Youth center volunteers call on Cyprus president to address institutional instability at ONEK

Volunteers from 60 youth centers under the Cyprus Youth Centers Organization (KOKEN) have sent an open letter to President Nikos Christodoulides expressing deep concern and frustration regarding the ongoing institutional instability within the Cyprus Youth Organization (ONEK). The volunteers state that this instability has significantly hampered their operations across the country.

The letter highlights that for the past six months, ONEK has failed to process any applications for financial support. This has left numerous youth centers facing severe financial uncertainty, forcing some to cover costs personally to ensure planned activities proceed. KOKEN members note that the youth center institution has operated for nearly 65 years based on voluntary contributions from students, workers, and parents.

To resolve the crisis, the volunteers are demanding the immediate restoration of ONEK's normal operations, including the appointment of capable individuals to its board of directors. Furthermore, they are calling for the urgent processing of pending support applications, a comprehensive revision of the legislation governing the organization, and the establishment of clear accountability mechanisms to prevent future institutional failures.