Impact
A pilot that exceeded every target we set.
In 2024–25 we ran two exchanges — in Pyla and Dublin — with young people aged 15+ from across Ireland and both Cypriot communities. Here's what 35 participants told us.
95%
rated the 2024 programme good or excellent
35
young people on the 2025 Dublin exchange
3
communities — Dublin, Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot — united under one programme
Outcomes
What changes when a young person comes through Pyla.
For young people
A changed sense of self
- Increased self-confidence and self-awareness
- A positive sense of direction and motivation
- Resilience to avoid antisocial behaviour and lifestyles
Skills they can use
- Communication, public speaking, problem-solving
- Teamwork and intercultural competence
- Digital storytelling and film-making
New perspectives
- Appreciation of different cultures and communities
- A changed perception of self and others
- New friendships across borders and languages
Engaged citizens
- Increased engagement in education and social action
- Social action projects in home communities
- Ongoing involvement in the Gateway network
For home communities
Less delinquency
- Reduction in youth delinquency
- Public focus on shared opportunity instead of division & criminality
Broader horizons
- Greater social inclusion and active citizenship
- Intergenerational learning
- International outlook in local youth work
For Pyla itself
Stronger local ties
- Improved inter-community relations and dialogue
- New positive activities for young people from both communities
A voice, a reputation
- A voice for young people in local affairs
- National and international reputation and support
How participants rated the 2025 exchange
Feedback from 35 young people across Ireland & Cyprus.
Source: participant evaluation forms, Gateway to Community exchange, Dublin, 22–29 June 2025. n=35.
In their own words
What young people said afterwards.
I improved my public speaking skills, communication skills and my knowledge on peace building.
I developed socialising skills, and also my confidence, as well as being more able to talk to strangers. I've also gained more respect for different cultures.
Functioning on low sleep. Sentences in Turkish, Irish and Russian. How to navigate in a different country. Understanding the different narratives a story can be tough and how biased a group of people can be.
Teamwork, new connections, how to find my way around a new country, how a project comes to life.
I learned how to take something from every individual and find a common "team" context. By that, I learned being understanding, and my problem-solving skills developed.
I learned to remain calm in stressful situations, and I learned that I am good at public speaking.
Dear friends, I want to share something with you that I didn't say while I was in Ireland. If the gates of Northern Ireland could open, and the Berlin Wall could fall, then surely there is hope for our beloved Nicosia. History has shown us that walls can come down, borders can dissolve, and people once divided can find common ground. Nicosia, the last divided capital in Europe, deserves a future of unity, peace, and shared prosperity. And with the Gateway Project — with the connections we are building, the conversations we are starting, and the trust we are restoring — I truly believe we can make it happen. Let us not lose faith — the dream of a free and united city is not only possible; it is within reach. — Marios Christodoulou · Pyla, Cyprus · Dublin exchange, June 2025