21
try. In addition, the collection of Greek 19
th
and
20
th
century paintings acquired by Anastasios G.
Leventis has been studied and expanded.
Elsewhere in Europe, and further afield, the
Foundation’s main interests have again focused
on the culture and history of Cyprus and Greece,
with particular emphasis on the communities of
the Greek diaspora and especially on the Cyp-
riot and Greek communities in Britain. The cul-
tural, linguistic and religious concerns of these
communities have received most attention. An
international programme of support for Greek
studies, covering all historical periods, has been
developed over the years in parallel with the
Foundation’s efforts to study and enhance the
presentation of Cypriot antiquities in foreign
museums.
Anastasios G. Leventis, however, encountered
early technical problems in establishing an in-
dependent foundation in West Africa, where he
had spent his early and middle working years.
It had always been his intention to formalise the
company’s philanthropic and cultural activities
there, so it was a fitting achievement that the
Leventis Foundation (Nigeria) was eventually
set up in 1988 to continue these activities. To
date, its main activity has been the establish-
ment of agricultural schools in Nigeria spe-
cialising in innovative ways of training small
farmers to improve productivity, efficiency and
environmental awareness. The schools’ pro-
gramme was later extended to Ghana. Other
aspects of education, as well as environmental,
medical and cultural causes have also received
support.
A hand in education
The scholarships programme initiated byAnasta-
sios G. Leventis himself was gradually systema-
tised and expanded, with its focus almost exclu-
sively on university education. The reason for
this is that until 1992 there was no university in
Cyprus, and due to the dire consequences of the
1974 invasion, the Cypriot people found them-
selves turning to higher education as a means of
confronting the dangers and uncertainties of the
future. The scholarships programme has consist-
ently been the largest item in the Foundation’s
expenditure, and the new University of Cyprus
has also been supported in various ways.
As well as its cultural, educational and artistic
interests, the Foundation has focused on a num-
ber of other areas - perhaps with less intensity
- but consistently over a number of years. Chief
among these has been the environment, with pro-
grammes in Cyprus, West Africa and elsewhere,
tailored to address the most pressing problems
in each of these areas. Medical research and
disease control and alleviation have also been
important subsidiary activities, with support for
cardiovascular research in London, the Institute
of Neurology and Genetics in Nicosia, the Carter
Centre’s campaign to eliminate guinea-worm in
Nigeria and research into sickle-cell anaemia.
Grants have also been made available to sup-
port hospitals and old people’s homes in Cyprus,
as well as for medical care for individuals on a
case-by-case basis. A small part of the Founda-
tion’s budget has been put towards cultural and
educational causes that are unconnected with
Cyprus and Greece.
Veteran politiican and EDEK Honorary President Vassos
Lyssarides (right) was among the guests
The gallery also includes an educational area for children
with digital appliacations
