Worked with Outreach programmes in Australia-helping disadvantaged children. Started after school programmes and summer programmes for several schools and universities in Sydney. founded theatre schools in the UK and sydney. I have a psychology degree. A Welfare Workers Diploma I studied Psycho-drama becoming a therapist. As a director of volunteers for the Red Cross I trained volunteers for their role in the volunteer sections we worked in.As a Bahai we gain experience in working with youth in the various summer schools around the world.

Irene Pavlou, a MA holder in economics, leadership and Management, a parent of two amazing daughters, trained facilitator and junior youth animator, with a deep interest in relationships, in contributing to building vibrant communities and just institutions, now supports the wonderful vision of a youth conference in Limassol.

Hi, I’m Linda Rich, I am the Vice President of Cyprus International Women of Today, and we are proud to sponsor and support this event. I am also the facebook co-ordinator for the Young Adult’s Conference.

I have spent a long time learning and evolving through multiple ideas and plans since I was young.

My previous involvements with youth groups both in the UK and in Cyprus have helped me to appreciate our young adults.

I hope that this event will bring those attending out of their shells and allow them to grow further into their characters for the future, in an environment that is safe and non-judgemental.

The multiple topics to talk and debate about are fascinating, and I hope everyone enjoys themselves and learns something new.

I am passionate about education and youth. I have been working in educational organisations for around 8 years (University, NGO, VET school) and I am a supporter of multiculturalism, international experience, personal development, healthy living, environmental awareness and mentorship. I have experience in managing and implementing international projects, trainings and other events. I could say that I have quite some experience in marketing (e.g. social media, website). I love working with youth and support them in their exploration of world and life.

And well… I love photography, discovering planet earth and dancing; and you could find me playing some volleyball and table tennis.

Francesca comes from San Francisco, California and has lived in Cyprus since 1981. She started a successful business importing and selling speciality gifts and crafts. Her interest in self-development and holistic health lead her and a friend to start the Cyprus Mind, Body & Spirit Exhibition in 2002. Although she is no longer actively involved in the biannual event, she offers support when needed and is happy that her “baby” is growing and developing to serve more people in the Cyprus community. She is the author of fiction books for young adults (under the pen-name “Chess Capino”) and co-author (with her MD/Holistic doctor husband) of a simple book about health. Her hobbies include artwork, mosaics and dancing.

Young people face many challenges in the process of becoming happy, healthy and successful adults. They are often brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, want to offer their talents and create marvellous things. What they lack is experience and, often, positive support. A mentor can supply both. I am happy to share what I’ve learned over the years and to encourage young people to follow their dreams, be happy and have a positive effect on our society and the world.

She is a coordinator of Learning New Skills board at Cyprus International Women of Today (CIWOT).

A great philanthropist, volunteer in making impact on young people development in their entrepreneurial and personal skills. She is active member of Cyprus International Women of Today and take actions in different charities.

Zachary Reast is 18 years old. In his final year at St Mary’s school Limassol and studying for A levels. He wishes to go to the UK and study Business Management. He is one of the core group of young adults.

I like to go to the Young Adults conference to meet new people. It will be nice to discuss different topics with new people as well. So many of my peers have the same opinions or are very negative or biased. I hope it will be refreshing to debate with others. I like to experience new skills and improve myself.

I’m 18, a student at Cyprus Academy of Art, currently studying Film Production.

I hope that through this event we can inspire others to look into ‘unconventional’ or ‘easy’ jobs in the future. And with this, I hope we can teach and grow with others that it is not always a bad thing to have strong opinions, and that it can aid us in dozens of ways in our current and future paths.

This conference can change people’s perspectives globally, locally and spiritually. Bringing people from all different backgrounds together to discuss how we can make a change from the source and have an impact on the world. This conference will really show young adults how they are the roots of the world and that changing globally starts with them.

I’m 16 and a student at the Heritage School in Limassol, my main focus is music and hope to pursue it as a career in the future! I hope at this conference we can expand minds and embrace diverse thoughts; exploring different concepts, ideas of how the world works and how people perceive it. Every individual aspires to inspire before they expire so let’s give it a go!

Saoirse originally is from USA.