AN anonymous donation of €400,000 to the University of Cyprus (UCY) will be given to the student welfare association.

Half the donation will be distributed to students within 2013 and the other half within 2014, UCY said.

“This noble and generous gesture shows a high sense of social responsibility,” a statement said.

It added that the particular donor said it was the duty of each Cypriot “to enhance our children’s education so we can hope for a better future for our country.”

The current financial situation in Cyprus has led to a substantial increase in the number of students who are facing financial difficulties and have applied to the student welfare association for help.

“The number of students who have applied for financial help during the current academic year has exceeded 800,” the announcement said.

It went on to thank the donor for his or her generosity as it would help many students continue their studies.

“Without this donation, the students would have had to, at least temporarily, stop studying because of their financial problems,” the announcement said.

The university’s rector Constantinos Christofides said: “The university is really blessed and proud to have people like the donor as a loyal friend, who selflessly offers support. The University of Cyprus’ motto is that no student should have to stop studying because of the economic crisis.”