A meaningful social initiative by Eurobank to support people at the most severe end of the Autism spectrum is moving to the next stage, with the presentation of the architectural proposal that will give shape to the new Day Center. The winning proposal was showcased at a special event, in the presence of the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides and the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Ms. Tina Pavlou, as well as the Group CEO of Eurobank, Mr. Fokion Karavias. The architectural competition that preceded attracted particularly strong interest from the architectural community, with 37 firms and study teams submitting their proposals for a project with special requirements and significant social character. The first prize was awarded to the team of architects Chrysostomos Theodoropoulos, Eleni Livani and Panagiota Karamanea, while eight studies received awards and distinctions. All will be exhibited at the “Anastasios G. Leventis” Building of the University of Cyprus from October 2 to 7.
The Day Center, with a total budget of €2 million, which will be covered by Eurobank, will be built in the parish of Agios Dimitrios in Strovolos and will constitute a modern care and support structure for people at the most severe end of the Autism spectrum. The operation of the Center will be undertaken by the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare.
In his address, the President of the Republic Mr. Nikos Christodoulides thanked Eurobank for the very important donation and for undertaking the supervision and management of the project’s implementation. As he said: “An offer acquires particular social added value because it targets and responds to an identified real need, is integrated into an organized plan, and creates lasting social benefit. This is exactly what is happening in this case.”
The Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Ms. Tina Pavlou stressed that the aim of the project is not merely staying in a safe space, but a meaningful daily life, personalized support, opportunities for participation, and respect for the abilities and needs of each person.
Eurobank CEO, Mr. Michalis Louis, after congratulating the winners of the competition as well as those who were distinguished, stressed that the project began from a substantial social need and is now beginning to take shape. “Our goal is to create the infrastructure and conditions that will offer care, support, independent living, and prospects to people with autism,” he said. As he stated, the project reflects the importance that the Eurobank Group attaches to initiatives with substantial social impact and to its longstanding commitment to a society without exclusions and with equal opportunities for all. He also thanked the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare for the cooperation, noting that the project is a characteristic example of what can be achieved when the State and the private sector join forces for a common purpose.
On behalf of the winning architectural team, architect Mr. Chrysostomos Theodoropoulos noted that the building seeks to contribute to reducing complexity and strengthening the sense of control and security for people on the extreme autism spectrum.”