“The long-term cooperation with EuroLife for the implementation of the Argonaftis Work Experience Program is a successful example of social responsibility.”
Mrs. Xenia Loizidou, President of AKTI
Please tell us a few words about the Argonaftis program and how one can join
The Argonaftis Work Experience Program for young and unemployed scientists was designed by the AKTI Project and Research Center and has been offered since 2010. It is a pioneering and innovative program that incorporates the modern perception of work experience by promoting the involvement of young Cypriot scientists in applied environmental research and in real problems and challenges that require management and solutions. Argonaftis aims to support young scientists by giving them the opportunity to acquire work experience on issues relating to the general environment and to quality of life, so that they can smoothly integrate into the labor market. The program aims to reduce both unemployment among young scientists and employment mismatching! The program is being implemented by Akti, with kind support by EuroLife as part of the company’s social responsibility program.
Who can join the Argonaftis program?
The program is for university graduates interested in sustainability, environment, and quality of life. Graduates may come from any specialty, because we believe that sustainability concerns us all! Young graduates should have obtained their degree not more than two years ago. The criteria are posted on AKTI’s website at www.akti.org.cy.
The program lasts five months. The application process is open to interested individuals twice a year –every February and September. Four young individuals are selected every five months. Program participants have the opportunity to acquire practical knowledge and experience on key environmental problems affecting Cyprus and also engage in applied environmental research and education programs.
What makes the program stand out and how does it excel on training issues?
Our Argonaftis trainers are experienced scientists working with the AKTI Project and Research Center. These are trainers who can provide the children with unique skills. Much of their education is through their involvement in real working conditions, all over Cyprus and abroad. Some of the characteristics that make Argonaftis special include trips abroad offered by AKTI through our international network, and opportunities to participate in training outside AKTI.
How does the program raise awareness among the public? Do you see changes in people’s environmental behavior after Argonaftis volunteers provide them with information?
The first call for participation in the Argonaftis Work Experience Program for young unemployed graduates took place in cooperation with EuroLife in autumn 2010. Since then, a lot has been done! During these seven years, a total of 655 young graduates applied to join Argonaftis. Of these, 63 were selected to join following a series of interviews with an independent scientific committee. More than half of them were employed after the end of the program, about 25% continued with postgraduate studies, while others moved on to create their own businesses, thus implementing the principles of youth entrepreneurship –a central point of reference for all modern work experience programs.
And we see it every day: young graduates who go through Argonaftis consolidate the principles of sustainability on such a high level, that when we meet years later, they tell us how much they have changed their way of doing business! The Argonaftis program is supported by more than 50 public and private sector entities in Cyprus and abroad. The media and social networking sites promote the program’s activities. The circle of supporters is growing every year!
What do Argonaftis volunteers like the most?
The enthusiastic participation of our unemployed graduates, with the dozens of applications submitted every time the application process opens, is indicative of the country’s great need for such opportunities that help our youth integrate into the labor market. There is a lot of human potential that remains inactive. Through Argonaftis, children are once again enthusiastic about their work environment, feel that work can also be a contribution to society, and do it with pleasure! They find out about new working spaces at which they can set up their businesses. Their creativity, curiosity and willingness to learn are supported! All this is great for children!
How do program trainers see the program evolving?
Argonaftis is already recognized by the labor market as a high-performance work experience accreditation. The AKTI Project and Research Center continues to support our young people through substantial and innovative involvement. The long-term cooperation with EuroLife for the implementation of the Argonaftis Work Experience Program is a successful example of social responsibility. We would like to have the ability and resources to accept more children at a time, and to offer them more trips. The program has an innovative structure and we all support it with enthusiasm and love. It has become a tradition and will continue! A tradition that does good for the most important people of our country –our children!