A Play and Activity Corner has been set up at Nicosia Emergency Hospital in collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Community Involvement Center (CIC) and Bellapais Begonvil Inner Wheel Club. Within the scope of the project, colorful desks and chairs were placed to create a more pleasant and supportive atmosphere for children during their treatment. The toy and activity cabinet was also stocked with educational toys suitable for different age groups. This initiative aimed to briefly shift children’s focus away from the treatment process while supporting their cognitive and emotional development.
The opening ceremony was attended by Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir – Chair of CIC – research assistant from EMU CIC Ceren Damla Yılmaz, Bellapais Begonvil Inner Wheel Club’s Chairperson Şifa Otçuoğlu, Founding chair Eser Özyalçın and Secretary Derya Manayoğlu. Pediatricians, nurses, and clinical heads serving in the inpatient pediatric unit were also present during the event.
“Every Child Has the Right to Feel Happy and Enjoy Their Time”
Making an address at the opening ceremony, Chair of EMU-CIC Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazenin Ruso Kandemir emphasized that every child has the right to feel happy and enjoy their time. Assist. Prof. Kandemir further conveyed their belief that the games and toys will help children receiving treatment feel more psychologically comfortable. Assist. Prof. Dr. Kandemir expressed her thanks to Bellapais Begonvil Inner Wheel Club who provided the cabinet, chairs and desks, and to EMU academic personnel members for their toy and book donations.
Speaking at the event, Bellapais Begonvil Inner Wheel Club Chairperson Şifa Otçuoğlu emphasized that the initiative aimed to create a brighter, more hopeful, and joyful hospital atmosphere for children. She expressed her wish that the newly established play area would help children smile during treatment intervals and briefly escape the stress of the hospital environment, and she thanked the hospital management along with the devoted healthcare professionals. After the opening, children continuing their treatment in the inpatient pediatric ward spent time in the new play and activity corner, selecting toys and books of their choice.
