The PVCC said its programmes were designed to “keep unemployed people active and allow them to gain experience in the organised structure of the volunteer sector.” The programmes are organised by PVCC-affiliated volunteer organisationsor non-governmental organisations (NGOs), covering a wide range of activities that can help volunteers improve their employment prospects by acquiring new skills.

The Council, founded in 1973 and currently incorporating in excess of 350 volunteer organisations and NGOs, encouraged interested parties to contact regional volunteer centres for more information, or visit its website www.volunteerism-cc.org.cy

A wide range of social services, including care for children and the elderly, as well as support to disabled people, comprise the bulk of the available volunteer activities. Volunteers are also eligible for training seminars organised by the PVCC on a variety of topics like European affairs, public relations, and financial management. Volunteer organisations and NGOs that belong to PVCC include the Cyprus Red Cross, the scouts and MedicAlert Cyprus.

Unemployment in Cyprus has been trending upwards for the last two years, exceeding 17% with 72.660 individuals out of a job at the end of 2013, up from roughly 14% at the end of 2012 and 10% at the end of 2011. Long-term unemployment has also been spiking up to 6.4% at the end of 2013, up from 2.2% in January 2012.

Source: Cyprus Mail