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Month: January 2024

Building School-Wide Inclusive, Positive and Equitable Learning Environments Through A Systems-Change Approach

Name/Title: School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support

Executive Summary – Overview

SWPBS examined the application and effects of the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach in developing a supporting and positive school environment for teachers and students, through a policy experimentation conducted in schools in Finland, Cyprus, Greece and Romania. Following a systems-change approach, the project produced supportive material and offered guidance to educators and institutions to establish an inclusive non-discriminatory culture that offers socio-emotional and behavioral support to all children.   

Background – General

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the development of an individual’s positive behaviours in a bid to pre-emptively address problematic behaviours and enhance the quality of life. PBS applications in the educational systems/schools prescribes three layers (Tiers) of support systems: Tier I aims to prevent the occurrence of problematic behaviours; Tier II involves targeted interventions to support groups of students and Tier III entails the provision of intensive and individualised support. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

The introduction and implementation of SWPBS first requires deep understanding of the school’s needs and adherence to SWPBS support, acknowledging the gaps, defining problematic conducts and designing a learning path and conscious interventions to shape positive behaviours. To that end, the project first carried out an in-depth Needs Analysis on the participating schools across partner countries to define the baseline, while devising intervention materials and implementations for all tiers.Utilising the findings of its research along with good practices in the field, the project team developed a comprehensive set of  training manuals and material including e-learning space, e-learning modules, and online resources, as well as designed new training materials for educators to ensure strategic implementation in schools. 

The learning material of the project and most importantly the approaches and principles of the PBS methodology were put into practice, with the support and guidance of the researchers and trainers of the implementing partners, in schools across the implementing countries. Through that process, that entailed the training of educators and the provision of comprehensive coaching, the project was able to examine the capacity of schools to introduce the SWPBS model along with the impact it can have on the school environments. Through that process, and by using structured evaluation processes,  the project was able to track their progress and compile concrete recommendations and interventions for the effective implementation and transferability of SWPBS in school systems.  

Results – Impact

Having in mind that the ultimate goal of the project is on one hand to support the SWPBS approach with solid research evidence and on the other to ensure the sustainability and scalability of its implementation, the team made systematic efforts to achieve the best possible results, including:

  • The findings and recommendations of the Project and research team led to the publication of academic articles published in renowned journals and presented in highly esteemed conferences in the field of education. 
  • In Cyprus, the SWPBS framework was included in the Professional Learning program available to all public schools. 
  • CARDET and INNOVADE have ensured the systematic maintenance of the project’s online platform for more than 5 years after the project’s completion. In addition,  the Cypriot teams have developed and will continue to upgrade the Digital Collection/Desktop App in order to facilitate the teachers’ recording of the students’ progress in an easy and cost-free way.
  • Large-scale awareness campaigns including mainstream media, scientific publications and more were carried out to inform the educators of the SWPBS approach and the benefits it carries. 
  • The European Conference 2022  gathered over 100 primary schools in Cyprus, Finland, Greece and Romania to highlight the importance and benefits of creating whole-school systems for the development of social skills and the promotion of positive behaviour, exchange good practices, and strengthen the formulation of structured policies in the field.
  • Over 20 workshops were conducted with teachers, school principals, policy makers, school counselors and administrators to inform them about the SWPBS intervention’s positive impact in the schools in conjunction with a large-scale universal trainings to schools, teachers and parents for the wider scalability and acceptance of the SWPBS approach.

Participatory Democracy Strategy

Name/Title: The Republic of Cyprus’ Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance

Executive Summary – Overview

CARDET was awarded a contract by the Commissioner for the Citizen to compile the Republic of Cyprus’ Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance. For the needs of strategy, the Centre conducted in-depth research and consultations with government officials and CSOs to map the current state affairs and to identify good practices from across Europe. Following a thorough analysis of its findings, CARDET compiled  a comprehensive strategy putting forward a purposeful vision complemented by tangible objectives and steps to promote civic participation and participatory processes in Cyprus. 

Background – General

The process to develop Cyprus’ National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance marks the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to further enhance civic participation and promote collaborative, inclusive and accountable policy making. The strategy reflects and advances the values and priorities set by the European Democracy Action Plan and is in line with the citizens’ demand for greater involvement and influence in the government’s decisions. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

In coordination with the Commissioner for Citizen, CARDET structured and implemented a structured plan for the development of the Strategy ensuring that it will be based on concrete research on the field as well as it would be taking into consideration the input and suggestions of stakeholders. Through that process, the Center engaged several government institutions and civil society organisations, via questionnaires, interviews, strategic visioning workshops, and consultation events, to map out the existing participatory processes and actions to promote active citizenship as well as challenges and suggestions to be taken into consideration. Additionally, it studied approaches and actions implemented across Europe to identify and record best practices that could be adapted for the Cyprus context. 

The National Strategy was compiled setting a clear vision, objectives and a proposed action plan to support and further citizens’ participation in policy shaping and implementation in the Republic. The strategy was shared with organisations and stakeholders to collect feedback and suggestions prior to being submitted and approved by the Council of Ministers. 

Results – Impact

The Republic of Cyprus’ Strategy for Active Citizeship and Participatory Governance was approved by the Council of Ministers in December 2022 and was presented in an official ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in January 2023. Per the parameters of the collaboration with the Commissioner of the Citizen and the action plan put forward, in charge of its implementation are the institutions of the Republic. 

As part of its step and work towards the formulation of the strategy, CARDET produced the following:

  • A Mapping report presenting the procedures, tools and policies in place to facilitate and enable the participation of citizens in governmental institution’s decision making process. The report also lays out the challenges identified by the representatives of governmental institutions along with suggestions and propositions on the topic. 
  • A Good Practices Report, illustrating a selection of case studies and examples of innovative approaches and tools in place in European countries to support the participation of citizens and promote active citizenship. 
  • The National Strategy for Active Citizenship and Participatory Governance that sets in place a comprehensive framework and vision, along with an action plan, to further active citizenship and civic participation in Cyprus.

Supporting un-accompanied children with Family-based care and Enhanced protection

Name/Title: Conference – Keep them Safe: Supporting unaccompanied children with family-based care and enhanced protection

Executive Summary – Overview

SAFE Youth’s ‘Keep them Safe’ Conference capped off the excellent work carried out by the project bringing to the fore present realities and structured responses to effectively support unaccompanied minors and children. The Conference featured influential speakers offering diverse perspectives on this important topic and served as a unique opportunity to illustrate the work and products of the project in its bid to support and empower frontline professionals, foster carers and caretakers. 

Background – General

Recognising the moral imperative to offer holistic support to unaccompanied migrant minors and to ensure that they are protected and aided to navigate the challenges they come across in their host country, SAFE sought to make a tangible contribution in enhancing family-based care. Through a comprehensive and structured action plan, the project developed learning materials and offered training opportunities to support frontline practitioners and professionals as well as carers to attain essential knowledge and skills to provide quality family-based care. Additionally, SAFE worked towards raising awareness and advocating for the introduction of structured national support systems and policies to safeguard the rights and further the provision of holistic sustenance to unaccompanied minors and refugee children.   

Solution – CARDET Focused

Joining forces with Hope for Children – CRC Policy Center, CARDET organised a full-day Conference to present and examine present realities and challenges, as well as proposed policies and steps to effectively support unaccompanied minor migrants. Featuring presentations and panel discussions, the Conference provided experts and practitioners a unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with the work and tools produced by the project, as well as engage with different perspectives on the realities and necessary steps in the field. 

Specifically, through the workings of the Conference, the team of CARDET presented the key findings and showcased the outcomes and achievements of the SAFE project in Cyprus and in all the implementing countries. They also facilitate two panel discussions with the participation of key stakeholders and practitioners from government institutions, international entities and children rights organisations: 

  • Panel Discussion 1: ‘Supporting unaccompanied minors: Realities and Needs’ 
  • Panel Discussion 2: ‘The realities and challenges of supporting the inclusion of unaccompanied minors in Cyprus’ 

Through the workings of the conference, participants also had the chance to raise questions, voice their views and engage in enriching discussions.   

Results – Impact

SAFE’s final conference hosted key stakeholders, experts and practitioners in the fields of children rights, migrant inclusion, education and social work as well as members of the general public. Specifically, to address this important matter in a well-rounded manner and spread the message further,  the conference concluded the project with:

  • Speeches, presentations and discussions with representatives of the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, the Republic of Cyprus’ Asylum Service, UNHCR Cyprus, Hope for Children CRC Policy Centre, Social Welfare Services and Cyprus’ Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth. 
  • Eighty attendees including front-line workers, carers, practitioners, researchers, educators and stakeholders.  
  • A screening of the SAFE Documentary and two panel discussions offering a thorough exploration of the issues at hand
  • Significant media coverage both prior and after the conference

Cyprus Education Summit

Executive Summary – Overview 

The Cyprus Education Summit is an annual high-level conference, organised by CARDET, that provides an in-depth exploration of key themes, trends and prospects in all aspects of education and training. The Conference offers the space for Education practitioners and policy makers, teachers and stakeholders to discuss and exchange views, experiences, as well as suggestions to pave the way for the introduction of structured policies and actions in the field. 

Background – General

The field of education and by extension the Educational system of Cyprus are undergoing profound transitions, spurred by technological advancements, evolving societal needs, and a changing global landscape. A multi-level transformation prompts new realities and bears the need to re-evaluate existing approaches and policies, as well as opportunities to ensure that students and educators alike are provided with the support and guidance needed to navigate and thrive in the new environment. This dictates the need to assess and explore ways to bridge theory with practice, foster collaboration and facilitate the formulation of comprehensive and catered propositions that put forward actionable steps towards a progressive, inclusive and future-ready education system. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

The Cyprus Education Summit brings together key stakeholders and policymakers with renowned academics, experts and practitioners serving as a forum for the examination of key themes, developments and aspects of education.  Each year, the summit focuses on a topic of pivotal importance within the Cyprus educational system, in particular: 

  • 2021: Digital Transformation and Digital Skills – Trends and Strategies for Lifelong Learning and Adult Education
  • 2022: The professional learning of educators – Challenges and Prospects 
  • 2023: The evaluation of students as an essential component of the educational process  

The team of CARDET, in collaboration with its associates, develops a robust program inviting high-level speakers from Cyprus and abroad, with longstanding expertise and experience in the field,  to share their insights and experiences along with case studies in the field.  Through their presentations, they link theoretical concepts with pedagogical applications to bring to the fore empirically supported practices that align with the needs and can be effectively adopted in Cyprus’ educational system. An essential component of the Cyprus Education Summit, is to give the opportunity to the education professionals to voice their views and propositions on the field as well as raise questions to the experts and government officials participating in the processes of the summit. 

Results – Impact

Since its launch in 2021, the Cyprus Education Summit has established itself as the leading conference in the field of education in Cyprus. Each year, the Summit has had the pleasure of hosting, as speakers and attendees, key government officials, esteemed academics, notable education practitioners and representatives of leading educational institutions and organisations. 

Specifically, over the years, the Summit successfully resulted in:

  • Hosting 30+ renowned speakers – government officials, policymakers, academics, researchers, educators and practitioners
  • Attracting more than 400+ participants from the whole spectrum of the educational system 
  • Producing structured reports with propositions for actionable steps and measures that can further improve the Cyprus Educational system.

Tackling Racism in Grassroots Football

Name/Title: TACKLE Racism in Grassroots Football

Executive Summary 

TACKLE’s final conference, hosted at UEFA’s Headquarters in Nyon and streamed online, was the culmination of the work and efforts of the project to generate awareness and put forward tangible interventions to make grassroots football a  welcoming space for all. Featuring speeches from legends of the game and high-level stakeholders from the field of Football and Education, the conference put to the fore the realities and challenges on the ground as well as the findings and results of the project in its bid to root racism out of football. 

Background

Implemented by a consortium of seven leading organisations from six European countries, TACKLE responded to the increasing calls for action to address the rising incidents of discrimination and intolerance in grassroots football. Placing grassroots football coaches and professionals at the epicentre of its response, the project sought to equip them with the knowledge and skills to serve as active agents in the fight against racism in football and society. Through the learning material developed, the training opportunities offered and its awareness activities TACKLE emphasised the universality of the sport that needs to be cherished and protected by tackling any form of intolerance. Work and actions that enabled partners to have multifaceted contributions in the field as well as draw invaluable insights and lessons that were presented in a Conference, held at UEFA’s Headquarters, crowing the completion of the project.  

Solution 

In close cooperation with the UEFA Foundation for Children, CARDET organised a hybrid conference at UEFA’s Headquarters in Nyon, to mark off the completion of TACKLE and showcase its work and successes. Headlined by the international football legend Clarence Seedorf, the Conference featured high-profile speakers who presented their experiences and views on the necessary actions to pave the way for football to become a catalyst in promoting inclusion, respect and acceptance in society. As part of the  Conference, CARDET’s Executive Director Charalambos Vrasidas, presented the work, key achievements and lessons learned through the work and actions of the TACKLE project. 

Results – Impact

TACKLE’s final Conference brought together football personalities, key experts and grassroots professionals, attracting considerable participation, both at the venue and online, as well as coverage from the media. Specifically, the Conference featured: 

  • 50 football professionals, coaches and practitioners as well as representatives of organisations and institutions working in the field of inclusion and human rights attending the event at the venue
  • The online broadcast and video of the Conference was streamed by over 15,000 users 
  • The promotion and dissemination activities of the Final Conference – media articles, social media posts, online videos –  had an approximate reach of 150,000+ individuals

Digital, Responsible Citizenship in a Connected World

Name/Title: DRC – Digital, Responsible Citizenship in a Connected World”

Executive Summary – Overview 

Basing the scope of its work and approach on the DiGComp Framework, the ‘Digital, Responsible Citizenship in a Connected World – DRC’ project worked towards infusing innovative pedagogical practices to facilitate the integration and promotion of digital citizenship skills in school and teacher education. The project produced a comprehensive package of educational material and tools, complemented by structured guides and training offerings, to educate students and teachers alike on digital citizenship skills and facilitate the promotion and integration of digital literacy and citizenship in school curricula. 

Background – General

In today’s increasingly interconnected and digital world, the integration of digital literacy and citizenship in school education is imperative. These concepts ensure that students not only acquire the skills necessary to responsibly navigate the digital realm, but also promote ethical behavior online, encouraging respectful engagement and counteracting cyberbullying. When woven into education, digital literacy and citizenship also prepare students for future professional landscapes, as well as empower them to be responsible digital citizens capable of leveraging technology for positive change in society. In addition, these principals help pave the way for the educational systems to address and tackle disparities in skills, that often are the underlying factors that foster inequalities.  

Solution – CARDET Focused

Led by CARDET and implemented in four EU countries by a consortium of five organisations, DRC took a multifaceted approach to educate and enhance teachers’ and students’ digital citizenship skills.

Specifically, having examined and documented the existing needs and realities in the field, the consortium designed a pedagogical framework and e-Toolkit for Digital Citizenship education. Furthermore, it produced a Curriculum and Guide to build up the knowledge and skills of educators in designing, implementing and evaluating learning activities to elevate their students’ digital skills. The educational resources of the project were complemented by a Digital Citizenship App, in the form of an interactive gamified learning environment, through which primary schools can explore fundamental aspects of digital citizenship, covering the five digital competence areas of DigComp framework.  

Most importantly, the initiative focused on engaging and collaborating with key educational stakeholders and schools in the implementing countries to set the foundations for the structured introduction of digital citizenship programs in school curricula that are aligned with the DigComp framework. Over the course of the project, CARDET collaborated closely with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth  and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute to facilitate the transfer of the work and resources of the DRC in schools and to effectively engage education policymakers, teachers, parents and students. The Centre also played an instrumental role in the development and delivery of its Digital Literacy and Citizenship Guide for teachers in both online and face-to-face format and the development of the Digital Gamified Mini Games. 

Results – Impact

Operating on the basis of a structured and comprehensive work plan that entailed the implementation of all its actions in overlapping phases incorporating research and analysis, design and development the project team successfully completed DRC’s objectives. With the support and guidance of CARDET’s project management team and experts, with the completion of the project team, the implementing consortium has expertly completed all its tasks that enabled the: 

  • Engagement of 15,000 educators, community members, policymakers, training providers and stakeholders
  • Compilation of a Transnational State of the Art report on ‘Digital Citizenship Profile/identity in schools’
  • Design of a Pedagogical Framework and the development of an e-Toolkit on Digital Citizenship
  • Creation of the Digital Literacy and Citizenship Guide for Teachers
  • Development and Evaluation of the Digital Citizenship Programme and Curricula on digital literacy
  • Development of a Digital Citizenship App – gamified learning environment
  • Delivery of workshops to students (ages 6-12) in the implementing countries
  • Offering of a certified training to teachers

Empowering girls in STEAM through robotics and coding

Name/Title: RoboGirls “Empowering Girls in STEAM through robotics and coding”

Executive Summary – Overview

The RoboGirls project developed a full-suite of innovative pedagogical tools aimed at building the capacity of educators to organise and implement experiential STEAM activities, using robotics and coding, to to actively engage girls in digital technologies and close the gender gap in the field. It focused on producing dynamic resources and gamified tools that were  implemented in a series of blended learning trainings for teachers and students to get comfortable with using digital technologies.

Background  – General

The women underrepresentation in STEAM has been a significant area of concern to educators and researchers over the past years. Even though the sector is rapidly growing, driving innovation and progress, a significant gender gap in all levels of its disciplines still persists. Robogirls has set out to embrace gender equity to help foster diversity in this field using innovative solutions to address skill gaps and promote future economic growth. 

Following the elaborate research conducted by the consortium across Cyprus, Croatia, Greece, Spain and Ireland, the Robogirls team proposed a multifaceted approach to tackle the issue at its core through education. The project focused on developing innovative pedagogical material, dynamic resources, gamified tools, and a series of blended learning trainings to boost educators’ confidence and skills in introducing robotics in the classroom, as well as heightening girls’ interest in approaching STEAM subjects as a whole. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

Robogirls developed an interactive MOOC platform offering educators seamless access to an integrated set of resources, tools and training materials to enable them to organise and implement innovative, experiential STEAM activities with the use of robotics and coding. Through the Robogirls’ platform, they can access and utilise a Comprehensive Guide for Educators comprised of learning materials, training resources and thematic activities they can apply to introduce robotics and coding in their lessons. 

Furthermore, the Robogirls team created a Career Simulator containing 5 scenarios where the user assumes the role of a young female aspiring STEAM professional. Through storytelling, the persona engages in problem-solving activities, ultimately starting in the fields of Computing, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Web Design and Development. The scenario-based approach and dynamic experience of the game offered users the opportunity for users to immerse themselves in the fields and get acquainted with the endless possibilities the digital era has to provide. 

Results – Impact

The huge success of the RoboGirls project is largely defined by its accessible digital tools and innovative approach to challenging gender inequality within the field of robotics. Since it’s completion, the initiative has been recognised by the European Innovative Teaching Award 2023 for its outstanding results in providing accessible digital tools and innovative approach to empowering girls in STEM through robotics and coding, including

  • Enhancing over 1300 girls with confidence and self-esteem towards STEAM, motivating them to consider a relevant career in the future.
  • Building the capacity of over 60 teachers on STEAM Education using robotics and gender equality approaches.
  • Developing innovative quality learning material and OERs for teachers to promote girls’ empowerment and engagement in digital technologies.
  • Helping to develop complex ways of thinking, making the introduction of robotics in the classroom fun and kinaesthetic – despite previous experience expressed through focus groups.

EntrInnO

Name/Title: EntrInnO – Online Game for Entrepreneurship and Innovation”

Executive Summary – Overview

In response to the rise in youth unemployment, via the research conducted by the consortium of the project, EntrInno developed and put forward an interactive learning tool that utilises a gamified approach to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies, drive innovation and guide youth  οn their path to success.

Background

Against the backdrop of heightened challenges across European economies and high-levels of youth unemployment, the EntrInnO project was initiated to help empower and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. In particular, the initiative sought to leverage the interactivity and engagement of digital games, traditionally associated with entertainment, and channel those benefits towards educational and self-development purposes instead. In doing so, the initiative put forward an innovative gaming platform  to equip young people with essential business skills that would enable them to formulate their own enterprises and mitigate high youth unemployment. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

Following the invaluable insights and research conducted by the Consortium, the EntrInno initiative incorporated a simulation game hosted on Moodle LMS for a fully customised gaming and educational experience. By moving through the game, the users are put before the life-like business scenarios and learn from simulated game design to enhance their critical entrepreneurial skills. 

This challenges the traditional Learning Management System design, and gives a glimpse into otherwise unattainable scenarios of designing, developing and running an enterprise. To further expand their entrepreneurial repertoire, the game also features multiple opportunities for social interaction, serving as a platform for discussion, idea generation and networking. Moreover, the gaming hub allows players to track their progress through character upgrades, as well as a scoreboard for an additional element of competition. 

Results – Impact

EntrInnO’s platform employed innovative ICT-based educational approaches and gaming to elevate the tool from a Learning Management System to an engaging and accessible simulation experience to foster innovation and entrepreneurship skills. Through the work of the project, the innovative online gaming platform has:

  • Validated gaming as a novel form of non-formal learning practice to help engage and motivate young adults to commit to active and experiential learning
  • Re-emphasised the need for novel IT-backed learning tools to adhere to numerous learning styles with a strong focus on experiential learning of entrepreneurship
  • Reached over 300 young entrepreneurs and offered educational material to further strengthen their entrepreneurial ambitions
  • Brought to light the transversal skills such as entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as basic skills such as digital literacy, communication and networking skills. 
  • Strengthened cooperation and exchange of information and good practices between European countries.

Green League – Training Package

The Sports and Environmental Education Package of the Green League project aims to build the skills of sports professionals by promoting physical activity in outdoor spaces as a tool for education on environmental issues. The package contributes to understanding the impact of sports on the environment as well as to designing and practicing sports in harmony with the protection and conservation of nature and the environment as a whole.

The package includes:

  • Characteristics of ecosystems,
  • How sports practice creates potential threats to various ecosystems,
  • The legislative framework and guidelines at the EU level,
  • How sports both positively and negatively impact the environment,
  • How you can organize and implement sports activities and events in harmony with the environment,
  • Awareness of the importance of “green” sports practices.

Find the material on the project’s website.

CARDET Certified with SIR 2014 Standard

CARDET is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Sound Industrial Relations (SIR 2014) standard that serves as a true testament to its unwavering commitment and continuous dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace. The Centre received this accreditation following an audit carried out in December 2023 by the Quality Assurance Committee of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) and subsequent approval of the honourable Minister of Labour, Mr Yiannis Panagiotou.

The audit featured an in-depth evaluation of CARDET’s performance management, gender equality, employee wellbeing, learning and development and internal communication, as well as Health & Safety and Environmental Management practices. The accreditation process also involved a rigorous assessment by a panel of independent experts who evaluated the organisation’s HR strategy, policies, processes, and results.

Reflecting on this important milestone, CARDET’s Executive Director, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, commented: “We are very excited to receive this prestigious standard. This significant achievement showcases the outstanding HR practices and policies based on our commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace environment that prioritises the wellbeing of our team. By obtaining this accreditation, we further reinforce our position as a leading employer in the industry, strengthening our reputation for implementing best practices and providing a positive experience for our valued team members.”