Ambassador Urbancic visited the village to participate in the launch of the Tastes from Cyprus cookbook

Brought together by their conviction that Cypriot culture and traditions are a unifying force, the women of the rural community of Akova/Gypsou have been working to raise awareness of environmental and social issues for almost a decade. With funding from USAID and the EU, the Akova Women's Association has become a regional center of educational, cultural and sportive activities. Over 3,500 people have participated in Greek, English and computer classes; trips to historic places throughout the island; tree plantings; conferences on gender issues (including domestic violence and human trafficking); support groups and an island-wide road safety campaign.

On December 4, 2009, US Ambassador Urbancic congratulated the group on their efforts and recognized their accomplishments. He visited the village to participate in the launch of the Tastes from Cyprus cookbook, which was funded by a small grant from the USAID-funded SAVE project. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including by supporting organizations that appreciate Cyprus' traditions as a way of ensuring a more peaceful future.