Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou

About us

With roots in history and a vision for the future

With a focus on women and their intellectual development, as well as the well-being of the child, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou (PAEK) marks a century of existence and contribution and continues to bring generations together.

In 1925, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou was founded in Nicosia by the educator and intellectual Persephone Papadopoulou, as the first intellectual women’s association in Cyprus. The purpose of the Association, as defined in its first constitution (1926), is:

“…to serve and advance the intellectual and moral ideals of the Cypriot woman; to strengthen her inclination towards literacy and the arts; to protect the working woman; to cultivate bonds of affection, care and mutual esteem through close communication among the members of the Association, drawn from all social classes; and to take a leading role in every form of educational, national and, more broadly, cultural activities…”

The first Board of Directors of the Association consisted of the following members: Persephone Papadopoulou (President), Eleni Christou, Meropi M. Markidou, Alexandra N. Iakovidou, Maria S. Pavlidou, Nina Patiki, Aglaia E. Loukaidou, Sophia Theocharidou and Augusta K. Loizidou.

Over its century-long history, the Association has focused on the intellectual development of women, the strengthening of her role within the family, society and the state, the support of the principles and values of the homeland and Hellenism, and the care for the development and well-being of the child as the hope for the future.

From its founding days, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou operated two evening schools for low-income working women, where they were taught, free of charge, reading, writing, arithmetic, history, religious studies and other subjects. At the same time, it established a library and study centre for educated women, where weekly gatherings were held during which works by Greek authors were analysed, and discussions, lectures and musical events were organised.

The Association subsequently formed a women’s choir and, the following year, itorganised the first exhibition of handicrafts and industrial products in Cyprus.

History

1925

The Founding of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou (P.A.E.K.)

In 1925, the pioneering educator and intellectual Persephone Papadopoulou – a distinguished graduate of the Arsakeio Secondary school in Athens and the Paris University Sorbonne founded the Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou in Nicosia. Her vision was to serve as a catalyst for the intellectual and social advancement of Cypriot women.

The Association was established with the support of a dedicated group of educated women from the capital, including founding members Maria Tsamanta, Alexandra Iakovidou, Meropi Markidou, and Eleni Christou. The Association’sfoundational strength was solidified that same year with the election of its first Board of Directors.

1926

Official Inauguration of the Association / Establishment of Evening Schools / Founding of a Library and Study Centre

The official inauguration of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou took place with the blessing of Archbishop Kyrillos III. The Association was placed under the protection of the Holy Synod and, from its inception, it developed a wide range of intellectual and social activities.

From the outset, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou operated two evening schools for low-income working women at the premises of Agios Savvas and Agios Kassianos Primary schools where they were offered free tuition in reading, writing, arithmetic, history and religious studies.

At the same time, it established a library and study centre for educated women, where weekly gatherings were held, including the study of works by Greek authors, as well as discussions, lectures and musical events.

1927

Cultural Activity and Choir

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou established a women’s choir, which performed as the chorus at the performance of Iphigenia in Tauris tragedy. The proceeds from the performance were used to provide financial support to underprivileged female students.

1928

First Handicrafts Exhibition in Cyprus

The Association organised the first handicrafts exhibition on the island, promoting local production and women’s professions. The initiative significantly strengthened women’s creative activity.

1930

Establishment of the Nicosia Children’s Summer Camp

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou established the Nicosia Children’s Summer Camp in Kyrenia, offering underprivileged and vulnerable children the opportunity to spend time by the sea, along with care for their health and recreation.

This initiative was a pioneering social undertaking for its time, with the children accommodated in the Primary Schools of Kyrenia.

1934

First Educational Visit to Athens

The Association organised its first educational visit to Athens in order to establish contact with women’s associations there, particularly the National Council of Greek Women.

1940

The Association Present in the Nation’s Historic Moments

In 1940, the Association sent clothing to Greece to support the needs of soldiers. At the same time, in cooperation with other associations, it organised fundraising activities including a charity event in support of the “Soldier’s Vest”.

1953

Severeios Children’s Summer Camp

Charitable couple Demosthenes and Anastasia Severis donated a building in Glykiotissa, Kyrenia, for the operation of the Children’s Summer Camp. The camp was relocated to the new premises, where hundreds of children were hosted each year.

From 1963, the building was used by the National Guard due to its strategic location.

1955

1955–1959 Participation in the Liberation Movement

Members of the association took an active part in the Liberation Movement, with some being imprisoned by the British authorities. Beyond their direct involvement, the Association also supported the struggle by organising assistance and visits to detention centres and prisons.

1967

1967-1977 Children’s Summer Camp in Lemythou

The Children’s Summer Camp operated at the premises of the Mitsis School in Lemythou.

1974

Turkish Invasion

Following the Turkish invasion and the displacement of populations, the Association developed extensive humanitarian activities, supporting refugee families and communities affected by the events. In particular, the Association placed the refugee settlement in Vrysoulles under its protection.

1975

Women’s March to Famagusta / The Cyprus Scroll

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou took an active part in the historic mobilisation of women calling for the return of refugees to their ancestral homes. The march gained international attention.

The Cyprus scroll

In the same year, the Association continued its efforts in support of refugee rights by participating in the committee that organised the Declaration of Refugees, known as the Cyprus Scroll. This historic document was signed by 150,000 refugees, calling for their return to their ancestral homes under conditions of safety and for the withdrawal of occupying foreign troops.

1976

Hosting of Refugee Children by the “Merimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis

The Association facilitated the hosting of 61 refugee children from Vrysoulles by the “Merimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis” in Vermio, at Panagia Soumela, for a period of three weeks.

1979

1979 - 1986 The Children’s Summer Camp in Prodromos

The Children’s Summer Camp was relocated to the facilities of the Ministry of Education’s children’s camps in Prodromos.

1992

Establishment of the Faneromeni Student Centre

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou established the Faneromeni Student Centre for the children of working mothers attending Faneromeni Primary School. The children were provided on a daily basis with meals and afternoon snacks, as well as care and support with their studies from teachers employed by P.A.E.K. The Student Centre continued to operate until 2005, when the all-day school system was introduced.

2014

Inauguration of the Association’s Own Premises

The Association inaugurated its renovated privately owned building at 9 Verenikis Street in Nicosia, which was bequeathed by the benefactor Dimitrios Isidorou Dialektos. Since then, the building has been hosting the activities of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou.

2015

90th Anniversary

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou celebrated 90 years of life and contribution with an event held at the Events Hall of the Presidential Palace.

2015

«Brides at the Leventis Museum: Tradition and Fashion in Greece and Cyprus»

In collaboration with the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, the Association organised the exhibition “Brides at the Leventis Museum: Tradition and Fashion in Greece and Cyprus”, featuring an impressive collection of bridal dresses from the late 19th century to 1974.

2024

50 Years since the Turkish Invasion

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou organised a series of presentations on the occupied areas of Cyprus – Kyrenia, Morphou, Famagusta and Karpasia, along with a lecture by Ms Titina Loizidou on the right to the peaceful enjoyment of property. A moving event was also held, dedicated to the refugee children (now adults) from Vrysoulles who were hosted in 1976 by the “Merimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis”.

2025

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou 100years Anniversary activities

The Association organised a series of initiatives and events to mark its 100th anniversary, culminating in the official celebration of 100 years of life and contribution, held at the Events Hall of the Presidential Palace.
Establishment of an annual award of €500.00 for an outstanding female student of the School of Architecture at the University of Cyprus.
Event dedicated to the Children’s summer camp (Paidiki Exochi) and the Student Centre (Mathitiki Estia).
Fashion Show “Women – Fabrics – Stories”, organised by the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and the Friends of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and the Leventis Gallery, with the support of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou to honour PAEK 100^th Anniversary; a fashion presentation featuring garments from the 1920s to the 2000s, kindly provided by members of the Association.

2026

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou Today

Despite the challenges, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou continues its activities in the fields of intellectual development, child welfare and, more broadly, charitable work. It organises lectures, presentations, musical evenings, the traditional Vasilopita cutting, educational and recreational excursions, and other fundraising events, with proceeds allocated to charitable causes, including support for low-income families, the Faneromeni Kindergarten and underprivileged Primary School pupils.

At the same time, it is an active member of the Nicosia District Volunteerism Coordinating Council and participates in its programmes aimed at supporting those in need, such as the “Adopt a Family” initiative during Christmas and Easter. It also supports organisations involved in social welfare.

The current Board of Directors (2026) of the Association consists of the following members: Agni Jacovides (President), Elena Nicolaidou (Vice President), Anastasia Orphanou (Vice President), Naso Melifronidou (Secretary), Lefki Michailidou (Treasurer), and Members: Marina Pantazi, Lella Spiridaki, Maro Melifronidou, Diana Zannetou, Maria Zamparta, Ioanna Krentou Mouskidou, Maria Kythreotou Kolokasidou.

Board of Directors

The current Board of Directors (2026) of the Association consists of the following members: Agni Jacovides (President), Elena Nicolaidou (Vice President), Anastasia Orphanou (Vice President), Naso Melifronidou (Secretary), Lefki Michailidou (Treasurer), and Members: Marina Pantazi, Lella Spyridaki, Maro Melifronidou, Diana Zannetou, Maria Zamparta, Ioanna Krentou Mouskidou, Maria Kythreotou Colocassidou.

Licences / Certifications

The Association is legally recognised as a non-profit institution in accordance to the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus.

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