am until 2pm, the Gallery’s second floor will fill with children’s stories, in collaboration with the Cyprus Association of Children’s and Young People’s Books. Three children’s authors, Sandy Antoniou, Eleni Svoronou and Melina Karekla, will take kids on a journey, combining the reading of stories with play, improvisation, writing and art activities.

What they might have in common: an endless thread, a suitcase of Athenian embroidery, a train, and a girl with 17 steps taken on her toes? The answer will be revealed via the award-winning kids’ picture book “I Klosti Tis Ipomonis” (“The Thread of Patience”) by Sandy Antoniou, illustrated by Elena Tsigaridou. A journey that connects our intangible cultural heritage with the present, enriched with imagination and inspiration! (Suitable for seven-year-olds and above)

Via her own book, “12 Mytho-istories Yia Tin Kypro” (“12 Myth-stories about Cyprus”), author Eleni Svoronou will offer a different compelling story. Children will open 12 boxes with snapshots of the island’s journey through time, full of Doges, pirates, gods and people who loved (or hated) Cyprus, giving the impetus for play and food for thought. (Suitable for children aged eight and above).

“Ollie and the Rescue of the Hummingbird” by Melina Karekla, illustrated by Christina Karekla, meanwhile, tells the story a young owl – the eponymous Ollie – who does not have perfect vision. Having to wear glasses makes his life harder and lonelier. However, when Rupert, a Peruvian hummingbird, shows up at his school, they quickly become best friends and a new adventure begins. (Suitable for kids aged seven and above, in English)

View the detailed event programme on Enavsma Foundation’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

  • Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024,
  • Location: Leventis Gallery (Anastasiou G. Leventis 5 1097 Nicosia)
  • Duration: 11am-2pm
  • Entrance: free

The event is taking place thanks to:

  • Grand Sponsor: Hellenic Bank
  • Sponsors: G. Charalambous, Ahmad Tea, Annabelle Hotel
  • Academic Partner: European University Cyprus
  • Supporters: IPH Iakovos Photiades Group of Companies, S.T.C. Cyprofruits Citrus Trading Ltd, Aspris Quality Fruits & Vegetables, CH. Alexandrou Trading Ltd, G.TH. St Mountains Ltd, KLINETE, La Vinotheque Wine Cellar, Meat4Meat Ltd
  • Collaborators: Human Talks Cyprus, Cyprus Children and Young People’s Book Association, Zest at Pinakothiki
  • Hospitality: Leventis Art Gallery
  • Organiser: Out of the Blue Creative Communications

Come join us for an experience of a lifetime!

#enavsmafoundation