{"id":791,"date":"2026-03-20T08:06:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/about-us\/"},"modified":"2026-05-22T08:42:11","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T08:42:11","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/en\/about-us\/","title":{"rendered":"About us"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” module_id=”aboutus” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-a674551e-c023-4666-82b8-b7448e713885″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_type=”circular” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(22,38,74,0.62) 0%|rgba(22,38,74,0.88) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/building.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-a674551e-c023-4666-82b8-b7448e713885%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”none” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”876983c0-fc89-427e-892a-bef886b75a94″ title_text_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0.7)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”none” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”About us” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”a89a3108-02c0-4f4b-93be-848a58ef4903″ title_font=”Roboto Slab|300|||||||” title_text_color=”#51B5C6″ title_font_size=”7vw” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ title_font_size_tablet=”8vw” title_font_size_phone=”19vw” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cropped-logo.png” title_text=”cropped-logo.png” align_last_edited=”off|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”225px” module_alignment=”right” hover_enabled=”0″ module_alignment_tablet=”left” module_alignment_phone=”left” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|6px|6px|6px|6px” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Skills & Expertise” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”none” custom_margin=”1px|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”||5px||false|false” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_font_size=”41px” header_2_font=”Roboto Slab|300|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#16264A” header_2_font_size=”47px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab|300|||||||” header_3_font_size=”45px” header_4_font_size=”23px” header_4_line_height=”1.4em” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

With roots in history and a vision for the future<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

With a focus on women and their intellectual development, as well as the well-being of the child, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou<\/em> (PAEK) marks a century of existence and contribution and continues to bring generations together.<\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#16334B” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_3_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#51B5C6″ header_3_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”14px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In 1925, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou was founded in Nicosia by the educator and intellectual Persephone Papadopoulou, as the first intellectual women\u2019s association in Cyprus. The purpose of the Association, as defined in its first constitution (1926), is:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026to 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\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Association subsequently formed a women\u2019s choir and, the following year, itorganised the first exhibition of handicrafts and industrial products in Cyprus.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Work Experience” module_id=”timeline” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1280px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”History” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”5cf97d4c-a058-46cb-984e-71f946dac1fb” title_font=”Roboto Slab|300|||||||” title_text_color=”#51B5C6″ custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1300px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

[tmdivi_timeline timeline_line_width=”3px” timeline_fill_setting=”off” icon_background_color=”#E09900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” label_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” label_font_color=”#0C71C3″ label_font_size=”18px” sub_label_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” sub_label_font_color=”#0C71C3″ year_label_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” year_label_font_color=”#FFFFFF” year_label_bg_color=”#51B5C6″ year_label_box_size=”60px” year_label_font_size=”17px” story_background_color=”#e5e5e5″ story_padding=”||||false|false” heading_font_color=”#0C71C3″ heading_text_size=”20px” heading_line_height=”22px” description_font_color=”#474747″ description_text_size=”12px” description_line_height=”16px” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” heading_settings_font=”Roboto Slab|500|||||||” description_settings_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” width=”100%” hover_enabled=”0″ border_color_all_story_settings=”#51B5C6″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1925″ story_title=”The Founding of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou (P.A.E.K.)” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1925_Timeline-Photo-1-\u0399\u03b4\u03c1\u03c5\u03c4\u03c1\u03b9\u03b5\u03c2.png” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

<\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. The Association\u2019sfoundational strength was solidified that same year with the election of its first Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1926″ story_title=”Official Inauguration of the Association \/ Establishment of Evening Schools \/ Founding of a Library and Study Centre” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The official inauguration of Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

From the outset, Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1927″ story_title=”Cultural Activity and Choir” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou<\/em> established a women\u2019s choir, which performed as the chorus at the performance of Iphigenia in Tauris tragedy<\/em>. The proceeds from the performance were used to provide financial support to underprivileged female students.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1928″ story_title=”First Handicrafts Exhibition in Cyprus” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Association organised the first handicrafts exhibition on the island, promoting local production and women\u2019s professions. The initiative significantly strengthened women\u2019s creative activity.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1930″ story_title=”Establishment of the Nicosia Children\u2019s Summer Camp” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou <\/em>established the Nicosia Children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This initiative was a pioneering social undertaking for its time, with the children accommodated in the Primary Schools of Kyrenia.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1934″ story_title=”First Educational Visit to Athens” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Association organised its first educational visit to Athens in order to establish contact with women\u2019s associations there, particularly the National Council of Greek Women.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1940″ story_title=”The Association Present in the Nation\u2019s Historic Moments” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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 \u201cSoldier\u2019s Vest\u201d.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1953″ story_title=”Severeios Children\u2019s Summer Camp” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1953_\u03a3\u03b5\u03b2\u03ad\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2-\u03a0\u03b1\u03b9\u03b4\u03b9\u03ba\u03ae-\u0395\u03be\u03bf\u03c7\u03ae.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Charitable couple Demosthenes and Anastasia Severis donated a building in Glykiotissa, Kyrenia, for the operation of the Children\u2019s Summer Camp. The camp was relocated to the new premises, where hundreds of children were hosted each year.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

From 1963, the building was used by the National Guard due to its strategic location.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1955″ story_title=”1955\u20131959 Participation in the Liberation Movement” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1967″ story_title=”1967-1977 Children\u2019s Summer Camp in Lemythou” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Timeline-Photo-3-\u039b\u03b5\u03bc\u03cd\u03b8\u03bf\u03c5.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Children\u2019s Summer Camp operated at the premises of the Mitsis School in Lemythou.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1974″ story_title=”Turkish Invasion” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1975″ story_title=”Women\u2019s March to Famagusta \/ The Cyprus Scroll” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1975_poreia.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou <\/em>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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”off” story_title=”The Cyprus scroll” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1975_pergamini.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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<\/em>. 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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1976″ story_title=”Hosting of Refugee Children by the \u201cMerimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1976_ektopismena_pedia.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Association facilitated the hosting of 61 refugee children from Vrysoulles by the \u201cMerimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis” in Vermio, at Panagia Soumela, for a period of three weeks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1979″ story_title=”1979 – 1986 The Children\u2019s Summer Camp in Prodromos” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1979_prodromos.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Children\u2019s Summer Camp was relocated to the facilities of the Ministry of Education\u2019s children\u2019s camps in Prodromos.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”1992″ story_title=”Establishment of the Faneromeni Student Centre” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1992.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou <\/em>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.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2014″ story_title=”Inauguration of the Association\u2019s Own Premises” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2014.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2015″ story_title=”90th Anniversary” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2015.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou <\/em>celebrated 90 years of life and contribution with an event held at the Events Hall of the Presidential Palace.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2015″ story_title=”\u00abBrides at the Leventis Museum: Tradition and Fashion in Greece and Cyprus\u00bb” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Timeline-Photo-11-\u039b\u03b5\u03b2\u03ad\u03bd\u03c4\u03b9\u03bf.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In collaboration with the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia, the Association organised the exhibition \u201cBrides at the Leventis Museum: Tradition and Fashion in Greece and Cyprus\u201d<\/em>, featuring an impressive collection of bridal dresses from the late 19th century to 1974.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2024″ story_title=”50 Years since the Turkish Invasion” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/50_Timeline-photo-12-50-xronia.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou <\/em>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 \u201cMerimna Pontion Kyrion Thessalonikis”.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[\/tmdivi_timeline_story][tmdivi_timeline_story show_label=”on” label_text=”2025″ story_title=”Pnevmatiki Adelfotis Ellinidon Kiprou 100years Anniversary activities<\/em>” media=”https:\/\/pnevmatikiadelfotiskiprou.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2025.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n