The scourge of addictive substances demands reflection and action. To prevent substance use, the first “KEPAKY Basketball Camp” was organized from the 6th to the 12th of July 2009. Our goal was to introduce children to sports, encouraging their engagement and distancing them from the threat of substance use. During the summer months, children need healthy activities, away from the dangers of addictive substances, and for this reason, the program was created, targeting children aged 8 to 17.

During those days, children had the opportunity to explore the sport of basketball more deeply under the supervision of professional coaches. Throughout the camp, they attended seminars organized with the support of the Cyprus Youth Board (ONEK). Each child participated in a workshop according to their age group.

In addition, in collaboration with the Cyprus Police, children attended workshops on road safety. Finally, they participated in workshops about violence in sports stadiums, with the presence of psychologists from the Educational Psychology Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture. This initiative was supported by various organizations, and the total amount of €6,259 that was collected was donated—by a committee consisting of KEPAKY Board Members and participating coaches—to the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia for children with cancer.

Furthermore, as part of KEPAKY’s ongoing efforts against addictive substances, an introductory lecture titled “Parents in Prevention” was held on February 3rd, 2011, at the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus. The event was organized following a survey conducted among KEPAKY Friends on a sample of 60 individuals, 52 of whom were parents. The speaker was Ms. Nicole Giannaki, Psychologist and Officer at KENTHEA (Center for Education about Drugs and Treatment of Drug-Addicted Persons). The lecture was addressed to parents, teachers, and others involved in the education and protection of children and youth.

Subsequently, an experiential workshop titled “Communication in the Family” was held at the kindergarten of the “Andreas Sophocleous” Group of Companies, in collaboration with KENTHEA and with the participation of parents. The workshop concluded after a series of weekly sessions.