Month: May 2024

EcoSTEAM Study Visit to Promote Environmental Consciousness in Education

Written by Hanna Yerega on 31/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM project proudly announces the successful completion of an immersive study visit at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa’s Büyükçekmece Campus taking place between 27th and 32st of May. This event, focused on integrating environmental education with STEAM, brought together teachers and students from Lithuania, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Turkey and provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to contribute to and understand the importance of environmental awareness in secondary education, as well as to test the latest teaching and learning materials developed under this ambitious initiative.

Representing Cyprus, two STEAM educators and three students from Lighthouse Private School in Limassol took part in this insightful visit. The five-day program offered a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through interactive workshops, fieldwork, science experiments, design thinking sessions, and environmental advocacy role-plays. Key themes included Environmental Awareness and Conservation, Creative and Critical Thinking in EcoSTEAM Education, Collaboration and Communication in EcoSTEAM Projects, and Global and Local Perspectives in Environmental Education.

Students engaged actively in discussions, group projects, and critical thinking exercises to tackle environmental challenges. In addition, this occasion provided a great platform for cultural exchange, improving their language skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of environmental issues in the context of global citizenship. Meanwhile, teachers served as facilitators and participants, providing valuable feedback on the lesson plans proposed by the EcoSTEAM initiative. Their insights will enhance the upcoming adaptation and local implementation of these materials in partner countries.

The EcoSTEAM study visit exemplifies a progressive approach to embedding environmental consciousness in education, empowering the next generation to address global environmental challenges through innovative, hands-on pedagogical practices. The event also provided exceptional professional development in environmental education and non-formal teaching methods, offering new perspectives on STEAM education for both students and teachers. It also fostered a network of educators committed to EcoSTEAM education, paving the way for long-term partnerships and collaboration.

leading2030 releases its first results Practice Principles Framework and the Upskilling Programme

Our project Leading 2030 Announces its First Results

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 30/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

The LEADING 2030 project proud to announce its first significant milestone: the release of Practice Principles Framework and the Upskilling Programme. This marks a pivotal step in our mission to upskill business consultants, CVET professionals and leaders with competences to accelerate a culture of sustainability and ownership of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Europe.

The Practise Principles Framework is the first output of the LEADING 2030 Erasmus+ project, and it acts as a strategic guide covering three main areas of the project, Sustainability, Business Practices, and Leadership. Apart from presenting the project’s reference practice principles through action vignettes, it also contains nine inspirational best practice examples from partner countries including Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Ireland, Cyprus, Spain and Germany. Its main goal is to guide leaders and organisations to embed the LEADING 2030 practice principles in their business strategies and initiatives. Find out more about the Practices Principle Framework here.

Complementing the framework, the LEADING 2030 Upskilling Programme is designed to enhance the skills of business consultants and CVET professionals, including trainers, coaches, and mentors using tailored training material. This training programme equips professionals with the competencies needed to support leaders and organisations in accelerating corporate sustainability and responsible business practices. Find out more about the Upskilling Programme here.

SOOS – SOns Of Silence

Written by Hanna Yerega on 27/05/2024. Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

The aim of the SOOS project is to raise awareness about the potential impact of domestic violence (DV) on youth and to highlight the risks of experiencing DV and its potential effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological health of youth. The SOOS project also aims to provide resources and support to those affected by DV and to educate the public on preventative measures. Ultimately, SOOS project endeavours to reduce the prevalence of DV in our society and create safer and healthier environments for young people.

Building Bridges: MOVE Youth Lab on Immigration and Youth in Europe

Written by Hanna Yerega on 27/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

The MOVE Youth Lab, an innovative workshop focusing on immigration and youth in Europe, was held on Saturday, May 25, at the historic Ledra Palace in Nicosia with an overarching goal of promoting inclusivity and EU values among the youth, as well as engaging immigrants and refugees through gamification techniques.

Joined by over 20 participants, including VET professionals, immigrants, youth workers, and politicians, the workshop aimed to equip all attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster inclusivity and EU values, utilising a tailored Training Guide created as part of the MOVE project. In particular, the participants were introduced to the MOVE GUIDES and engaged in various non-formal educational activities designed to enhance understanding and practice of these values. Notable activities included “Who I Am,” “Step Forward,” and “Human Bingo for EU Values,” each offering interactive and engaging ways to explore themes of identity, diversity, and European integration.

In addition to these activities, the workshop featured a brief presentation outlining the objectives and goals of the MOVE project, along with an explanation of the OCA game, another key development of this initiative. This combination of theoretical and practical elements provided participants with comprehensive insights into diversity and its practical applications in promoting inclusivity among immigrants and refugees.

Besides reporting high levels of satisfaction with the workshop’s organisation, methodology, and content, the participants also had a chance to offer constructive feedback, suggesting the inclusion of more visual aids and interactive elements, such as roleplays, to further enhance the learning experience. This positive feedback and suggestions for improvement will certainly serve an instrumental role in refining and finalising MOVE’s materials, before they become available on the project’s website.

SeDiHUB final partner meeting and conference in Estonia

SeDiHUB – Exploring Design Thinking in a Conference in Estonia

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 22/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

Our SeDiHUB project capped off its work and actions with a final Conference held at the University of Parnu in Estonia. The Conference, whose processes were followed by more than 40 attendees, served as the stage to explore and demonstrate how the Design Thinking methodology can be integrated into the strategic management of micro and family business to help them transform into innovative sustainable enterprises.

During the Conference, our partners showcased the work of the project, placing a special emphasis on illustrating the way its learning tools can serve as invaluable resources to family and micro-enterprises in creating greater value through service design methodology. Furthermore, our project manager Alexandros Peletie run a practical workshop on Design Thinking presenting the RIP+MIX methodology that facilitates the creative and inventive combination of diverse and, in the face of it incompatible, services and products. Alexandros’ workshop entailed a short introduction followed by group work that asked participants to utilise the information they received to collectively develop an innovative idea for an enterprise.

The workings of the Conference and the discussions held brought to the fore the key ideas and values that were examined, combined and developed by the SeDiHUB project over the course of its implementation and in its bid to support micro and family businesses to develop sustainable and digitalised services. To that end, it placed a special focus on providing structured guidance on the facets and utilisation of service design methodology and the ways in which it can be integrated into strategic planning and management of enterprises to facilitate their growth and sustainability.

Find out about our e-learning platform here

Video Teach Announces Its Online Video Course in its Latest Newsletter

Written by Hanna Yerega on 21/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

Developing innovative video competencies for teachers is a crucial step toward modernising education and preparing students for the challenges of the future. By embracing visual learning, real-world applications, and effective communication, our Video Teach project aims to facilitate educators in creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to technological integration, the education system can even play an important role in shaping the next generation of environmentally conscious professionals!

So what progress has Video Teach made since its kick-off, you might ask?

Check out the latest Video Teach newsletter below and learn about all the latest developments of the project, including the exciting announcement of the free Online Video Course and Self-Assessment Methodology tool, amongst other news.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Celebrating Cultural Diversity: A pathway to peace, dialogue and development

Written by Hanna Yerega on 21/05/2024. Posted in Blog.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” — Audre Lorde

Today, we join the United Nations, in commemorating the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. On this occasion, we not only strive to celebrate the incredible richness of cultures around the globe, but also turn our attention to the astounding potential open intercultural dialogue holds in achieving peace and promoting sustainable development.

In particular, with the prominent adoptions of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the UN, and the Resolution on Culture and Sustainable Development by the UN General Assembly, the message of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is ever so important. Embracing and celebrating the commonalities, as well as differences, holds the key to more enriching conversations, innovative solutions, as well as a more inclusive and thriving society all in all. In case you still aren’t sure how so, we invite you to read on.

Understanding the Fabric of Cultural Diversity

By definition, cultural diversity encompasses the differences in language, traditions, customs, beliefs, and values among people from various backgrounds. It represents the elements that bring together the unique identities of individuals and as a result form a more vibrant society as a whole. Cultural diversity is essential in promoting mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among different groups.

But how does cultural diversity help foster peace dialogue and development across the cornerstones of the EU? Let’s take a closer look.

Cultural Dialogue For Peace & Development

Dialogue is the principal base for understanding and cooperation, and while many consider cultural diversity as a roadblock to clear understanding and agreement, in reality it’s a critical element in enhancing productive and meaningful conversation. In fact, cultural diversity facilitates dialogue and understading that promotes peace and conflict resolution, as well as encourages sustainable development and growth.

1. Building Mutual Respect and Understanding

Cultural diversity fosters an environment where different perspectives are acknowledged and respected. Exposure to diverse cultures helps individuals understand and appreciate differences and can help to substantially reduce prejudices and stereotypes. When we engage with people from diverse backgrounds, we gain insights into their worldviews, which can challenge our assumptions and expand our thinking. Through dialogue, we can enrich our understanding, practice critical thinking, as well as learn from each other’s experience, to promote a more open-minded society.

2. Shaping Great Communicators

Diverse cultural backgrounds bring varied communication styles and conflict-resolution strategies. By incorporating these different approaches, communities and organisations can develop more effective and inclusive methods of dialogue. Through intercultural dialogue, we learn to navigate language barriers, non-verbal cues, and different communication styles, making us more effective communicators. This enhanced communication is crucial for resolving misunderstandings and exploring the opportunities for more effective cooperation that are necessary to combat global challenges, such as climate change.

3. Promoting Inclusive Governance

Inclusion of diverse cultural groups in governance and decision-making processes ensures that the needs and concerns of all community members are addressed. This inclusivity can prevent feelings of marginalisation and exclusion, which are often root causes of conflict. Embracing cultural diversity can also lead to more inclusive solutions towards sustainability, economic development and tackling societal challenges. When all society members are represented and included, the impact of such initiatives is also more likely to be magnified across all facets of society.

4. Fostering Innovation and Problem-Solving

Cultural diversity brings together a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and problem-solving approaches. This diversity fuels innovation and creativity, which are essential for developing sustainable solutions to complex global challenges. In fact, diverse teams are more likely to generate unique and effective solutions that can address sustainability issues in novel ways by leveraging the different experiences, educational backgrounds, and innovative approaches.

5. Enhancing Global Citizenship & Education

Education systems that incorporate cultural diversity teach students about global citizenship, empathy, value of diversity, as well as prepare individuals to engage with global sustainability issues in a more informed and empathetic manner. In particular, culturally diverse educational institutions can encourage young people to approach differences from a place of curiosity, and result in a more defined collective identity that further fuels peace, inclusion and development. It also promotes equal access to education, work opportunities and further fosters a sense of belonging and community.

6. Supporting Global Networks

Cultural diversity encourages the formation of networks and alliances that promote peace and sustainable development on a global scale. International organisations, cultural and educational exchange programs, and transnational cooperation are strengthened by diverse perspectives, enabling collaborative efforts towards mutual goals.

Celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity with CARDET

Let’s celebrate the spirit and values of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development together and reap the full benefits of cultural diversity in promoting a more peaceful, inclusive and cooperative society.

13th Pancyprian Strawberry Festival in Deryneia I 24 May I Anagennisi Deryneias Stadium I 17:00

Our Intercultural integration in Cyprus team and the Civil Registry and Migration Department will be present at the annual Strawberry Festival in Deryneia to respond to questions and offer advice and guidance to migrants to help navigate and smoothen integration in Cyprus! The Info Session will take place between 17:00 to 18:00, during which we will be also sharing information and materials that will help raise awareness of the importance of cultural exchange and bridge the gap for a strong and inclusive community!

Environmental Justice, Inclusive Migration, and Tackling Misinformation I 25 May I Ledra Palace I 10:00 – 14:00

We’re excited to partner with Cyprus Youth DiplomaCY to explore the crucial concepts of Environmental Justice, Inclusive Migration, and Tackling Misinformation with young people and fellow organisations in our mutual bid to promote a brighter, more sustainable and inclusive future for all! Kick off your Saturday with an exciting event that will offer you the opportunity to join an insightful panel discussion, explore empowerment through innovation and volunteering with our GOTHEN initiative, and have fun with the Interactive MOVE Board Game which delves into migration and fosters inclusion! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, engage, connect with like-minded individuals and make a difference! Register HERE and be a part of the movement for a better future

Green Vet Choices Partner final partner meeting in Florence

Green Vet Choices Wraps Up With Its Final Partner Meeting

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 17/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our Green VET Choices.

A project, which has made remarkable strides over the past two years. Our journey culminated in a productive final meeting in Florence, where we met with our partners to discuss the project’s achievements and reflect on the steps taken toward shaping the future of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in the environmental sector.

In addition to a number of instrumental activities taking place throughout the project, including development of the training materials, workshops, and informational events, our team has developed an innovative e-learning platform, complete with comprehensive educational tools and reports. The great efforts of our team have paid off in ensuring that this new tool can support green VET careers, providing targeted and consistent strategies to address environmental challenges and combat climate change.

While we celebrate the successful closure of this chapter, our commitment to fostering a sustainable future for VET remains steadfast. Stay tuned as we continue to maximise our impact and leave an indelible mark on the VET environmental landscape.

GROWS project releases its First Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 15/05/2024. Posted in Project News.

The GROWS project, aims to raise awareness and empower the VET sector on the significance of sustainable waste management and the environment while improving the capacity of VET providers/trainers to implement activities in the field of environmental education with a focus on sustainable waste management and increase the levels of competences of VET providers on preparing and implementing a green education action plan.

Check out the first newsletter of the project to find out the outcomes of the first partner meeting, as well as the next steps of this important initiative.

GROWS – Moving towards a Green tRansitiOn through sustainable Waste management education in the VET Sector

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 15/05/2024. Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

Waste management has become a hot topic recently due to the huge amount of waste produced in Europe (EC, 2018). Change is required and this can be achieved by a bottom up approach through VET and the integration of environmental issues caused by waste management. Thus, VET providers/trainers need to be trained and educated on producing innovative learning material to promote engagement towards sustainable waste management.

The GROWS project aims to raise awareness and empower the VET sector on the significance of sustainable waste management and the environment while improving the capacity of VET providers/trainers to implement activities in the field of environmental education with a focus on sustainable waste management and increase the levels of competences of VET providers on preparing and implementing a green education action plan.