Press Release
A new chapter in social inclusion is taking shape in Cyprus with the launch of the Exinity Training Hub, an ambitious initiative developed by NGO Voice for Autism and brought to life through the support of Exinity and the Andrey & Julia Dashin’s Foundation.
Built on a shared belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, develop and thrive, the Exinity Training Hub represents far more than the creation of a training facility. It is an investment in people and their potential, designed to break down barriers, foster independence and create meaningful opportunities for autistic individuals and people with disabilities.
The initiative is the vision of Voice for Autism, an NGO dedicated to advancing the rights, inclusion and support of autistic individuals in Cyprus. Hosted at True Heart Café, the hub builds on the organisation’s pioneering work in social entrepreneurship and inclusive employment, taking its mission beyond the café and into the wider community, through the development of a dedicated centre for inclusive training, professional development and employment preparation.
Bringing together individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, educators, professionals and employers, the Hub will provide access to specialised knowledge, practical skills and development opportunities with the potential to make a tangible difference in everyday life.
To this end, the Hub will offer a range of programmes spanning professional training and certification, vocational preparation, parent and caregiver education, train-the-trainer initiatives and inclusive employment development.
Among its first initiatives is support for a pioneering programme focused on improving emergency care for autistic individuals in Cyprus. Made possible through funding from the Exinity Training Hub, the programme will help professionals in emergency care to develop a better understanding of autism and strengthen their ability to respond to the needs of autistic patients in emergency situations.
Commenting on the initiative, Olga Rybalkina, Managing Partner and CEO of Exinity, said: “Real progress begins when we rethink what is possible and when we change the way we see people with disabilities. The Exinity Training Hub is about removing practical barriers and giving people the tools to shape their own futures. We are proud to stand alongside Voice for Autism and encourage more organisations to join us in making inclusion a reality across Cyprus."
Ellen Georgiou Pontikis, President of Voice for Autism, commented: “Inclusion should not stop at awareness. It must translate into real opportunities and lasting change. Through True Heart Café, we have seen firsthand what becomes possible when people are given the right support. The Exinity Training Hub allows us to take that vision further, reaching beyond our own community to help build a society that is better equipped to understand, include and empower people with disabilities."
During its first year, the hub aims to provide training to more than 500 individuals, including professionals, parents, caregivers and people with disabilities, while engaging employers and organisations in programmes that promote inclusive practices.
It also aims to become a catalyst for wider collaboration, inviting businesses, organisations and professionals from across Cyprus to contribute their expertise and share their time knowledge to help build a more inclusive societ
