The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia calls for university in the area

The Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia has called for the creation of a university branch in the area, suggesting this would be a driving force for development.

This development would not only benefit the Municipality, it says, but the entire district of free Famagusta, strengthening academic, social, cultural and economic activity.

A relevant announcement adds that, "The Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia is in consultation with two well-known University Institutions in Greece which have expressed their interest in creating a branch in the Municipality. Nevertheless, the contribution and assistance of the Government towards this end is important for the implementation of this interest, since the Famagusta district is the only district without a University institution."

It also mentioned that the Famagusta district, with the highest youth index in Cyprus, has one of the most dynamic youth population profiles, “a fact that makes the region ideal for university development”. At the same time, it is added, the presence of an extensive network of school units, from middle and high schools to specialised schools, such as music and sports, demonstrate the “deep educational culture of the region”.

It is also underlined that a university will complement this structure, offering young people in the area the opportunity to continue their academic career without having to move.

The announcement also notes that the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia is "famous" for its tourism, with Protaras being one of the "top tourist destinations" in Cyprus. With more than 17,000 beds in the area and the existence of beaches that are consistently awarded Blue Flags (18 out of 76 certified beaches for 2024), the area offers the appropriate infrastructure for hosting students and visitors, it is added.

Furthermore, the announcement underlines that the cost of accommodation and living in the district is "the lowest in Cyprus", which, it suggests, will act as a strong incentive for new students from all over the country and from abroad.

The Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia also describes the short distance from Larnaca Airport as an “important factor,” while also suggesting that the presence of all basic state services, such as the District Court, the Police Directorate, the Citizen Service Centre and many others, ensures that students will have immediate access to all the necessary structures for their service. Furthermore, it states that the “well-organised” transportation network facilitates transportation, while modern sports infrastructure, such as stadiums, fields, swimming pools and gyms, will enhance student life and sports activity.

Another strong argument for the creation of a University unit in the area, the announcement adds, is the cultural character of the Municipality. "Cultural events of international scope, such as the largest coastal street music festival in the world and the largest film festival in Cyprus, combined with the existence of museums, libraries, theatres and cultural associations, create an environment rich in opportunities for entertainment and creative expression," it adds.

The Municipality also suggests that the creation of a university in the area will further strengthen the economy, offering new jobs and upgrading business activities. “The strong tourist identity of the Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia provides a significant incentive to attract a univeristy with a relevant curriculum,” the announcement adds.

It also says that Protaras Marina, which is already under development, will offer new opportunities for nautical tourism, while creating collaborations with academic departments related to shipping and tourism, while the strong industrial infrastructure with the two industrial areas in Deryneia and Acheritou, favours student internships.

At the same time, the announcement states, the large number of hotel units and recreation centres that have gained significant experience in serving hundreds of thousands of local and foreign visitors annually, make the area "ideal" for employment opportunities for students.

The Municipality of Paralimni - Deryneia said it hopes that with the cooperation of the Government, the "strategic" importance of the region will be recognised and the vision for the creation of a university unit will be supported. Such an initiative will lay the foundations for a sustainable and long-term development, strengthening the Famagusta district at the local, national and international levels, he adds.

At the same time, he says, this specific initiative will combat urban sprawl and the drain of scientific potential, through the migration of scientists, something which, as he adds, the region is experiencing, upgrading the academic, cultural, social, commercial, and economic level of the entire province.

(Source: InBusinessNews)