Meet Our Alumni

CFP is one of the best initiatives that is based on the principles of peace engineering. The programme is outstanding in providing a friendly atmosphere for the youth of the two communities to develop mutual understanding and empathy. It helps break stereotypes and prejudices that are implemented by the mass society. As a sociology student, I empirically witnessed how peace can be promoted through engaging activities. I have met amazing people who were determined to fight for peace. The programme got me thinking that friendship can change the world. We can end so much conflict if we take the time to improve the strategies to help young people from both communities engage. Every little action based on mutual understanding can help increase positive social connections.This experience has made me aware of the fact that we should not give up fighting for a country where justice prevails.

“As much as I anticipated a fun and unique experience (which indeed it was!), I could not imagine how much knowledge and perspective I would have gained. The camp was a week packed with history workshops, language exchange, peace-building activities, and new friendships.

Remembering what Albert Einstein once said: “Peace cannot be kept by force it can only be achieved by understanding”, I quietly endured the relentless mosquito bites and two-and-a-half-minute cold showers as the camp taught me an invaluable lesson: the differences we usually think of as barriers, such as language, religion, traditions, and especially our past, can very easily become what is holding us together. Peace cannot be achieved by forcing one’s will against each other, but by understanding and accepting each other’s values, motivations, and beliefs.

After just a week, a girl with so many questions, oblivious to the culture and environment of the ‘other’ community, transformed into a peacebuilder ready to make a change in her own country and beyond. This camp gave me hope for our future together, a future of living in peace. I would 100% recommend it to all of my peers!” 🫶🏻

“No words can describe how unforgettable an organisation Cfp is. Not only did I meet wonderful friends from all around Cyprus who were all very accepting and caring, but I also got the chance to educate myself in every way possible. During the camp, I always felt very comfortable and loved. I laughed and cried much more than I ever have. All the workshops helped me discover a new path in life. I made many unforgettable memories with many inspiring people.

Participating in Cfp was the best decision I have made in my life. I left the camp as a much different person with many different thoughts and a different personality than the time I began this journey. I have never been more hopeful and happy. I am more proud of myself than I have ever been for accomplishing many things in the camp and getting the chance to make friendships like the ones I did.

I became a much better version of myself in a week and I am very proud of the person I became. I wish I could experience the CFP camp for the first time again. It’s a journey that will never come to an end because CFP is not just an organisation, it’s a family.”

Where do I even begin when talking about CFP? Frankly, my experience is something I can’t go a day without thinking about and obsessing over. Sharing our story halfway across the world and discussing our personal experience with the conflict but also the tainted past of our troubled island with those we would meet and our pair was something life-changing.

The people that were with me for the ride were truly what made this special. From my wonderful pair İlsu to the six other members of the Oregon-Washington team, we cultivated a bond so sacred that someone would’ve assumed we’d known each other all our lives. I personally have never laughed as much as I did spending a month in the U.S. with them and that is something I do not take for granted. The numerous activities we engaged in, organized by our amazing Coordinators, brought us closer together and taught us valuable lessons, too!

Our host parents were the most kind-hearted, generous, and simply the loveliest people one can meet (and the same can be said for all the other host parents, too!). Opening up their homes and hearts to us, they treated us like we were their own, while simultaneously providing us with the -and I can’t stress this enough- perfect Oregon experience. I did things I never imagined myself doing and I owe it all to them: Jeanne, Jon, and Kathy. Our conversations around the dinner table, which would last hours, frequently replay in my mind, as I know that they were able to learn so much from the two of us, which makes me incredibly happy.

I implore anyone who’s reading this: apply for CFP, I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll make memories to carry with you for the rest of your life and one person at a time we can cause a significant change in the situation in Cyprus.

Walking across the divide my heart still aches, but a little less now, thanks to the Cyprus Friendship Program”

“I can’t thank Cfp enough for helping me overcome my social anxiety since every person there was so fun and welcoming. Cfp showed me that regardless of which side of the divide we are in, we all live on the same beautiful island and that none of us deserves any type of discrimination. Thanks to Cfp, I met so many amazing people and made some amazing friends.

All of the workshops in Cfp really had an impact on me and really educated me about our island’s history and people. I can continue forever, but I don’t want to bore you guys, so I am going to cut it somewhat shorter. Of course, I am not forcing anybody to apply but please apply if you want an eye-opening experience where you will make life-long friendships, learn more about our island and fight for peace while making some amazing memories.”
In the words of Irmak, one of last year’s Cyprus Campers🥰…

“As you can guess by the slogan ‘in a country divided, people united’, the Cyprus Friendship Program bridges the two communities through the ‘walls’ of our small island. This is honestly the best way to meet with awesome, inspiring and open-minded peacebuilders. In just seven days I met people who I can proudly call my brothers and sisters. This made me realise that I have a second family here in CFP.

Not only did we laugh a lot, but we also learned our lessons through the tears. Looking from different perspectives, understanding and accepting each other was the highlight of what I’ve learned. We had the courage to look each other in the eyes while we poured our hearts out to one another.

After the camp, I understood that people are what connects this island. The only way to reconnect is to hear each other’s voices. This is what gave me the strength to believe in the future. We had so much in common, but what was most important was our dedication and our love towards our island.

Participating in the Troodos Camp was magical and I strongly advise it to everyone who is considering applying.”

“Playing foosball, making origami, late-night talks, laughter and tears. The memories I made from CFP are a tangible array of beautiful moments which have shaped my views on peace-building. From the incredible people I met to the feelings of hope and echoes of laughter which paved the way for a united future; it was a place we all felt safe to express our thoughts.

Even if camping may seem daunting, trust that whatever obstacles you may think you’ll face, everyone is in the same boat! Other than the amazing workshops and activities you’ll get to take part in, you’ll truly form lasting connections. Playing cards, hiking on beautiful trails and blasting music, any difficulties will soon be forgotten as you realise everyone is here to overcome them together.”

“CFP was by far one of the best experiences of my life and I made memories I will always cherish. It felt amazing to spend our days united as a single cypriot community,even if it was only for a week.

Not only did we create lifelong friendships but also learnt about the shared history of our island and how to work towards peace through various workshops. We worked on communication and teamwork which are vital to resolve the conflict between two communities.

CFP restored hope in me that one day we will achieve peace in Cyprus and I cannot recommend you to participate in this programme enough.”

“CFP changed my life for the better in just a few days.

Personally, I was always concerned about Cyprus and the Cyprus problem. Fortunately, through one of my teachers, Mrs Lambo, I learned about the program and applied immediately. At CFP I not only learned about the history of Cyprus and how the other community lives, but I made friendships that are very strong and will never be loosened. I managed to love my island.

After CFP nothing ends. My action as a peace-builder became much more intense and continues to be after CFP. I hope to see a truly united Cyprus as soon as possible.”

“CFP is something that allowed me to be who I am today. It’s such an experience that it gives you the freedom and strength to talk about the Cyprus problem. It also gives you the opportunity to build the most wonderful friendship with other Cypriots. It’s an experience that fully highlights the similarities within different communities in Cyprus.

My most memorable time during CFP was the US camp where I shared a room with my favourite person ever Lizzy. Being with her for a month made me realise things about myself and about the nature of the conflict. It made it very clear that we as Cypriots can coexist, and as the youth, we have the voice and power to build a better future for our island. One that’s united, one that’s in peace and happiness. It also makes you appreciate your country more.

Missing home makes you stronger and makes you stay true to the cause of peacebuilding even more because you realise what’s at stake. So I would suggest anyone and everyone apply for CFP, and continue doing it as much as they can because you create the best friendships, and you also create an opportunity for your parents and families to connect as well.”

“CFP is a dream come true! This beautiful program introduced me to my second family, to people that will always be in my heart. I really had the time of my life with the beautiful people I spent July with. The goal of this program is to bring people closer and it truly does a great job at doing that.

CFP taught me so much and provided me with so many experiences that I never imagined I would ever have.
With this program we’re working towards the peace of our little island while have fun and making friendships to last a lifetime. It gives us hope for a more connected home.”

“Communication is a value that has played a big part in how I approach all situations concerning myself and other people. Being born in a household where speaking three languages on a daily was normal, I found it easy to comfortably speak to most people in my surroundings. Nevertheless, meeting people from the other community in Cyprus was never an option. Once I joined CFP, not long after the interviews I found out the Troodos camp wouldn’t be happening, but CFP continued with an alternative method of carrying out the camp through zoom. That summer was the time I realised how my generation differs from the rest. All people I met during the camp were so open to having those difficult conversations and willing to see situations from another perspective which had not only taught me more about others but myself as well. Later on, we reunited with everyone for CFP year 2 and got to create even more face-to-face memories. CFP is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make friends which otherwise you wouldn’t be able to.” 💙

“During my time in CFP, I met many lovely people and shared great moments. The warm and welcoming environment surrounding you during the workshops, lectures and gatherings is the best place to form connections and embrace both of our communities’ similarities and differences. In a country where borders separate people, CFP unites them. Any young Cypriot should definitely use this great opportunity of peace building and apply for this very beautiful experience that isn’t only fun but also broadens your perspective & knowledge on Cyprus and its history and improves your intercommunal ties. It will give you so much more hope for the future, for our future together.” 💜

“My experience with CFP in San Francisco challenged my perspective on our island’s separation. While learning about the history of our island, I learnt that peace meant something different to each person.

Living in the outskirts of Silicon Valley with an American family for three weeks brought me and my pair closer together than I could have imagined. We were connected by our island while surrounded by the strange Californian lifestyle. One host practiced Jewish traditions, while another caught butterflies for a living, and the last was a family of Harvard graduates (- and they all owned a hot tub for some reason). Although each family was starkly different, they all made us feel at home and were in full support of our cause.

With no phones or internet connection, we passed the time singing along to the beatles on repeat and plotting how we could get to our favourite coffee shop(Peets). Being disconnected from the internet allowed us to connect and learn about each others’ communities.

Through volunteer work, visiting Yosemite national park (and seeing a brown bear!) and going surfing, we discovered that we had so much more in common than I could have ever expected. I made a lifelong friend while connecting with the history of our island, and i wouldn’t trade this experience for anything:)” 💜

“Applying to CFP is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I got to meet some of my bestest friends in CFP that never would’ve been possible if not for CFP. CFP is such a beautiful community that even after the programme it has offered me such great opportunities that changed my life. Even three years later, CFP still feels like and is my family.” 💚

“The online camps, even if relatively tame compared to the more personal, person-on-person camps, were still very much enjoyable. It wasn’t just the content, but the people that participated that mattered to me most. People like Sofi, Nehir, Erin, Demi, Leonie of course, Devran, Lara and many more, which have left an impression on me, even if most of our initial contact was through a screen and a little chat-box. Being able to hang out with people from a culture and background whose likeness to ours is astonishingly close was refreshing. Workshops were also big fun, as I realize that it needs to be a little more engaging when in a virtual environment, and the coordinators managed it perfectly.

Programs like CFP shouldn’t have to exist, but our societies and governments aren’t giving us any other choice. This is the next great step forwards to realize that maybe we’re not all so different; maybe we should live in unity, in solidarity, without great, big walls preventing us from meeting a friend we could keep for a lifetime. That’s what CFP has taught me and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Please spread the word and have your contribution to a better tomorrow count, because it does.”💛

“Thanks to CFP I was confronted with many different opinions and experiences surrounding Cyprus, which helped me re-educate myself and learn the common history of our island. Considering that many Cypriots, like me, went through biased educational systems our whole lives; this process wasn’t easy but going through it with other people that understood me, and were experiencing the same things helped a lot.

During the camp and the residential; we not only learned to listen to each other but also understand where our feelings and opinions came from. I think that CFP is a great eye opening way for young Cypriots to understand and express what they stand for while having fun and bonding with other people. If you do sign up, from the interview days until the graduation an emotional rollercoaster will be waiting for you! So get ready ;)”♥️

“Growing up in a family where we would weekly meet with Turkish-speaking Cypriot friends and go road-tripping at Rizokarpaso, I thought I somehow had an idea of where we come from, our past, who we are. So I originally thought that the camp would be a fun experience (which it really was!) but I could not imagine how much knowledge and perspective I’d gain. Other than getting a better understanding as to why and how our island is divided, I’ve made lifelong friends and wonderful experiences. History workshops, dance parties, movie screenings, dish washing competitions and treasure hunts, are a few of the activities that have made a week in Ayios Nikolaos unforgettable. I’ve met some of the most important people in my life, and realized that the differences we usually think of as barriers, such as language, religion and our past, could very easily become what’s holding us together.”💙

“CFP Troodos Camp was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I had so much fun and got to meet with people I could never have met if I didn’t participate in this program and some of them have become really close friends of mine. It was an environment where you could share your ideas without feeling judged and it also helped me to become more aware of both the history of our island and the life of the other community. As our lives as two communities have been separated, this camp provided a good opportunity to integrate with the other community and eliminate any possible stereotypes or prejudices we might have had for each other.”💜

” CFP was by far the best organization I have ever participated in. It was not only fun and educating, but it also enabled me to broaden my horizon and create new friendships with people, regardless of who they are and where are they from. The 2 years in CFP (3 for me due to covid) were just amazing. If I had the opportunity, I would participate in this programme every single year. Now I am an alumnus yet my responsibility continues, I am aiming to spread this programme to my peers, younger ones, and basically to anyone who I can talk with. The memories that will be with me from CFP will be priceless. My friends will help me in this journey of helping the people of this beautiful country come together. Anyone reading this, please
arrange your schedule around this amazing programme :)”

“I was given the opportunity to take part in the first zoom seminar CFP hosted for US teens and I loved the whole experience. From learning the history of the countries we talked about to the conflict resolution skills, it was all an amazing experience. I enjoyed it so much that I took the experiences that I learned on the Zoom and wanted to bring that into my own community, and we made a club at our Souhegan High School that is centered around peace building and creating a welcoming community. We also got the chance to meet students from these conflict countries and it was incredible to hear their stories. It really allows the full picture to be seen and not just things you hear on the news or in school. “

“The Cyprus Friendship Program gave me my second family. A whole month spent in America with caring, very loving and amazing host families and my beloved friends, who are all now my family, was truly the best experience I will hold on to forever. This experience taught me more than I could ever ask for. To be welcomed into a new home miles away from the conflict we desperately want to resolve showed us how easy and peaceful a union would be if no one were to interfere and sabotage it. I will be forever grateful to my CFP family for the hope they gave me and for their unconditional love. Made lifelong friendships and gained incredible experiences and as youth who desire peace, we are motivated more than ever to work for what we deserve.”

“CFP was a life-changing journey for me. I have grown so much from the experiences this program has offered me. From the online camp of 2021 to staying with the most inspiring family in New Hampshire during the summer of 2022, this two-year journey was full of laughs, hugs, tears and above all some incredible people.

Because of CFP, I started learning more about our island’s history. I love hearing different perspectives, listening to everyone’s story and meeting people that have love in their hearts. CFP has all that and much more. Through the program, I have met some amazing people who have truly changed my life and helped me grow as a person.

After this summer, and the unbelievable opportunity the program gave me to go to the US with Serife, I feel a deeper connection to our island, Cyprus. This experience has encouraged me to find out more about my identity as a Cypriot and made me want to, more than ever before, see Cypriots seeing eye to eye, telling the hard truths and creating peace.

So I encourage anyone that wants to have fun while fighting for peace to participate in CFP…and believe me you won’t regret it.”