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Month: December 2024

LEADING 2030: A Successful Conclusion – Explore the Final e-Brief

As the LEADING 2030 project comes to an end, we look back on an incredible journey of collaboration, learning, and impact. The final summit, held in Dresden, brought together experts, partners, and key stakeholders to celebrate the project’s achievements. While the project has concluded, its impact continues—resources, training materials, and insights remain freely accessible through the LEADING 2030 WebHub.

Check out the final e-brief to explore key insights, success stories, and the lasting impact of the project.

EcoSTEAM Project Pilot Successfully Completed at Athinaeidion School in Limassol

On December 19, 2024, the piloting of the EcoSTEAM Project’s innovative training curriculum took place at Athinaeidion School (Katholikis School) in Limassol, marking a significant milestone in promoting sustainability through STEAM Education.

During this event, students and teachers participated in exciting activities such as “trash fashion”, creating wearable art from discarded materials, exploring ways to reduce food waste and crafting art installations from reused paper. The hands-on, fun approach got everyone involved followed by engaging discussions about the environment and sustainability

Teachers Applaud the EcoSTEAM Initiative
Teachers were thrilled with the program and its potential to inspire students while meeting educational goals. Many shared their excitement about the project and their eagerness to continue working with CARDET to bring more EcoSTEAM activities to their classrooms.

Inspiring Future Innovators
The students’ enthusiasm was clear as they tackled real-world challenges and used creative thinking to solve problems meeting the pedagogical goals of the eTeaching Programme. Activities like experimenting with renewable energy not only captured their interest, but also helped them see how science and technology can make a difference in the world. Students expressed their interest in pursuing STEAM-related subjects and careers marking this as the highlight of the day. 

What’s Next for EcoSTEAM?
The EcoSTEAM Project’s primary objective is to disseminate and refine educational content developed during the initiative. Feedback from students and educators will be used to enhance the materials and teaching methods for future implementations. The project also involves primary school students and teachers, creating a holistic educational experience across different age groups.

With its hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, the EcoSTEAM Project continues its efforts in equipping educators and students to address environmental challenges creatively and effectively. CARDET remains committed to expanding these efforts, fostering meaningful change through education.

Find out more about the EcoSTEAM Project and its upcoming initiatives here.

Discover Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future with LEADING2030 StoryMaps

The StoryMaps, an innovative digital resource developed as part of the LEADING2030 project, are now available. These StoryMaps use a storytelling approach to showcase best practices in sustainability, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses and individuals can actively support the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Designed to inspire action, the StoryMaps represent the fifth key result of the LEADING2030 project. They highlight a variety of impactful initiatives driven by collaboration and innovation among organizations across partner countries. By blending compelling narratives with robust data, these digital tools offer valuable insights and practical resources to help stakeholders adopt sustainable practices.

Take a moment to explore the StoryMaps and learn how you can contribute to creating a more sustainable world.

For more information about the LEADING2030 project and its outcomes, please visit the official website.

CARDET participated in the “Adopt a Family for Christmas” Initiative by Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council spreading Holiday Happiness!

This year, as part of our 20-year celebration and the #twenty4twenty campaign, we joined forces to make the holiday season brighter for vulnerable families in our community.

Through the incredible generosity of our team, we prepared thoughtful care packages filled with clothes and supermarket vouchers. Together, we have shown the true meaning of the holidays: compassion, community, and giving back.

Here’s to making a difference, one family at a time. From all of us at CARDET, Happy Holidays!

EcoSTEAM Project Completes Successful Pilot at Lighthouse Private School

The EcoSTEAM Project, an Erasmus+ funded initiative aimed at enhancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education with a focus on environmental awareness, has successfully completed its pilot phase at Lighthouse Private School in Limassol. 

Over the course of 12 weeks, 65 secondary school students and 6 STEAM educators participated in project-based activities centered on climate change, environmental conservation, and exploring future careers in STEAM fields. The pilot program featured over 12 innovative activities designed to foster creative and critical thinking while enhancing students’ collaboration skills. Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of both local and global environmental issues, empowering them to effectively tackle sustainability and climate change challenges.

The insights gained from the pilot at Lighthouse Private School will be instrumental in shaping future educational initiatives, addressing global educational, social, and environmental challenges.

The EcoSTEAM Project’s primary objective is to disseminate and refine educational content developed during the initiative. Feedback from students and educators will be used to enhance the materials and teaching methods for future implementations. The project also involved primary school students and teachers, creating a holistic educational experience across different age groups.

For more information about the EcoSTEAM Development Project and its initiatives, please visit the website here.

Youth Leaders from Cyprus Inspire Action on Sustainability and Leadership

In the final week before the Christmas break, two youth leaders from Cyprus, Anastasis and Nefeli, conducted workshops promoting sustainability and leadership among high school students. Representing CARDET, they applied the knowledge and skills they had gained during the International Youth Leaders’ Meeting in Malaga, Spain, in October 2024, as part of the EU-funded UxGE project, to deliver impactful sessions at Lykeio Latsion. The workshops engaged 16 students, all aged 17, focusing on two key themes: leadership in environmental action and sustainable consumption.

The first workshop began with an introduction to leadership, highlighting its significance, various types, and examples of green leadership. Students participated in practical activities, including ranking leadership styles and analyzing case studies to identify different leadership approaches in various scenarios.

The second workshop shifted the focus to sustainable consumption. Through an interactive game, students categorized products based on their sustainability. This was followed by a presentation on sustainable shopping practices, which covered criteria for choosing environmentally friendly products and examples of best practices.

Despite it being their first time facilitating workshops, Anastasis and Nefeli excelled in engaging the participants through dynamic presentations and hands-on activities. Their efforts inspired the students to actively participate, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and leadership. This initiative not only demonstrated the potential of youth-led action but also empowered participants to take responsibility for promoting environmental sustainability and leadership in their communities. Anastasis and Nefeli’s dedication and creativity highlighted the critical role of youth leadership in shaping a sustainable future.

These workshops were part of the UxGE Project, which aims to holistically develop youth leaders and stakeholders. By focusing on leadership, critical thinking, sustainability, and environmental awareness, the project strives to create a robust framework for personal and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to cultivate young leaders who are not only aware of environmental challenges but also equipped to lead their communities toward sustainable practices and policies.

Learn more about the UxGE Project, here.

CARDET Supports Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family’s “Secret Santa Supports Shelters” Initiative!

As part of our #twenty4twenty campaign celebrating CARDET’s 20th anniversary, we were honored to contribute to SPAVO’s “Secret Santa Supports Shelters” initiative. This meaningful effort brought joy and essential support to mothers and children in need during the holiday season.

Our team came together to spread festive cheer by donating essentials to bring the warmth of Christmas, and handcrafting heartfelt Christmas cards!

Seeing our community unite to brighten the holidays for those who need it most was truly inspiring. Wishing everyone a joyful and heart-warming holiday season!

CARDET Participates in Teacher’s Day Professional Development Sessions

On December 12, 2024, CARDET actively contributed to the professional development sessions organized as part of the “Teacher’s Day” event for General Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training educators. The event, hosted by the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, served as a platform for sharing innovative practices aimed at improving school environments and supporting educational professionals.

Education is a fundamental pillar of CARDET’s work, and with many years of experience in implementing innovative programs, the organization plays a key role in empowering educators and enhancing the learning experience. As part of the event, CARDET delivered two impactful presentations:

Collegiality and Wellbeing in the School Environment
This session, presented within the frameworks of the COSERE, Ageing Well projects, addressed the importance of fostering collaboration and promoting wellbeing among educators. The sessions were held at Zakaki Gymnasium and Laniteio High School in Limassol. During these sessions, an introduction to positive psychology and the PERMA model, which promotes well-being, was provided. Educators were divided into groups and outlined the profile of the “ideal colleague”. They explored challenges and engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate creative actions aimed at fostering collegiality. These ideas were later presented to the plenary session and their school administration.

Wellbeing in the School Environment through Inclusive Education
This session, drawing from the ACT-Inclusive project, emphasized the principles of inclusive education and the importance of creating supportive, inclusive spaces for both students and teachers. It was held at Ayios Antonios High School in Limassol.

Application of Educational Digital Activities for Climate Change and Sustainable Mobility
Focusing on the enhancement of Education for Sustainable Development and Global Education within the framework of the SMILE Project, this session was presented at Agios Antonios High School in Limassol.

CARDET’s participation underscores its commitment to promoting wellbeing and inclusivity in education, aligning with its broader mission to elevate the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

SDG Navigator Project Concludes, Leaving a Legacy of Sustainable Education and Empowerment

The SDG Navigator Project has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in sustainability education and vocational training. Over the course of its implementation, the project developed innovative tools and resources to empower VET educators, learners, and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to address environmental challenges and lead the green transition.

Key Features of the SDG Navigator Project:

The project’s achievements include the creation of the SDG Navigator Digital Hub and Toolbox (SNDH), a lasting resource for education and entrepreneurship communities. This hub features essential tools such as the Sustainability Changemakers Competences Dictionary (SCCD) and the Sustainability Navigator Learning Path (SNLP), providing a robust foundation for sustainability-focused education.

The SDG Navigator’s impact is demonstrated through the following features:

  • Dynamic Learning Modules: Seven comprehensive stages guide learners through sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial processes, offering a clear path from foundational knowledge to practical business applications.
  • Interactive Learning Resources: Engaging materials such as storytelling, videos, quizzes, and infographics make learning effective and enjoyable.
  • Practical Training Tools: Designed for integration into VET curricula, these tools enable educators to strengthen their students’ sustainability competencies.

Access the Resources:

Explore the SDG Navigator’s Digital Hub and the free resources available on the eLearning platform. These materials will remain accessible for years, ensuring that sustainability education continues to play a pivotal role in the VET sector.

Together, we can inspire and empower the changemakers of tomorrow.

LEADING 2030 Project Concludes with Final TPM and Conference in Dresden, Germany

The LEADING 2030 Project concluded with its final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) and Conference on December 5-6, 2024, in Dresden, Germany. This marked the successful conclusion of a significant initiative aimed at boosting post-pandemic sustainable business practices. The Conference brought together business leaders, consultants, and Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET) professionals to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and showcase its groundbreaking resources for promoting sustainability.

The keynote speech was both compelling and insightful, as were the two presentations featuring practices from local organizations. These presentations sparked lively and engaging discussions among participants. The Final Meeting was highly productive, resulting in a clear plan for completing the remaining tasks necessary to finalize the project.

The LEADING 2030 initiative has been instrumental in upskilling professionals to align business goals with sustainable development and integrate sustainability into key sectors. By focusing on empowering both business consultants and leaders, the project addressed a critical need for sustainable business practices in a rapidly changing world.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the StoryMaps, an innovative digital resource designed to inspire businesses and individuals toward sustainable development. The StoryMaps use a compelling storytelling approach to sustainability, identifying and showcasing best practices from across the participating countries. These digital narratives not only share impactful data, but also map the efforts of organizations committed to the SDGs, offering a wealth of resources and knowledge on actions aligned with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.

The StoryMaps will soon be made available on the  LEADING 2030 WebHub, a platform that houses a wealth of digital tools and resources designed to promote sustainable business transformation. The WebHub has been a central feature throughout the project, offering access to training materials, tools, and other resources to help professionals implement sustainable practices across industries.

As the LEADING 2030 project concludes, its impact continues to resonate across Europe, driving forward a culture of sustainability and providing essential tools to equip future leaders in making sustainability a core business strategy. The project’s legacy promises to influence how businesses approach sustainability in the years to come, contributing to the broader goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Explore more insights about the LEADING 2030 Project here