Children whose drawings stood out at the Cyprus competition themed “Telis advises: Stay away from the fire! Stay safe!” received their awards this month at the CYTA Hall, at the Olympic House of the Cyprus Olympic Committee in Nicosia.

During the event that was held under the auspices of the Minister of Education & Culture Mr. Akis Kleanthous, the award-wining creations were put on display.

The drawing competition was announced last March by CYTA, in the last edition of the activity book “Playing, having fun and learning with TELIS”, that the Organisation published and distributed for the sixth consecutive year, to all students at the pre-primary and primary education across Cyprus. The book that was approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture included educational and entertaining material relating to Fire Safety, with the latter provided by the Fire Service.

For the competition, children were asked to create their own drawings on the theme of Fire Safety including

Telis – CYTA’s mascot – in their creations. A special independent committee reviewed 400 entries, out of which 46 were short-listed. 16 drawings received an award, while the other 30 a commendation.

While addressing the event on behalf of the Minster of Education & Culture, Inspector of Primary Education Irene Karatzia, congratulated CYTA for its initiative to inform and encourage children to develop their imagination and creativity on such an important matter, as is fire safety.

CYTA’s President, Mr. Stavros Kremmos thanked all the children who took part in the competition and congratulated those who received an award or a commendation, stressing out that the success of the

activity book “Playing, having fun and learning with Telis” is due to the children, as well as to their parents and teachers, who have encouraged and supported the Organisation’s initiative.

The children, who received awards and commendations, their parents and teachers, the Director and senior officers of the Fire Service, Media representatives as well as senior CYTA officials, were all present at the award ceremony.

Like past years, all the winning drawings are included in the children’s calendar that CYTA designs, publishes and distributes for free to all departments of primary and pre-primary education all over Cyprus.

The theme for the following drawing competition, “Telis loves Theatre” was also announced at the ceremony. The topic selection resulted from CYTA’ s active involvement in our country’s cultural events and the support the Organisation is providing to local professional theatrical groups.