Wow, where do I begin.
I think I’ll start by giving a brief overview of what NEPOMAK is about and how I found out about NDCP.
NEPOMAK is a World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots. They connect young Cypriots through a variety of programmes that they run. They have eight member branches worldwide, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Greece, Zimbabwe and Continental Europe. For more information please visit www.nepomak.org
I found out about NDCP through a couple of friends. Both are heavily involved in NEPOMAK. They told me this was an experience of a lifetime and it was very rare that I’d ever find anything quite like this program. They also told me all about their experience and after a year of ‘oh that sounds cool’, I finally decided to apply. Applying was a million per cent the best decision. NDCP turned out to be one of the most life changing experiences.
NDCP stands for NEPOMAK’s Discover Cyprus Program. We had three weeks of learning the language, cultural and history lessons, dance lessons and wonderful trips and excursions and some nights out. I loved the variety that the program offered. I have visited Cyprus many a time but never have I seen it as I did in the past three weeks. Bonding with people from across the world. All different but all similar because of our Cypriot roots.
I learnt so much about myself and others on this trip. I really connected with my Cypriot roots and I felt so proud that my grandparents are from such an amazing country. Our history lessons taught us so much about our past, a lot of stuff that I hadn’t really known before I embarked on this trip. I learnt about global Cypriot communities and the similarities we hold. I was educated on different cultures and how we don’t realise just how different our lives can be.
The bonds I built over the past three weeks will last a lifetime, I’m sure of it. It takes time to get to know people but the strength of our bond at the end of the three weeks was magical. I met people I would never have met otherwise and if it wasn’t for this trip, I wouldn’t be able to say that I have best friends across the globe now. People that made me laugh till I cried, and looked after me if I ever needed it. I can’t tell you how much I miss them already, they go from strangers, to friends, to family.
I would recommend this trip to anyone that would want to connect with their Cypriot roots and Cypriots across the globe. As well as visit some incredible places on our beautiful island. For more about NDCP, visit www.nepomak.org/about-ndcp
By Charlotte Maria Robinson
