Skip to main content

Month: February 2025

UST project partners meeting in Sweden

UST Project Partners Advance Sustainable Tourism Efforts in Falköping, Sweden

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News. 1 Comment on UST Project Partners Advance Sustainable Tourism Efforts in Falköping, Sweden

Another significant milestone was achieved as the UST project’s partners recently met in Falköping, Sweden, for a dynamic transnational meeting. The gathering provided an essential platform for partners to discuss the piloting testing cycle, sharing valuable insights on successes, challenges, and areas for refinement.

A key highlight of the meeting was a stakeholders’ engagement workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration within local tourism ecosystems. Partners explored strategies to foster effective partnerships, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact. Additionally, an excursion to Naturum Hornborgasjön offered participants firsthand exposure to sustainable tourism practices, enriching their understanding and informing the project’s ongoing recommendations.

Significant progress was also made in finalizing the Toolbox for Sustainable Tourism, a critical resource designed to support VET trainers, local authorities, and tourism professionals in implementing sustainable tourism practices. Furthermore, partners outlined plans for the development of the project handbook, as well as dissemination activities to maximize outreach and engagement.

As the UST project advances, partners remain dedicated to refining resources, raising awareness, and fostering sustainable tourism development. With continued collaboration and commitment, the project aims to create lasting positive change within the tourism sector.

Find out more about the project here.

EcoSTEAM Project Webinar: Sustainability in Education and Exploring Innovative Approaches to Ecological Literacy in Schools

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM Project hosted a highly engaging and insightful webinar on Friday, 21 February 2025, as part of its ongoing Erasmus+ funded initiative to enhance STEAM education and promote environmental sustainability among secondary school students across Europe.

Titled “Sustainability in Education: Exploring Innovative Approaches to Ecological Literacy in Primary and Secondary Schools”, the webinar gathered 75 participants to explore diverse strategies for integrating sustainability into educational practices. The event facilitated thought-provoking discussions on how ecological literacy can be fostered through interdisciplinary learning and innovative pedagogical approaches.

The session opened with a welcome and introduction by Ms. Eleni Siaili, CARDET STEAM Education Researcher and Project Manager, who outlined the project’s goals, mission, and impact. Following this, a distinguished panel of experts delivered insightful presentations:

  • “STEM+ for Sustainability in Education: The Role of ESD in Professional Development” – Ms. Efstathia Dareiou, Unit of Education for Environmental and Sustainable Development (MEPAA), Ministry of Education
  • “Investing in Future Generations for Cyprus’ Environmental Protection” – Ms. Sophia Matsi, Executive Director, Cyprus Environment Foundation
  • “Enhancing Marine Environmental Awareness through Creative Arts” – Ms. Rebecca Katsari, Educator & Program Designer, Enalia Physis
  • “Environmental Education: Challenge and Opportunity” – Ms. Efi Xanthou, Secretary-General, Cyprus Green Political Party “Oikologoi”
  • “Precious Plastic: Turning Environmental Threats into Global Opportunities” – Mr. Alexandros Ioannou Pelleties, Founder, Precious Plastic Cyprus
  • “Sustainable Waste Management in Vocational Education: The GROWS Example” – Ms. Markella Papanikolaou, CARDET Environmental Education Researcher & Project Manager
  • “Interdisciplinary STEAM Approaches for Sustainability: From Geography Education to Environmental Innovation” – Mr. Christos Procopiou, CARDET Environmental & STEAM Education Researcher

The event concluded with a reflective session, highlighting the need for sustained collaboration between educators, researchers, and policymakers to advance global environmental and educational goals. The insights gained from this webinar will serve as a foundation for future EcoSTEAM initiatives, reinforcing the project’s vision of a greener, scientifically engaged Europe.

The EcoSTEAM Project is committed to cultivating a new generation of environmentally aware citizens equipped with the scientific knowledge and skills to address global challenges. Through collaborative pilot programs and ongoing research, the project seeks to deepen the impact of STEAM education on student performance, fostering both scientific citizenship and sustainable lifestyles.

🔗 Learn more about the EcoSTEAM Project: https://ecosteamdevelopment.com/

Successful Piloting of COSERE e-Learning Platform and CDP Course and Resources Paves the Way for Enhanced Collegiality in Schools

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

Between November and December 2024, the COSERE project held successful piloting sessions for its e-Learning Platform and CDP Course and Resources. These sessions provided CARDET with a valuable opportunity to support educators’ professional development and promote a more collaborative school environment. It marked a significant milestone for COSERE, a project committed to bridging gaps in collegial support among school educators and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their daily practices.

In the months of November and December 2024, pilot sessions were attended by 15 school leaders, vice-principles, subject co-ordinators, mentors, educators, etc., who actively participated in collegial support-based activities. Participants explored the COSERE e-Learning Platform, which features a self-paced micro-learning course on Collegial Support.

The course comprises three modules focused on fostering collaboration and mutual support among school staff, along with six mini-scenarios designed to simulate real-life situations in training. These resources aim to enhance the learning experience and encourage collegiality within schools. Feedback from participants on the training modules and mini-scenarios proved valuable for refining the platform ahead of its official launch.

With the successful completion of these pilot sessions, CARDET is proud to play a leading role in shaping a future where collegiality is central to professional development in education.

Learn more about the project here and stay tuned for the upcoming launch of the e-Learning platform. 

New TINKER Framework Promotes Authentic and Inclusive Informatics Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A new initiative is set to transform informatics education for students aged 10-14 with the launch of the TINKER framework, a comprehensive approach designed to teach and assess informatics in an authentic and gender-inclusive way.

The framework outlines key informatics topics, provides age-appropriate learning outcomes, and integrates authentic learning principles. It also promotes gender-inclusive teaching and assessment practices, ensuring every student feels represented and empowered in their learning journey.

At the heart of TINKER is a robust Toolkit featuring 108 engaging learning scenarios. These carefully crafted scenarios help students develop essential informatics competencies while aligning with the national curricula of each partner country. 

🔹 View the TINKER Framework and Toolkit here.

🔹 Explore the Learning Scenarios here.

By bridging the gap between theory and practice, TINKER not only equips young learners with vital digital skills but also fosters a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. This initiative marks a significant step toward preparing the next generation for the ever-evolving world of technology.

Learn more about the TINKER Project by visiting the website here.

Green Up Yourself Project Empowers Scouts with Green Entrepreneurship Skills

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Saturday, February 22, the 279 Airforce Scout System in Larnaca hosted the final milestone event of the Green Up Yourself project in celebration of International Scout Day. The project aims to enhance entrepreneurship and employability among young people in rural areas across Europe by fostering green skills and entrepreneurial training.

During the event, scout students participated in a debate on key topics such as Green Entrepreneurship, the Green Economy, the Circular Economy, and Ecotourism. Their insightful discussions demonstrated a strong awareness of environmental challenges and highlighted potential solutions for sustainable development in their communities.

Following the debate, students used recycled materials to create unique pieces of art, reinforcing the importance of resourcefulness and sustainable practices. This creative activity aligned with the project’s goal of developing practical green skills that support broader EU priorities, including the European Green Deal, the Europe 2020 Strategy, and the Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions action plan.

The event concluded with team-building activities designed to enhance strategic thinking and collaboration—essential skills for future green entrepreneurs. Equipped with the necessary tools, scouts worked together to overcome challenges, reflecting the collective effort needed to build a more sustainable future.

The success of the event underscored the Green Up Yourself project’s impact in inspiring the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders, ready to drive positive change across Europe.

More information regarding the Green Up Yourself Project can be found here.

GIFTLED Project Concludes, Advancing STEAM Education for Gifted Students

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The GIFTLED Project has successfully concluded, aiming to support gifted students in STEAM education by developing innovative methods and resources for educators. The project introduced digital and augmented reality tools to better engage gifted learners and address their unique educational needs.

GIFTLED provided professional development for teachers through a comprehensive handbook covering giftedness, STEAM education, the “Learning by Design” approach, and the GIFTLED Method. Additionally, an augmented reality case studies brochure was created, illustrating how AR applications can be used in specific learning scenarios.

The project also produced Toolkit Introduction Videos (TIVs) for each digital and augmented reality application used in STEAM disciplines. These videos highlight application features and demonstrate their integration into STEAM education through the “Learning by Design” approach. Furthermore, a curriculum was developed to showcase how the GIFTLED Method can promote the inclusion and education of gifted and talented students in STEAM subjects.

Research shows that gifted students benefit from specialized educational methods that both include them in learning activities and nurture their talents. Experts emphasize that meeting the educational needs of gifted learners can help them excel in school and contribute meaningfully to society. The GIFTLED project addresses this by creating targeted educational methods and resources that empower students to transform their knowledge into creative educational products.

Moreover, training in the “Learning by Design” approach and the toolkit for digital and virtual applications enhances teachers’ pedagogical skills. This equips them to lead teaching activities where students actively build and design their knowledge using digital and augmented reality tools.

The project’s outcomes will continue to support educators and schools in fostering inclusive, dynamic STEAM learning environments.

Learn more about the GIFTLED Project here

DATAGAME project release of e-brochure Empowering Adult Educators in Data Privacy

DATA GAME Project Releases the E-Brochure for Empowering Adult Educators in Data Privacy

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The EU Funded Project, DATA GAME is excited to announce the release of the E-Brochure, a valuable resource designed to help adult educators navigate the complexities of data protection and GDPR compliance.

In an era where digital security is essential, this e-brochure provides practical insights, best practices, and interactive tools to strengthen data privacy awareness in adult education. More specifically it includes

  • Clear and Practical Guidance on how to manage, store, and protect data effectively.
  • Simplified GDPR Compliance to better understand regulations with easy-to-follow explanations.
  • Real-World Case Studies and how institutions successfully address data privacy challenges.
  • Cutting-Edge Tools & Trends to help you be updated with the latest advancements in digital security.
  • Interactive Learning and engaging quizzes and exercises to enhance your understanding.

Download the E-Brochure here.

About the DATA GAME Project

DATA GAME is an EU-funded project dedicated to enhancing data protection skills in adult education. It equips educators and institutions with the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard personal data, comply with GDPR, and build a safer digital learning environment. Through innovative training resources, real-world case studies, and interactive learning experiences, DATA GAME aims to make data privacy accessible and actionable for adult educators across Europe.

Stay tuned for more updates from the DATA GAME project as it will continue to build a safer digital future!

Young Minds Matter: Launch Event of the Research Report to Strengthen Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Children and Young People

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Mental Health Services for Young People

Mental health is a critical pillar of well-being, particularly for young people navigating the challenges of today’s world. Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced mental health support in Cyprus, key stakeholders, policymakers, and youth representatives gathered for a pivotal event to launch the research report of the “Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus” project, funded by the European Union.

This event took place on February 20, 2025, at the UNESCO Amphitheatre, University of Nicosia, and was organized by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, with invaluable support from CARDET and the Cyprus Youth Council. The event underscored the urgent need for improved youth mental health services, focusing on identifying actionable solutions to address existing gaps. It featured high-level discussions, the presentation of key research findings, and a multi-stakeholder panel dedicated to shaping future policy and practice.

The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. Evagoras Tambouris, Director of Nursing Services Administration at the Ministry of Health (MoH), who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mr. Michael Damianos. He outlined the government’s strategic vision for youth mental health in Cyprus. This was followed by a keynote presentation from Mr. Alexandros Tifas, a representative of the Ministry of Health, who elaborated on youth mental health challenges and the strategic goals of the initiative. Additionally, Ms. Oana Dumitrescu, Policy Officer at the European Commission, delivered a keynote address, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.

Following these addresses, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director of CARDET, and Ms. Anahit Minassian from UNICEF presented the key findings from the research report, “Young Minds Matter: Mental Health Support for Youth and Children in Cyprus.” The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of mental health services for children and young people in Cyprus, highlights existing challenges, and offers targeted policy recommendations for improvement.

A panel discussion titled “Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Health: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Action” followed, moderated by Ms. Diamando Zisimopoulou from the Cyprus Youth Council. The panel featured distinguished experts and policymakers, including:

  • Ms. Poly Gregora, Mental Health Expert by Experience
  • Ms. Maria Miltiadou, Deputy Executive Director of ONEK
  • Ms. Maria Peyioti, House of Youth Representatives
  • Mr. Alexandros Tifas, Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Soulla Ioannou, Representative of the Ministry of Education

The panel explored key challenges in youth mental health, discussed policy recommendations, and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping mental health strategies.

As concerns over youth mental health continue to grow, this event served as a crucial platform for cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, it aimed to drive meaningful action and ensure that young people’s voices are central to mental health policy development.

The full report is available here: https://shorturl.at/bWhGO

You can re-watch the live-streamed event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcTvnr5ls5Y

PartnerUP: Pioneering New Pathways to Lifelong Learning in Europe

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The PartnerUp Project has successfully concluded, delivering innovative strategies to enhance the implementation of Upskilling Pathways and foster lifelong learning opportunities for adults across Europe. This collaborative initiative aligns with the European Union’s 2016 Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, which addresses the pressing need to equip individuals with foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, alongside broader competencies that lead to secondary qualifications or their equivalent.

In support of the EU’s 2025 target to raise adult education participation to 47%, the project engaged over 1,000 stakeholders, promoting policy recommendations and collaboration to enhance adult learners’ skills, career prospects, and social participation.

Photo: PartnerUP Kick off Meeting in Croatia

The project addressed challenges faced by adults with low basic skills, such as limited job opportunities, poverty, and reduced societal involvement. It developed strategies to increase participation in adult education through stakeholder engagement, peer learning, and comprehensive analyses to identify gaps and opportunities in education.

Key outcomes include the creation of implementation plans and cooperation mechanisms, ensuring long-term impact in the field of adult learning.

Key Activities and Achievements

  1. Stakeholder Analysis Reports
    The project began with in-depth research to identify gaps and opportunities in adult education across partner countries. Over 760 stakeholders were involved in consultations, peer learning activities, and analysis, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders. These reports shed light on the challenges faced by adults with low qualifications and highlighted best practices to support their inclusion in learning opportunities. Effective strategies for reaching and engaging underserved groups were identified, ensuring that no one was left behind.
  2. Development Groups
    A series of consultations from 7 partner EU countries, known as Development Groups, brought together stakeholders from policymaking, education, and community organizations. These discussions fostered trust and collaboration, leading to improved approaches for implementing Upskilling Pathways and ensuring adult learners received the necessary support to advance their skills and qualifications.
  3. Implementation Plans & Road Maps
    Based on insights of the stakeholder analyses and Development Groups from 7 partner countries and the EU level, the project developed strategic roadmaps to establish innovative cooperation mechanisms. These Implementation Plans aim to sustain the impact of project activities, promoting long-term engagement in adult learning and ensuring the continued success of Upskilling Pathways.
  4. Study Visits and Peer Learning Activities
    PartnerUp organized 8 study visits (face-to-face & online) and peer learning sessions, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among partner countries, in which more than 200 participants got engaged. These activities provided valuable insights into effective strategies for engaging adult learners and fostered stronger relationships among stakeholders, promoting shared solutions to common challenges.
  5. The Virtual Map
    A major achievement of the project is the creation of the Virtual Map, an interactive online repository containing project findings, reports, and summaries. Accessible via each partner country’s flag, this tool offers stakeholders and policymakers a wealth of resources to enhance adult learning across Europe. Explore the Virtual Map at partnerup-project.eu/virtual-map/.
Photo: PartnerUP Project Study Visit in Cyprus

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

The success of PartnerUp was made possible through the collaboration of a diverse consortium of organizations across Europe, including:

  • European Association for the Education of Adults (Belgium)
  • CARDET (Cyprus)
  • Latvian Adult Education Association & State Education Development Agency (Latvia)
  • AONTAS (Ireland)
  • European University Continuing Education Network (Belgium)
  • Agency for Vocational Education & Training and Adult Education Institution Dante (Croatia)
  • ASOCIATIA EURO ADULT EDUCATION (Romania)
  • Hellenic Adult Education Association (Greece)
  • FORMA.Azione (Italy)
Photo: PartnerUP Final Conference in Brussels

Through cross-border collaboration and actionable strategies, PartnerUp contributed significantly to the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, reinforcing key priorities of the European Skills Agenda and the Renewed Agenda for Adult Learning. This initiative has laid a solid foundation for inclusive, lifelong learning systems that empower adult learners across Europe.

Discover how PartnerUp is shaping the future of adult education at https://partnerup-project.eu/.

FutoutiSME Project Transnational Partner Meeting

FuTOURiSME Transnational Project Meeting in Madrid: Advancing the Future of Twin Tourism for Tourism

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News. No Comments on FuTOURiSME Transnational Project Meeting in Madrid: Advancing the Future of Twin Tourism for Tourism

Last week, on February 13-14, 2025, the fuTOURiSME consortium gathered in Madrid for a pivotal Transnational Project Meeting, marking significant progress in the project’s mission to drive the twin -digital and sustainable– transition in the tourism sector. The two-day event brought together partners from across Italy, Greece, France, Cyprus, Germany and Spain to discuss key milestones, future strategies, and the soon available results of the fuTOURiSME Open Call.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

The discussions in Madrid centered around the following crucial aspects of the project:

✅ Compendium of Best Practices – Partners reviewed the structure and content of the digital compendium to be prepared within the framework of the project, a valuable resource compiling lessons learned in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, as well as useful tools for capacity building of SMEs.

✅ e-Platform Development & Training – The team advanced plans for the digital learning platform, which will offer e-courses and coaching for tourism SMEs looking to implement sustainable practices.

✅ fuTOURiSME Open Call & Piloting – A major highlight was the finalization of the Open Call evaluation, where selected SMEs were presented. The contractual process and implementation guidelines were also outlined, ensuring a smooth transition to the piloting phase. Results will be published very soon.

✅ Sustainability Certification Pathway – The meeting explored the self-assessment tools and steps needed to support SMEs in achieving sustainability certifications.

✅ Dissemination & Communication – A dedicated session focused on strategies to maximize the impact of fuTOURiSME and promote engagement with our audience through outreach strategies and tactics.

What’s Next?

With the selection of SMEs for the Open Call now complete and available very soon, the next phase of the project will focus on implementing pilot actions, refining the training platform, and preparing businesses for long-term sustainability transitions. The anticipation is high as we move closer to seeing the real impact of the project in supporting tourism SMEs across Europe.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates and success stories as we embark on the next phase of fuTOURiSME!