**Cyprus Villages Need Investment and Opportunity, Says Hadjimanolis**
Akapnou, Cyprus – Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized the importance of investing in social life, culture, and opportunities for young people during her speech at Akapnou’s 36th annual community event over the weekend. She asserted that reviving Cyprus’ villages requires more than just new infrastructure, highlighting the critical role rural communities play in preserving the island's cultural identity and fostering social cohesion.
During her address, Hadjimanolis noted that the government is committed to supporting regional development, improving living standards, and creating prospects for younger generations. The aim is to provide young people with compelling reasons to stay in their communities while also encouraging those who have left to return.
The government has initiated a series of investments aimed at revitalizing rural areas. In April, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced a three-year €91 million regeneration program that will benefit both urban and rural communities across Cyprus. This follows a previous allocation of €43 million for local projects, which includes urban planning, housing works, and targeted subsidies for remote and mountainous areas.
However, Hadjimanolis stressed that the focus on rural development should extend beyond infrastructure projects. She pointed out that cultural activities, volunteering, and the active participation of residents are equally essential for the survival of these communities. "A community that celebrates together, that collaborates, and that keeps its history alive is a community with a future," she stated, using Akapnou’s annual gathering as a model of how such connections can be maintained.
The event serves as a significant occasion for the village, bringing together permanent residents and those who have moved away, both within Cyprus and abroad. Hadjimanolis commended the Akapnou community council and the association representing former residents for their efforts in sustaining the event over the years. She remarked that gatherings like this not only foster social bonds but also help preserve the collective memory of the community, allowing those who have relocated to maintain strong ties to their roots.
"Communities are kept alive thanks to their people and their shared memories, to the traditions that unite them, and to the willingness to continue walking together even if there is a distance between them," Hadjimanolis explained. She also highlighted the significance of local cuisine in maintaining cultural identity, specifically mentioning Akapnitiki ttavas, a dish closely associated with the village. Preserving and promoting such culinary traditions, she argued, is vital for safeguarding the unique identity of individual villages and enhancing Cyprus' overall cultural heritage.
The evening also celebrated the achievements of Akapnou’s younger generation. Hadjimanolis recognized athlete Marina Hadjicosta, a student at the Lanitio sports lyceum, for her international success in discus throw. Hadjicosta was honored for winning gold at the European Under-18 Championships in Rieti and bronze at the World Under-20 Games in Oregon. Hadjimanolis expressed pride in Hadjicosta's accomplishments, stating that her success serves as an inspiration for young people from small communities to pursue their ambitions and achieve international recognition.
The event underscored the importance of community engagement and the need for continued investment in rural areas to ensure their vitality and cultural richness. Hadjimanolis’ remarks reflect a broader recognition of the challenges faced by Cyprus’ villages and the necessity of fostering an environment where young people can thrive and contribute to their communities.