Our History

“What will become of me, Mummy, when you die?”

Our History

“What will become of me, Mummy, when you die?”

A question that struck fear into the heart of Mrs Ismini Liasidou Saul from Paphos in Cyprus. For 33 years this poor mother was to hear that plea daily from her only child, the beautiful, but physically handicapped, Margarita. Yet things did not happen the way the little girl feared, for it was she who died. The heartbroken mother, in her desperation and grief and in an effort to keep her child’s memory alive, decided to establish a Foundation for the handicapped children of Paphos and name it after her beloved daughter, Margarita Liasidou.

The foundation was to be a permanent memorial for her daughter and a place of refuge for all the disabled children of Paphos. It was a difficult task and an uphill climb all the way, but the love this mother had for her only child gave her the perseverance, determination and will to succeed in her goal. She received help and support from God, but also from Margarita’s step-father, Mervyn Saul, who came from Cardiff in Wales.

The Margarita Liasidou Foundation is now the pride and joy of the people of Paphos, for its facilities are of the highest standard. The Foundation was established and published in the Government’s Gazette on the 15th July 1986 as a Philanthropic Organisation according to the Law of 1972. The foundation stone was laid on the 24th October 1990 by the Minister of Labour at Koloni village on the outskirts of Paphos. It was built on a piece of land donated especially for this project by the Bishop of Paphos, His Grace Chrysostomos.

From her own personal savings Ismini Liasidou Saul offered the sum of fifty thousand Cyprus pounds for the commencement of the project. With help from many sources, including the government, the Church of Cyprus and various local Organisations and Clubs, her dream became a wonderful reality. The Foundation opened on the 15th September 1992 and the opening ceremony was performed on the 7th November 1992 by the then First Lady of the Republic, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou. Today the Foundation offers help to approximately fifty people. Its Day Care service operates from 7.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, and caters to the needs of handicapped children of all ages.

1986: Mrs. Ismini Liasidou Saul establishes the Foundation

The Foundation was established and published in the Government’s Gazette on the 15^th July 1986 as a Philanthropic Organisation according to the Law of 1972.

24th October 1990

In 1988, the construction of the Foundation’s premises began, and it was supported in construction and equipping by many supporters and donors of the Foundation.

At that time, the Bishop of Pafos, Chrysostomos II, donated a part of the church’s land of Agios Panaretos. Till this day the Bishopric of Pafos is one of the main donor organisations for us.

Leptos Estates undertook the architectural plans, and the dream began to materialize.

On October 24, 1990, the foundation stone was laid by the then-Minister of Labor. Present were the authorities of Pafos, Bishop of Pafos Chrysostomos II, and a large assembly of people. It was a joyous moment for Mrs. Ismini and all those involved.

15th September 1992

The inauguration of the Foundation was performed by the wife of the then President of the Republic of Cyprus on November 7, 1992.

Since the start of the Margarita Liasidou Foundation’s operations in 1992, it functioned around the clock for the first 3 years. It later began operating as a Day Care Center. A significant achievement of the Founder was obtaining permission from the Ministry of Education to allow not only children over 18 but also those under 18, on a temporary basis until 2008 when a public building was constructed.

December 1, 2015

Ms. Niovi Michail Fakonti took on the role of Director of the Margarita Liasidou Foundation, marking a new, fresh era. In addition to maintaining the main mission of the Foundation, a considerable effort has been put to modernise the building and the ideas, to create a strong core team of specialists, to attract volunteers, and to support the Families of the pupils.

March 3, 2020

The implementation of the new Supported Living Accommodation program began, accommodating 5 adults with intellectual disabilities. The project is implemented within the framework of the Th. Al. E.I.A. Program, co-financed by the EU, the Department of Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities, and the Deputy Ministry of Welfare.

To this day the Foundation actively follows EU’s grant programs and the aim is to be able to expand this important support lifeline for unfortunate adults with intellectual disabilities that have been left without guardians.

2024

The Foundation started working on modernising its image and being more visible on Social Media. Revamp of the Foundation’s webpage and the historical logo was done with the help of the Foundation’s friends and volunteers.

Today

Today, the Margarita Liasidou Foundation is a permanent home for 5 dependents and a day care centre for 55 people that need the required support and services.

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