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Month: October 2024

PartnerUp – Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement for Upskilling Pathways

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Education, Projects & Initiatives.

Partner UP aims to improve Upskilling Pathways’ implementation to benefit adult learners and increase their participation in lifelong learning opportunities. The project not only targets a key feature of the Recommendation of Upskilling Pathways but also provides a crucial basis for the European Skills Agenda as it overlaps with other sectors and will build on cooperation that are important for different areas of the Skills Agenda.

It is also the basis for the Renewed Agenda for adult learning. The Agenda is the European policy for a comprehensive adult learning concept and strategy for Europe, which needs the basic skills approach of Upskilling Pathways, so close cooperation and alignment with the outcomes of the Partner UP project will make the most of the results.

Partner UP Project Wraps Up with Final TPM in Brussels

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Partner UP Project, an EU initiative aimed at improving Upskilling Pathways for adult learners, held its final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Brussels. The meeting brought together stakeholders from across Europe to discuss strategies for increasing adult participation in lifelong learning and enhancing cooperation under the European Skills Agenda.

The event featured two keynote speeches from leading experts in skills development. Ann Branch, Head of Unit for the European Skills Agenda at DG EMPL (European Commission), emphasized the crucial role of upskilling and reskilling in maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness. Laura Reznikova from the OECD shared key insights from the OECD’s ongoing study on stakeholder cooperation, offering valuable data and recommendations to strengthen collaboration in the adult learning sector.

The Partner UP Project has made significant progress in supporting the European Commission’s Upskilling Pathways Recommendation, which aims to provide adults with access to personalized learning opportunities. The project has fostered collaborations that not only benefit adult learners but also contribute to the broader goals of the European Skills Agenda.

As the meeting concluded, participants reflected on the achievements of the Partner UP Project and the future of upskilling in Europe. The gathering provided an important platform for peer learning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building, with key discussions on stakeholder mapping, outreach strategies, and cross-sector cooperation—all essential for the successful implementation of Upskilling Pathways.

Learn more about the Partner UP Project here

UxGE evaluation of the online training

UxGE: Youth Participants Gather for the First Time in Cyprus

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

In an effort to promote active youth engagement for a sustainable future, the UxGE project (United for a Green Europe) held an in-person evaluation meeting for its Online Training Course (OTC). This was the first time UxGE youth participants in Cyprus had the opportunity to meet face-to-face, marking a significant milestone in the project’s development.

The gathering featured engaging ice-breaker activities that fostered a sense of community and collaboration among the participants. During an in-depth discussion, they shared their feedback on the Online Training Course, reflecting on their experiences and offering suggestions for future improvements and the course’s impact on young people.

Additionally, participants were introduced to upcoming activities in the UxGE project, which continues to involve them in initiatives focused on building a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Europe.

For more information visit the project’s website or explore the e-learning platform.

CARDET Represents Cyprus at the EPALE Community Heroes Event in Bologna

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On October 15, 2024, CARDET proudly represented Cyprus, particularly the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth, at the prestigious EPALE Community Heroes event in Bologna, Italy. This gathering brought together thought leaders and innovators to explore cutting-edge educational solutions aimed at enhancing learning experiences across Europe.

A standout moment of the event was the keynote address by writer and activist, Jillian C. York. In her thought-provoking talk, “Free Expression in An Increasingly Digitized World”, she examined who makes the rules in the digital world, how to challenge our ideas on how the internet works and transforms. Her keynote speech unpacked the many aspects surrounding freedom of expression, data use, and the role citizens need to play in these processes.

Additionally, CARDET’s representative engaged in an interactive group activity, collaborating with international peers to explore innovative teaching methodologies that can be immediately implemented in educational settings. These activities emphasized the vital roles of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability in the evolving educational landscape.

CARDET remains dedicated to driving initiatives that enhance educational innovation, foster creativity, and promote excellence in learning practices. 

About EPALE: 

EPALE is the official digital platform of the European Commission for Adult Education, providing a communication network between stakeholders in the field at both national and European levels to exchange news, ideas, and information.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, adult learning and education can help address pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. As Europeans, we recognize that adult learning also contributes to improving social cohesion and promoting active citizenship. This awareness lies at the heart of the European strategies on adult learning and education (ALE), with EPALE playing a crucial role in promoting more and better learning opportunities for all adults.

Coding4Kids Project Wraps Up in Madrid: Empowering Educators with Coding Skills

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the Coding4Kids Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, took place in Madrid, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s journey. The meeting served as a key moment for project partners to reflect on the impact of the project in empowering educators with coding skills to inspire their students.

The project focused on providing educators, regardless of their technical background, with practical tools to introduce coding in the classroom. Among its key achievements are 12 learning modules and 36 lesson plans, designed to make coding accessible for educators at any level. A comprehensive training package was also developed to build educators’ confidence in coding while fostering problem-solving and logical thinking in their students.

As digital skills continue to be in high demand, the Coding4Kids Project directly addresses European priorities by helping close the ICT education gap. By promoting transversal skills, the project prepares future generations to excel in an increasingly digital world.

For more information about the project, visit: https://coding4kids-project.eu 

TUA piloting e-learning platform for Young People with Mental Disabilities

TUA project pilots the “Express Yourself” E-learning Platform for Young People with Mental Disabilities

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The TUA project successfully implemented a pilot session of the “Express Yourself” e-learning platform, in collaboration with the Toxotis Foundation.

During the pilot session, participants had the opportunity to explore the e-learning platform and navigate its various tools. The professionals engaged in a hands-on walkthrough of the Training Programme, which is available in an interactive format directly on the platform. This experience allowed them to see how the platform can serve as a valuable resource for enhancing the support they provide.

Meanwhile, the young participants were encouraged to engage with the “Share Your Artwork” section of the platform. This feature allows them to take photos of their creations, upload them, and include their names, titles, and descriptions of their work. This section not only serves as a creative outlet but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership in their artistic expression.

Feedback from all participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the user-friendly nature and potential impact of the platform. Additionally, they provided insightful suggestions for further improvement, which will be used to refine the platform before its official launch.

The TUA project partners are hopeful that, following the incorporation of feedback and finalization of the platform, the “Express Yourself” e-learning platform will become a valuable tool for young people with mental disabilities, as well as for the professionals and organizations that support them. The platform aims to empower these individuals, offering them an inclusive space to learn, express themselves, and grow.Find out more about the TUA “Express Yourself” platform, here.

Educhampions final partner meeting

EduChampions Project Concludes with Final TPM in Bilbao

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 9, 2024, the final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the EduChampions Project took place in Bilbao, Spain. This meeting marked a significant milestone, as participants reviewed the e-learning platform and its suite of tools designed to empower teachers in effectively integrating online resources into their classrooms. The discussions focused on refining these tools, which have already generated considerable interest among educators across Europe.

Key tasks from the project’s work packages were reviewed during the meeting. WP1 (Project Management) outlined the timeline for completing evaluations and impact assessments by mid-November, while WP2 (Project Sharing) highlighted the upcoming release of the 4th newsletter and updates to dissemination materials by late October. WP3 focused on creating infographics and case studies showcasing educators’ experiences with online tools, and WP4 concentrated on finalizing modules on Pedagogy, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. WP5 emphasized classroom-based examples, with reviews and corrections slated for completion by mid-October.

The meeting also highlighted real-world success stories, with educators sharing how the platform’s tools have transformed teaching practices by fostering innovation and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking. As the EduChampions Project nears its conclusion, the focus now shifts to refining the final resources and preparing them for broad distribution, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of education and digital learning integration.

The EduChampions Project aims to foster edupreneurship and champion innovative, learner-centered pedagogical practices by leveraging the meaningful use of digital resources for learning. The project’s overarching goal is to create conditions that effectively address learner diversity while promoting inclusive and equitable educational approaches. It emphasizes the crucial role educators play in driving and sustaining innovation, expanding opportunities within the VET ecosystem and beyond.

Find out more about the EduChampions Project here.

CARDET 20 years avnniversary

CARDET: 20 Χρόνια Καινοτομίας για την Ενίσχυση της Κοινωνίας μέσω της Εκπαίδευσης

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Media Highlights.

Σήμερα, 15 Οκτωβρίου 2024, το Ερευνητικό Κέντρο CARDET, γιορτάζει 20 χρόνια επιτυχημένης πορείας και διαρκούς ανάπτυξης, που το έχουν καταστήσει ως το κορυφαίο ανεξάρτητο μη-κερδοσκοπικό οργανισμό στην Κύπρο. Πιστό στις αξίες του και στην πεποίθηση ότι  εκπαίδευση μπορεί να αποτελέσει θεμελιώδη πυλώνα αλλαγής και ενδυνάμωσης της κοινωνίας, το Κέντρο προωθεί καινοτόμες και επιδραστικές πρωτοβουλίες και δράσεις τόσο σε τοπικό όσο και σε διεθνές επίπεδο.  

Βασισμένο στην εξειδίκευση της ομάδας του, που αποτελείται από πέραν των 70 ερευνητών και καταρτισμένων επαγγελματιών, το CARDET έχει υλοποιήσει δράσεις σε πέραν των 40 χωρών ανά την υφήλιο υποστηρίζοντας περισσότερα από τρία εκατομμύρια άτομα. Με συστηματική δουλειά και τεκμηριωμένες προσεγγίσεις, το Κέντρο στηρίζει την εκπαίδευση και την κατάρτιση, αναπτύσσοντας πρωτοποριακά εργαλεία και λύσεις που ενισχύουν την κοινωνία. Το πολυδιάστατο έργο του επεκτείνεται σε τομείς όπως η εκπαίδευση, η ψηφιακή μάθηση, τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα και η κοινωνική ενσωμάτωση, η υγεία και ευζωία, καθώς και η βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη και η επιχειρηματικότητα.

Ιδρυθέν το 2004, το CARDET έχει αναπτύξει σημαντικές συνεργασίες με κορυφαίους οργανισμούς και ιδρύματα από την Ευρώπη, την Αμερική και την Ασία, εμπλουτίζοντας την τεχνογνωσία του και ενισχύοντας την ικανότητά του να υλοποιεί αποτελεσματικές δράσεις. Σημαντικές συνεργασίες περιλαμβάνουν αυτές με τη Microsoft, την Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή και την UNICEF, ενώ το Κέντρο διατηρεί επίσης Μνημόνιο Συνεργασίας με το Yale School of Public Health. 

Με αφορμή τη συμπλήρωση είκοσι χρόνων, ο Εκτελεστικός Διευθυντής του CARDET, Καθηγητής Χαράλαμπος Βρασίδας, δήλωσε: «Το CARDET ξεκίνησε με το όραμα να προάγει την εκπαίδευση ως δύναμη για θετική αλλαγή. Είκοσι χρόνια μετά, είμαι περήφανος που έχει καταφέρει να μετατρέψει το όραμα αυτό σε σημαντικές δράσεις με σημαντικό θετικό αντίκτυπο και ανυπομονώ, όπως και όλη η ομάδα μας, για νέες προκλήσεις και για τα επόμενά μας βήματα. Σκοπός μας είναι να συνεχίσουμε να δημιουργούμε ευκαιρίες μάθησης και να συμβάλλουμε σε έναν καλύτερο κόσμο για όλους. Σύντομα θα ανακοινώσουμε νέες συνεργασίες και πρωτοβουλίες που θα ενισχύσουν τη δράση μας στην κοινωνία».

Επιτυγχάνοντας αυτό το σημαντικό ορόσημο, το CARDET ανανεώνει τη δέσμευσή του να συνεχίσει να πρωτοπορεί και να καινοτομεί στην εκπαίδευση και την κοινωνική πρόοδο. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, το CARDET προγραμματίζει σειρά εθελοντικών δράσεων και πρωτοβουλιών μέσα στο 2024-2025, για ενίσχυση της κοινότητας με την επετειακή θεματική Twenty4Twenty.

Επισκεφθείτε την ιστοσελίδα του CARDET και μάθετε περισσότερα για τον οργανισμό και τις δράσεις του: https://cardet.org/

Planning SEEDS: Advancing Sustainability and Local Economies in Perugia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From October 9 to 11, 2024, the Planning SEEDS Project concluded its three-day Learning Teaching Training Activity (LTTA) at the TAMAT headquarters in Perugia, Italy. The event focused on developing Solidarity Economy Districts (SEEDs) to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Participants engaged in sessions aimed at fostering bottom-up innovation within the social economy. Trainers received a comprehensive manual to enhance their teaching capabilities in virtual and multimodal settings, with a particular emphasis on mediation interactions for skill acquisition. This training was designed to equip them with tools to adapt their methods to various learning environments.

Discussions also centered on developing Local Green Deals (LGDs) and promoting Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs), aligning with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. These efforts highlight the importance of strengthening local food systems and applying circular economy principles.

Key outcomes of the LTTA included:

  • Development of intergenerational learning methods.
  • Assessment of training materials and tools.
  • Policy recommendations for local administrations.

The event marked a significant step towards advancing a sustainable and inclusive economy, reinforcing the core principles of the Solidarity Economy Districts initiative.

For more information, visit the website’s project here

UxGE Project Showcases Online Training Course at CASA College, Nicosia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 10, 2024, the UxGE Project hosted its third stakeholder meeting at CASA College in Nicosia, Cyprus, successfully presenting its objectives and introducing its Online Training Course (OTC) to 31 participants. The audience primarily consisted of newly inducted students aged 18 and above. This event marked another key milestone in the project’s mission to engage stakeholders, share its vision, and maximize its impact.

The stakeholder meetings are designed to spotlight the UxGE Project’s core objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and expected outcomes. At CASA College, the session focused on showcasing the OTC, the project’s first major deliverable, which aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge.

The event began with a detailed presentation of the UxGE Project, emphasizing its importance, the communities it seeks to empower, and the outcomes it strives to achieve. Participants were encouraged to enroll in the OTC, a cornerstone initiative for capacity-building and engagement. The training garnered significant interest, with several attendees seeking further details on how to actively participate.

This third stakeholder meeting builds on the momentum of earlier sessions, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed, motivated, and involved in the UxGE Project. By connecting with young adults at CASA College, the initiative continues to expand its outreach and strengthen its commitment to empowering its target audiences.

To learn more about the project, visit its official website here.