Soulla: Building bridges and shaping a more inclusive future

As she completes a master's degree in Political Science, Conflict Resolution and Diplomacy in Belgium, 24-year-old Soulla is already thinking about how she can contribute to the future of Cyprus. Whether through international organizations or public institutions, she hopes one day to help shape policies that promote inclusion, strengthen social cohesion and ensure that everyone has the opportunity not only to find safety, but also to belong.

Her commitment is deeply rooted in her own family's story.

Soulla was born and raised in Paphos, the eldest of four siblings. Her mother arrived in Cyprus from Guinea and her father from Sierra Leone around 25 years ago, seeking safety and the chance to build a new life. Cyprus is the only home Soulla has ever known.

"My parents worked very hard to make sure we grew up with the best of both worlds," she says. "They taught us about our cultures, our traditions and our roots, but they also encouraged us to be part of Cypriot society and contribute to it."

Soulla credits both her parents for creating that balance. While her father encouraged ambition, education and engagement with the local community, her mother played a central role in keeping the family connected to its cultural heritage, traditions and values.

"They wanted us to know where we came from, but they also wanted us to feel that we belonged here."

Some of her fondest childhood memories are of her father returning home after long days of work and still finding time to sit with his children and tell them stories about Sierra Leone.

"He was always tired after work, but he always found time for us," she recalls with a smile.

Her father has spent more than two decades working in the local community. Through his example, Soulla learned the importance of kindness, openness and building strong relationships with neighbours and friends.

"He always told us that in a small community, relationships matter. He taught us that even when people have faced difficulties, if they remain open-hearted and positive, they will always find reasons for joy and opportunities to move forward."

The family spent their whole lives in Paphos, and over the years her father earned the respect and trust of those around him.

"Everyone has something good to say about him. Growing up, that helped us see Cyprus as a place where we belonged and where we could build our future."

Soulla's time at school was overwhelmingly positive. She speaks warmly of teachers who were supportive and welcoming, and of friendships she built with classmates from different backgrounds.

"I was lucky to be surrounded by people who wanted to get to know me for who I was," she says. "Some of those friendships remain among the strongest relationships in my life today."

At the same time, she noticed how public attitudes towards refugees and migrants sometimes shifted, particularly during periods of increased arrivals to Cyprus.

"When one migrant or refugee makes a mistake, it can sometimes shape perceptions of an entire community," she reflects. "That is why responsible and human-centred communication is so important."

Education became a defining part of Soulla's journey. As a teenager, she dreamed of studying French literature in France and becoming a French teacher. However, financial and administrative barriers linked to her nationality status made studying abroad difficult.

Instead, encouraged by her father, she enrolled at the University of Cyprus to study French and European Studies.

"He always told me that if one path is not possible, you find another path that brings you closer to your goal and you give it your best."

Preparing for the Pancyprian examinations was a daunting challenge. But Soulla was not alone.

"I had two classmates, both named Maria," she laughs. "The two Marias helped me enormously. They supported me emotionally when I doubted myself, studied with me and helped me prepare for the exams."

Their support did not end there. When Soulla started at the University of Cyprus, they continued helping her navigate her first courses and settle into university life.

"They were always there for me. I don't think they realise how much that support meant."

Looking back, Soulla sees their friendship as one of many examples of the kindness and solidarity she encountered growing up in Cyprus.

"People often talk about integration as a policy, but for me it was also friendships, teachers who believed in me and people who made me feel that I belonged."

At university, new possibilities opened up before her. Courses in political science, international relations and law sparked interests she had never previously considered. Supported by professors and fellow students, she flourished academically and was eventually elected student representative for her department.

Throughout her life, her father remained one of her strongest supporters. He constantly encouraged her to pursue her ambitions and never doubted her abilities.

"My father always saw strengths in me that I sometimes struggled to see in myself," she says.

One conversation in particular stayed with her.

"He told me: 'You are young, you are Black, and in Cyprus many people will see you as a foreigner. If you have something to offer, if you can make a difference, why shouldn't you be the person helping to build a more inclusive society?'"

Those words helped shape the direction of her studies and her future aspirations.

During an Erasmus exchange in Strasbourg, exposure to European institutions, international organizations and policy-making processes sparked a growing interest in public policy.

"I became interested in how policies can help people not only find safety, but also feel that they belong," she explains. "Because finding safety is only the first step. For there to be real protection, people need opportunities to participate, contribute and thrive."

Looking back, Soulla sees her journey as the result of many people who invested in her along the way: parents who gave everything for their children, teachers who encouraged her, friends who stood beside her, and communities that opened their doors.

Soulla gives voice to a simple but powerful truth: protecting refugees strengthens communities and stability.

Her story reminds us that, as long as people around the world are still searching for safety and a chance to rebuild their lives, our work is not done.

#UntilEveryoneIsSafe