President’s Greeting
Dear friends,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the updated formal website of The Independent Social Support Body (ISSB). An institution which mainly aims to help the young people of Cyprus in pursuing their dreams by means of acquiring higher level education.
The ISSB was founded in 2015. It is subjected to legislation and is financially managed by the General Accountant of the State. It is solely supported by individuals’ and legal entities’ donations and does not in any way burden the state budget. In addition, any donations made to the ISSB, are not subject to taxation. Until today, the ISSB has contributed decisively, through sponsoring fees or accommodation, so that hundreds of students coming from families burdened by financial or social issues, can complete their studies instead of dropping out.
As the spouse/wife of the president, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, I have the honor and the responsibility, to chair this dynamic social tool, since March 2023. I took over with great pleasure, great motivation for work, in absolute harmony with the president’s governance program, and I will do my utmost best so that the ISSB will help thousands of young people of Cyprus, pursue their dreams providing equal opportunities, so that they become good, creative and productive citizens.
Together we can, through education and training of our youth, support the Cypriot family, and contribute to a more hopeful future.
“Being young, means attempting to demolish the world, and have the audacity to want to rebuild a new, better one” Nikos Kazantzakis. I will stand, not BY the young people of Cyprus, but TOGETHER with them, supporting their development and education, ensuring that they have equal opportunities as I share exactly the same dream with them, because this is what Cyprus needs.
Thank you
Philippa Karsera Christodoulides
First Lady
President of the Independent Social Support Body
Founding Purpose
The purpose of the foundation and operation of the ISSB, is the provision, to the extent possible, of financial aid to individuals, who the committee deems that, according to the provisions of the legislation governing the ISSB, are in financial or social hardship.
Financial support will be given to individuals who due to emergency, social or other extraordinary circumstances, have been affected and present serious difficulty in completing their academic obligations.
Criteria
The ISSB establishes and applies criteria for people who can receive financial support, based on the principles of objectivity, equality and fair treatment, and transparency.