Bank of Cyprus has just announced the 'Mathainoume Allios' (Update your skills) programme promoting economic and digital literacy.

It's geared at senior citizens, but also any member of the public wishing to learn in simple terms and with images how to carry out their banking transactions easily by making use of the available technology and digital tools.

The first part of the programme - provided free of charge - features a series of presentations to municipalities and communities. Participants will learn about basic economic concepts and also how to easily and confidently use the Bank's digital services on a computer, mobile or ATM. 

In his welcoming address during the press conference unveiling the programme, Bank of Cyprus Deputy CEO Dr Charis Pouangare stated: "Tracking the evolution of the Bank's digital transformation and the public's acceptance of our products and services, we think it would be a shame that some people should not benefit because they lack certain digital skills.

"Solutions such as depositing a cheque using one's mobile phone, QuickPay, QuickLoans, electronic signatures, even simpler things such as funds transfers or paying utility bills online - all these simplify and facilitate our day-to-day business, and we want everyone to be able to make use of them."

For her part, Elli Ioannidou, Manager Sustainability & CSR, thanked the municipalities and communities for the collaboration, noting that "the programme could not have been implemented without the participation of society, which is why we partnered up with municipalities and communities for the best possible result."

Ioannidou went on to thank the mayors and community leaders for the excellent cooperation, and for raising awareness about the programme among their respective constituents. She noted that "initiatives such as this play a positive role in people's day-to-day lives and also in the broader effort underway in Cyprus to disseminate such skills."

In his own remarks, Nicolas Efstathiou, municipal secretary at Engomi municipality and a representative of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, lent his support to the initiative: "Our Union welcomes this important drive by Bank of Cyprus aiming to educate people, particularly the elderly who are not acquainted with the banks' digital platforms and have a difficult time using them for their banking transactions."

The first presentations will take place in Strovolos, Paralimni, Aradippou, Kokkinotrimithia/Mammari and Peristerona/Orounda/Kato Moni/Ayia Marina Xyliatou. In 2024 presentations will be held in more areas, across all districts.

The Update your skills programme will be enriched with additional actions and media communications, to be announced shortly.