Atsas Training Center
Our Training Center stands in the idyllic countryside location of Katydata, an area dotted with trees and indigenous wildlife. The Center is sheltered in the premises of the revived Elementary School of Skouriotissa, a historical setting which serves ideally the Center’s purpose to foster knowledge and provide opportunity for old and new generations to flourish.
Skouriotissa is in fact a miming settlement also called “settlement sixty” because it comprises of 60 houses. The Cyprus Mine Corporation (CMC) built the 60 houses close to the mine, adopting an almost parental role for the miners. CMC withdrew from the project shortly after the Turkish invasion in 1974, influenced by the added factors.
Inevitably the settlement was abandoned as it was classed as a region bordering the occupied area as a “dead zone”. Foreseeably, the abandoned school which was solely used by the offspring of the Greek Cypriot miners, followed the fate of the small houses and eventually collapsed.
The George and Kaity David Foundation and V. Atsas Organic Products, as the educational centre’s two sponsors, shouldered the full expense and responsibility for the restoration, renovating the elementary school building while maintaining its original structure and appearance.
Our Training Center, a non-profit organization which has been certified by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) as Vocational Training Center and Vocational Training Facility, organizes a variety of events which aim to meet the current and future training needs of the local community. Our Center also hosts multi-company and single-company training seminars, which are recognized by and are organized in collaboration with HRDA.
To encourage the development of agricultural production, the production of food, dairy and other traditional food products, as well as the preservation of the mountainous and lowland Morphou customs through inspiring and training, and by increasing local engagement.
To become a main source of first-hand learning on issues related to cultivation, like the sustainable management of land, biodiversity, and the production of healthy, traditional and safe food from the field to the table.
To offer learning and knowledge on issues that are of interest to the residents, and particularly to young people, and inspire activities based on regional tradition.
Our Training Center, a non-profit organization, has been certified by the Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA), as Vocational Training Center and Vocational Training Facility, organizes a variety of events which aim to meet the current and future training needs of the local community. Our Center also hosts multi-company and single-company training seminars, which are recognized by and are organized in collaboration with HRDA.
Vision
To encourage the development of agricultural production, the production of food, dairy and other traditional food products, as well as the preservation of the mountainous and lowland Morphou customs through inspiring and training, and by increasing local engagement.
To become a main source of first-hand learning on issues related to cultivation, like the sustainable management of land, biodiversity, and the production of healthy, traditional and safe food from the field to the table.
To offer learning and knowledge on issues that are of interest to the residents, and particularly to young people, and inspire activities based on regional tradition.
Objectives
To assist all members of the local community (both young and old) to stay informed, engaged and connected to their roots.
To work in partnership with the Human Resource Development Authority, Ministries, and other experts to offer a variety of training and seminars (throughout the year) on business management, safe and healthy food production, and with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), TSG (Traditional Specialty Guaranteed) registration schemes, land access opportunities, midscale production and adaptation strategies for climate change.
To produce a series of communication material and collaterals that promote the agriculture produce, traditional gastronomy and customs of the lowland and mountainous Morphou and its people.
To help children discover our traditional food and learn how it is grown (seasonality).
To inform parents about the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.
