“Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit

Inclusive Youth Information Award category

“Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit

Organisation

Cross Culture International Foundation Cyprus - CCIF Cyprus

Country

Cyprus

WEBSITE

https://www.ccifcyprus.com/

Project link

https://www.ccifcyprus.com/eurodesk.html

General Overview

The “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit is an interactive educational tool designed to promote cultural exploration, youth engagement, and informal learning. Developed by CCIF Cyprus as a Eurodesk initiative, the project targets young people, including those from marginalised backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and participation through gamified learning experiences.

The game invites participants to navigate the cultural landscape of Pafos using an artistic map that highlights significant historical sites and local landmarks. Accompanying this map are game guidelines that guide players through interactive challenges and tasks, encouraging them to engage with their surroundings actively.

A core component of the kit is the Eurodesk Information Pack, which introduces participants to European opportunities available through Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. By integrating youth information services seamlessly into the game experience, the project provides an engaging platform to learn about mobility programmes, educational exchanges, and volunteering possibilities.

The kit also includes a unique “Stories Behind the Cultural Treasures” Informal Learning Pack, which offers insights into the heritage and history of Pafos. Through storytelling elements, players develop a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich cultural fabric.

Designed to be inclusive and accessible, the game encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It is particularly effective in reaching young people who may not have had prior exposure to Eurodesk or European mobility opportunities, thereby broadening their horizons and fostering greater participation.

By merging cultural heritage with youth information, the “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit exemplifies innovative approaches to inclusive learning, making it a valuable model for empowering young people through meaningful engagement.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

The “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit perfectly aligns with the Inclusive Youth Information category by providing an innovative and accessible approach to youth engagement and learning. The initiative was specifically designed to foster participation among a diverse range of young people, including those from marginalised and underrepresented groups, while delivering essential information about European opportunities.

A key strength of the project lies in its gamified, interactive format, which breaks down traditional barriers to accessing information. Through the use of an artistic map, engaging storytelling, and problem-solving challenges, the game captures the interest of young participants regardless of their educational, cultural, or socio-economic background. The informal learning environment ensures that even those unfamiliar with formal educational or information systems can comfortably participate.

The inclusion of the Eurodesk Information Pack ensures that young people are exposed to valuable information about Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and other European mobility opportunities in a friendly, digestible way. This approach makes youth information more approachable for those who may never have heard about these programmes, including individuals from rural areas, immigrant communities, and youth with limited opportunities.

By merging the exploration of cultural heritage with practical learning about European programmes, the project encourages a sense of belonging and empowerment. It goes beyond traditional information dissemination by fostering curiosity, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills.

Ultimately, the “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit exemplifies how youth information can be inclusive, interactive, and engaging, reaching diverse audiences and empowering them to connect with the broader European community. This innovative initiative demonstrates that youth information can be both fun and transformative, making it a strong contender in the Inclusive Youth Information category.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit has had a meaningful and lasting impact on young people and the local community by promoting cultural awareness, strengthening social inclusion, and increasing access to European opportunities.

First, the project successfully engaged a diverse group of young participants, including those from marginalised backgrounds, immigrant communities, and individuals with fewer opportunities, such as young refugee mothers and asylum seekers living in the Paphos region. By fostering collaboration and teamwork, it broke down social barriers and encouraged meaningful connections among participants. The informal and creative approach allowed even those who were previously disengaged from formal educational activities to participate fully and confidently.

The kit’s storytelling element, combined with hands-on exploration of Pafos, inspired young people to develop a greater appreciation for the local cultural heritage. Many participants reported feeling a stronger sense of identity and belonging after learning about the historical treasures surrounding them. This cultural engagement not only enriched individual experiences but also strengthened community pride.

Equally impactful was the introduction of the Eurodesk Information Pack, which exposed young participants to European mobility opportunities such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. Many youths who had never heard of these programmes before expressed newfound interest in volunteering, educational exchanges, and cross-border projects.

By combining cultural education with youth information, the project empowered participants to think beyond local boundaries and explore their potential within the broader European landscape. Teachers, youth workers, and parents praised the kit for providing an engaging, inclusive platform for both learning and personal development.

Therefore, the “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit effectively promoted inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and youth empowerment, leaving a lasting positive impact on participants and fostering a stronger, more informed community of young individuals ready to explore European opportunities.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

The “Cultural Treasures of Pafos” Game Kit incorporated eco-friendly measures and promoted environmental awareness throughout its design and implementation. The project encouraged participants to explore Pafos on foot, reducing carbon emissions and fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural and urban environment. By prioritising outdoor, nature-based activities, the game aligned with principles of sustainability and green education.

Additionally, the materials used for the kit, including the artistic map and printed learning packs, were produced with eco-conscious practices in mind. Efforts were made to minimise waste and use recyclable materials whenever possible.

Furthermore, the project emphasised the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, raising awareness about the importance of protecting both historic landmarks and local environments. By connecting cultural exploration with environmental responsibility, the game fostered a mindset of sustainability among young participants, encouraging them to care for their community and its resources responsibly.

Inclusive Youth Information Award category