The Association for Historical Dialogue and Research (AHDR) has publicly urged Cyprus leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the continuation of the award-winning ‘Imagine’ Peace Education Programme, stating it remains “ready to resume full intercommunal implementation of ‘Imagine’, with the participation of classrooms during school hours, as soon as both sides reaffirm their participation and commitment to this important confidence-building measure”.
Implemented by the AHDR since 2016 under the auspices of the Technical Committee on Education and supported by the United Nations , ‘Imagine’ has engaged “more than 8,200 students and 2,600 teachers from across the divide in Cyprus”, despite facing various challenges and attacks. The programme demonstrates “in practice, that cooperation, empathy, and mutual understanding can be fostered through education, and that intercommunal dialogue remains both possible and essential”.
Internationally recognised for its sustained contribution to peace education, ‘Imagine’ was honoured with the GENE Global Education Award 2020/2021.
The programme engages young learners and educators through educational workshops and training in themes related to peace, anti-racism, and human rights. The AHDR, which envisions contributing to the advancement of dialogue and critical thinking among students and the public , stated it “is proud to have sustained this awarded initiative and to have kept open a space for educational encounters that build trust and promote a culture of peace”.
The AHDR extended its sincere appreciation to its donors, the Federal Foreign Office of the Republic of Germany, for their continuous support.
The organisation operates the Home for Cooperation (H4C), a unique educational, cultural, and community centre located in the UN Buffer Zone in the heart of Nicosia.
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