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Month: December 2024

CARDET 20Years of Community Impact SPAVO

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

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Community Actions.

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

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

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 project closing tools and e-learning platform

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

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

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

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

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

CARDET Participates at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On December 5th, Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager and Researcher at CARDET, delivered a key presentation at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference, organized by the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes (National Agency for Erasmus+ Cyprus). Held in Limassol from December 3-5, the event brought together leading experts from education, vocational training, and industry to discuss strategies for enhancing workforce development through education and training.

In her presentation, titled “Upskilling and Re-skilling the Workforce: The Role of Universities and Adult Education Providers,” Dr. Aristidou showcased the significant outcomes and impact of CARDET’s ongoing Erasmus+ initiatives that are directly shaping the future of adult education. These projects have proven to be key drivers in addressing the ever-growing demand for skill development in today’s rapidly evolving labor market.

Dr. Aristidou highlighted the following projects:

  • RALExILA: This initiative is instrumental in supporting the development of national registries for adult learning, ensuring that educational programs are accessible and aligned with the needs of adult learners across Europe.
  • PartnerUP:  Focused on enhancing partnerships between educational institutions and industry, PartnerUP promotes pathways for upskilling that are responsive to labor market needs and help bridge the skills gap.
  • ADULTDIGITALUP:  This project is empowering the digital skills of adults in Cyprus, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive in an increasingly digital world.
  • JUST4ALL: Promotes a just transition through inclusive lifelong learning.

The conference provided a key opportunity for CARDET to demonstrate its leadership in adult education and workforce development. By showcasing impactful projects like RALExILA, PartnerUP, JUST4ALL, and ADULTDIGITALUP, CARDET highlighted its role in driving meaningful change and fostering the skills necessary for a dynamic workforce. The event also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between education, vocational training, and industry to create a skilled, adaptable workforce for the future.

CODING4KIDS project concludes at Dasoupoli School

Successful Completion of the Coding4Kids Project at Dasoupoli School

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The Coding4Kids project has successfully concluded, with CARDET hosting a closing event on 6th of December at Dasoupoli School in Cyprus. This event marked the culmination of an initiative that has inspired young learners and empowered educators through innovative approaches to teaching coding and programming.

The event highlighted the project’s achievements and showcased its forward-thinking approach to integrating coding into classrooms. Attendees were introduced to the project’s scope and objectives, emphasizing the value of applying coding concepts to real-life scenarios to foster a deep understanding of programming.

Key Highlights of the Event:

  1. Educational Resources: A demonstration of the interactive platform, featuring engaging lessons and supplementary activities for students, along with structured and user-friendly materials to support teachers.
  2. Skill Development for Educators: Practical guidance on overcoming challenges in teaching programming, coupled with strategies to inspire creativity and problem-solving skills in young learners.
  3. Project Goals and Vision: Insights into how educators can sustain the enthusiasm for coding beyond the classroom and continue fostering a culture of innovation.

The Coding4Kids partners are committed to building on the project’s success by providing practical, engaging tools for educators and students alike.

Find out more about the project here.

benefit project concludes last newsletter

Benefit Project Concludes with the Release of the Final Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The BENEFIT project has successfully concluded, marking a pioneering initiative designed to empower youth workers and young individuals in enhancing mental well-being and resilience.

Throughout the project’s duration, partners developed two key resources: a Toolkit and a Training Package. These resources offered practical, accessible strategies to support mental health, resilience-building, and employability. A standout feature of the BENEFIT project was its collaborative, evidence-based approach, which culminated in the creation of an interactive e-learning platform, ensuring lasting accessibility and impact. This platform aims to continue serving youth workers and young people, supporting their personal and professional growth.

To learn more about the project’s outcomes and access these valuable resources, check out our latest newsletter.

Article at Politis for the 20 years of CARDET

CARDET: 20 Χρόνια Καινοτομίας και Κοινωνικής Συμβολής μέσω της Εκπαίδευσης

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Media Highlights.

Το Ερευνητικό Κέντρο CARDET γιορτάζει φέτος την 20ή επέτειο από την ίδρυσή του, έχοντας διαγράψει μια πορεία γεμάτη επιτυχίες και καινοτόμες δράσεις. Σε αυτά τα 20 χρόνια, έχει να επιδείξει πολυδιάστατο έργο σε τοπικό και διεθνές επίπεδο που το έχει καθιερώσει ως έναν από τους κορυφαίους οργανισμούς στην Κύπρο και τη Νοτιοανατολική Μεσόγειο. Από το 2004, το CARDET παραμένει πιστό στο όραμά του να ενισχύει την κοινωνία μέσω της εκπαίδευσης, της καινοτομίας και της δια βίου μάθησης.

Η ίδρυση του CARDET στηρίχθηκε στην πεποίθηση ότι η εκπαίδευση μπορεί να αποτελέσει καταλυτικό παράγοντα αλλαγής. Στη βάση αυτής της πεποίθησης και στηριζόμενος σε ένα σύνολο αξιών καθώς και στην εμπειρία της ομάδας του, ο οργανισμός εργάζεται για να προσφέρει πρωτοποριακά εργαλεία και λύσεις που ενισχύουν την κοινωνική συνοχή και την ευημερία. Παράλληλα, κινείται με εξωστρέφεια, ακεραιότητα και διαφάνεια αναπτύσσοντας στρατηγικές συνεργασίες με κορυφαίους οργανισμούς και ιδρύματα παγκοσμίως, όπως η Microsoft, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, η UNICEF και το Yale School of Public Health. Μέσα από αυτές τις συνεργασίες, το CARDET επεκτείνει διαρκώς τη τεχνογνωσία και τις δραστηριότητες του έχοντας εδραιώσει την παρουσία του σε περισσότερες από 40 χώρες, επηρεάζοντας θετικά τις ζωές πάνω από τρία εκατομμύρια ανθρώπων παγκοσμίως.

Η δράση του CARDET εκτείνεται σε διάφορους τομείς, όπως η εκπαίδευση, τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, η κοινωνική ένταξη, η ψηφιακή μάθηση, η υγεία, η επιχειρηματικότητα και η βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη. Κατανοώντας τις σύγχρονες προκλήσεις, το CARDET δημιουργεί και υλοποιεί καινοτόμα προγράμματα που προσφέρουν λύσεις σε κοινωνικά ζητήματα και προωθούν την πρόοδο. Παράλληλα, διαδραματίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην προώθηση της τεχνολογίας στην εκπαίδευση, με προγράμματα όπως η εκπαιδευτική ρομποτική, η Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη και η εικονική πραγματικότητα, προετοιμάζοντας τους μαθητές για τις προκλήσεις του 21ου αιώνα.

Εξίσου σημαντική είναι η συμβολή του CARDET στην κοινωνική ένταξη των μεταναστών, προσφέροντάς τους τα απαραίτητα εργαλεία και δεξιότητες για να επιτύχουν την ομαλή ενσωμάτωσή τους στις κοινωνίες υποδοχής. Αυτή η πολυδιάστατη προσέγγιση καθιστά το CARDET ηγέτη στον τομέα της κοινωνικής και εκπαιδευτικής ένταξης, τόσο στην Κύπρο όσο και διεθνώς.

Η καινοτομία αποτελεί βασικό μέρος της στρατηγικής του CARDET. Μέσα από τη συνεχή ανάπτυξη νέων εκπαιδευτικών εργαλείων και τη χρήση προηγμένων τεχνολογιών, το Κέντρο προσαρμόζεται στις μεταβαλλόμενες ανάγκες της κοινωνίας και της εκπαίδευσης. Με την ολοκλήρωση περισσότερων από 400 έργων σε διάφορες χώρες, το CARDET έχει δημιουργήσει ένα ισχυρό δίκτυο που ενισχύει το έργο του.

Όπως δήλωσε ο Εκτελεστικός Διευθυντής του CARDET, Καθηγητής Χαράλαμπος Βρασίδας: «Το CARDET ξεκίνησε με το όραμα να προάγει την εκπαίδευση ως δύναμη θετικής αλλαγής. Είκοσι χρόνια μετά, είμαι περήφανος που έχουμε μετατρέψει αυτό το όραμα σε πραγματικότητα, με σημαντικό θετικό αντίκτυπο». Αυτή η φιλοσοφία συνεχούς ανανέωσης και ανάπτυξης αποτελεί το κλειδί για την επιτυχημένη πορεία του οργανισμού.

Τα πρώτα 20 χρόνια του CARDET έχουν θέσει ισχυρές βάσεις για το μέλλον, με το Κέντρο να προγραμματίζει την ενίσχυση της παρουσίας του σε πανευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο και να προάγει την καινοτομία στην εκπαίδευση. Τα επόμενα χρόνια αναμένονται δυναμικά, με νέες συνεργασίες και πρωτοβουλίες που θα συμβάλλουν στην κοινωνική πρόοδο. Με αφορμή την 20ή επέτειό του, το CARDET εισάγει επίσης την πρωτοβουλία “Twenty4Twenty,” που περιλαμβάνει εθελοντικές δράσεις για την ενίσχυση της κοινότητας, επιβεβαιώνοντας τη δέσμευσή του να επενδύει στην κοινωνία και να λειτουργεί ως καταλύτης για εκπαιδευτική και κοινωνική πρόοδο.

Βρείτε περισσότερες πληροφορίες στην ιστοσελίδα μας: www.cardet.org

*Συνέντευξη στον Πολίτη

Final Event of the Include-Ce Project Online

INCLUDE-CE Project Final Event: Empowering Communities through Digital Literacy and Circular Economy

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

On December 2nd, an inspiring online event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the intersection of migrant youth, ethnic minorities, and the Circular Economy. Hosted as part of the Inclusion and Digital Empowerment through Circular Economy (INCLUDE-CE) Project, the event was a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue and showcasing innovative tools to empower migrant and ethnic minority communities.

Attendees gained insights into practical strategies for active online job searching and learned about the pivotal role of digital skills in building inclusive communities aligned with Circular Economy principles. The event emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a digitally-driven world.

A standout feature was the unveiling of a cutting-edge E-learning platform, now available in six languages, including Arabic. This platform offers:

  • A professional area for those working with youth.
  • A youth area with free educational resources to support active online job searching.
  • A free, open-access training program covering critical topics such as internet safety, computer literacy, and effective job-searching techniques.

The event highlighted two comprehensive training courses, showcasing how digital literacy can empower individuals and promote sustainability. Engaging presentations and dynamic discussions encouraged participants to share insights, experiences, and ideas to strengthen inclusion and digital empowerment.

The success of this event marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and empowered society. The collaborative spirit and innovative resources reaffirm the transformative potential of digital literacy for individuals and communities.

Learn more about INCLUDE-CE Project here

Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Projects & Initiatives, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

The project Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus, funded by the European Commission via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, aims to improve the mental health and resilience of young people in Cyprus. It addresses the significant mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected young people, particularly those in vulnerable groups. The research activities of the project are coordinated by CARDET.

The project has been submitted to the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and has obtained the necessary approval. The project focuses on developing youth-friendly mental health promotion and prevention services at the municipal level, co-designed with young people to ensure their voices are integral to the process. Key objectives include creating a youth engagement framework, strengthening community-based mental health services, and providing capacity-building for service providers. It also supports the development of a National Mental Health Strategy in Cyprus, aligning with international best practices and fostering a sustainable, inclusive approach to mental health for young people.