Association for Historical Dialogue & Research (AHDR)

National Network
Chypre
Address

Home for Cooperation
28 Marcou Dracou Street
1102 Nicosia
Chypre

Telephone
+357 22445740
E-Mail
loizos.loukaidis@ahdr.info
Organisation Type
Non-Governmental Organization
Year of Establishment
2003
Fields of Activity
  1. Democracy and community development
  2. Gender
  3. Human rights
  4. Research
  5. Youth and education
General Information

The Association for Historical Dialogue and Research is an inter-communal, non-profit, and non-governmental organization established in 2003 in Nicosia, Cyprus. The AHDR envisions to contribute to the advancement of dialogue, critical thinking and intercultural understanding amongst teachers, students, and the general public by providing access to various learning opportunities for all. More specifically, the AHDR promotes the study and research of the History of Cyprus in a critical and comprehensive way; develops supplementary educational material for educators and students in relation to History and Peace/ Anti-racist Education to be shared and used in and beyond classrooms; increases public awareness on the importance of dialogue and multiperspectivity; promotes a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence through education at a local, national, and international level. In 2011 the AHDR opened the Home for Cooperation (H4C), a unique educational, cultural and community centre in the heart of Nicosia, in the UN Buffer Zone.

Mission and Objectives

Vision
The AHDR envisions a society where values under the umbrella of a culture of peace and dialogue on issues of history are welcomed as an integral part of democracy and are considered as ways to advance historical understanding, critical thinking, multiperspectivity and respect for diversity and human rights.

Mission
 The AHDR’s mission is to contribute to the advancement of historical understanding, critical thinking, multiperspectivity and to promote respect for diversity and human rights and to cultivate a culture of peace and non-violence through history education and peace education by providing educational opportunities for the communities in Cyprus.

Main Projects / Activities

What we do? 
    To collect, archive and share resources and materials on history education and peace education.
    To create opportunities for educators, youth, and children in the fields of history education and peace education.
    To ensure individuals’ access and provide them with equal learning opportunities irrespective of their ability, ethnic and cultural background.
    To contribute to existing literature and resources by designing supplementary educational material based on the needs of youth and educators in Cyprus.
    To nurture critical understanding and increase public awareness on the importance of dialogue and multiperspectivity on issues of history.
    To enhance understanding, respect, and cooperation among all communities in Cyprus and promote a culture of peace through education, at local, national, and international levels. 
    To promote the study and research the history of Cyprus critically to follow global trends and good practices in education and innovatively adapt them to the local context.

Values
The AHDR recognizes the values of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, the UNESCO aims on education, and the Council of Europe’s recommendations relevant to history teaching.

How can you contribute to the Network in your country?

The AHDR can contribute in the following ways: 
    Design, implementation of research and dissemination of research findings.
    Organization of teacher training seminars, discussions, conferences.
    Development of supplementary educational materials.
    Capacity building trainings for educators/teachers in the field of history and peace education.
    Organization of on-site visits and walks. 
    Development of tools for outreaching campaigns (video blogs, announcements, public events, etc).
    Establishment of synergies between individuals and organizations at a local, European, and international level.

Why do you want to join the ALF Network?

The purpose of the Anna Lindh Foundation is very much in line with the mission and aims of the AHDR, in regard to bringing together of people and providing platforms for intercultural dialogue and critical thinking. The Association keeps maximising its efforts and the Network seems like a perfect platform in which to do so. The AHDR strongly believes that being part of the Network will be invaluable in regard to the sharing of knowledge and experience, as well identifying potential partnerships for the undertaking of future project initiatives.

Contact (1) Full Name
Loizos Loukaidis
Head of the organisation
Loizos Loukaidis