Running-Fluent Initiative

The Running-Fluent Initiative (RFI) is a Cyprus-based intercultural community and registered social impact enterprise operating at the intersection of: • Community development • Intercultural dialogue • Youth engagement • Sustainability awareness Originally founded in 2021 in Limassol by Daniel Barasa as a grassroots initiative, RFI began by connecting migrants and local residents through inclusive sports, environmental activities, and community dialogue. Following strong community participation and recognition, the initiative was formally registered in June 2025 as RFI Running-Fluent Initiative Ltd. (HE477134), operating as a private limited company with a social impact mission. Today, RFI functions as a hybrid social innovation ecosystem, combining structured project delivery with community-led participation aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This model allows the organization to maintain professional governance and sustainability while empowering grassroots participation and intercultural collaboration. WHAT DO WE DO? Running-Fluent Initiative designs and implements innovative social programs combining sports, education, and community engagement. CORE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: + Intercultural community gatherings and dialogue-based workshops + Youth leadership and civic engagement initiatives + Sport-based social inclusion and wellness programs + Sustainability awareness, climate action, and environmental volunteering + Community development and social innovation initiatives Programs are co-created with participants, ensuring they respond to real community needs while contributing to inclusive and sustainable development. OUR INOVATION MODEL RFI operates through a participatory co-creation model, combining: + Bottom-up community engagement Communities actively participate in designing and shaping programs. + Top-down strategic coordination Institutional governance ensures compliance, scalability, and sustainability. This hybrid governance model enables: - Strong institutional partnerships - Grassroots responsiveness - Community ownership of initiatives The organization integrates several approaches, including: • Sport for development • Intercultural dialogue • Youth empowerment • Sustainability action Sport acts as a platform for social innovation, building trust, inclusion, and collaboration among diverse communities. This innovation model has already been validated through real-world implementation and currently operates at approximately Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7. WHERE WE OPERATE RFI is headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus, where the majority of its programs and community initiatives take place. The organization also develops impact through international collaborations and partnerships, including initiatives with organizations in: • Italy • Lithuania • Czech Republic • Greece • other European networks (ENAR, Climate Pact, Anna Lindh Foundation, etc.) RFI also maintains community-driven initiatives and partnerships in Uganda. RFI's LEADERSHIP The Running-Fluent Initiative was founded and is directed by Daniel Barasa (Barasa Daniel / Ντάνιελ Μπαράσα), a social entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and community leader based in Cyprus. Daniel serves as the director of the Running-Fluent Initiative, leading its mission to promote intercultural dialogue, sustainability awareness, and active citizenship. He is recognized for his work as: + EU Climate Pact Ambassador + UN Youth Champion for Peace and Environment + ESG and sustainability advocate +Entrepreneur and social innovator + Award-winning leader in youth engagement and intercultural cooperation Under his leadership, RFI brings together a founding team with expertise in: • Project management and ESG leadership • Community development and migrant integration • International youth initiatives • Environmental sustainability and climate engagement WHAT PROBLEMS DO WE ADDRESS? RFI responds to key societal challenges, including: • social exclusion of migrants • low youth civic participation • fragmented community engagement • lack of inclusive dialogue platforms The organization provides a scalable and replicable model that strengthens the following: • social cohesion • intercultural understanding • active citizenship • sustainable community development IMPACT Through its activities, RFI contributes to both social and economic development by: • strengthening intercultural cohesion • empowering youth participation • supporting migrant integration • promoting sustainability and climate awareness • creating opportunities within the social innovation ecosystem The initiative also contributes to positioning Cyprus as a hub for innovative community integration and intercultural cooperation. RFI's FUNDING MODEL RFI follows a hybrid financial model, combining: • EU and national funding programs (e.g., Erasmus+, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme) • collaborations with municipalities and organisations • community-supported activities • service-based programs and training This diversified model ensures financial sustainability and long-term social impact. Activities we are interested in (finding partners) ✔ Training and Networking ✔ Transnational Youth Initiatives ✔ Strategic Partnerships ✔ Capacity Building WHAT WE OFFER AS A PARTNER Running-Fluent Initiative offers expertise in: • intercultural dialogue and migrant integration • youth empowerment and leadership development • sport-based social inclusion programs • sustainability education and climate awareness • community engagement and participatory program design • non-formal education and intercultural learning RFI also provides access to a multicultural community network representing more than 50 nationalities, enabling projects to reach diverse participants and stakeholders. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN PARTNERS? We seek collaboration with organizations working in areas such as: - youth exchanges and mobility programs - intercultural learning initiatives - social innovation and community development - climate action and sustainability education - migrant inclusion and active citizenship WE WELCOME PARTNERSHIPS WITH: • youth organisations • NGOs and civil society groups • municipalities and local authorities • universities and educational institutions • environmental and sustainability networks & Enterprises Lastly, the Running-Fluent Initiative continues to collaborate with municipalities, universities, NGOs, youth networks, and environmental organizations to implement programs that promote intercultural cooperation, sustainability, and civic participation. So organizations interested in Erasmus+ projects, youth exchanges, training courses, workshops, and international partnerships are encouraged to connect with us. THANKS