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Month: May 2025

From Theory To Practice – Why Testing the MILES Training Matters?

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

Now that the MILES platform is live and available in all partner languages, the project has entered a crucial new phase: piloting the training course with teachers and teacher trainees across Europe. But what exactly is the value of this testing phase, and why do we place such emphasis on it?

Piloting is about more than just ticking a box in project development. It’s where we transition from theory to practice, where our meticulously designed modules align with the practical needs and experiences of educators in diverse classrooms. It’s an essential step that ensures the training is pedagogically sound, practical, engaging and adaptable to different educational contexts.

Throughout the MILES piloting phase, participants explore five key modules covering everything from understanding disinformation to building robust media literacy practices. As they engage with the materials, however, they also provide us with something equally important: feedback. Their feedback helps us to understand what is working well, what needs refining and how the training can be improved to better support teachers and learners.

To support the pilot, we have also introduced a self-assessment tool that enables participants to reflect on their current level of media literacy. This tool tailors their learning experience and provides valuable insights into the varying levels of knowledge and awareness among educators. You can try the English version here: MILES Media Literacy Assessment.

This real-time testing phase will inform the final version of the training and prepare us for the next exciting steps.

–        Co-designed workshops with students

–        Workshops to further explore media literacy in youth environments

–        Flipped classroom sessions involving teachers and families

Piloting is important because it brings us closer to the people who will use and benefit from the training. It helps us to listen, adapt and grow. Ultimately, it ensures that the MILES course has a lasting impact in the places that matter most: classrooms, schools and communities.

Are you curious about our training or eager to get involved? Reach out to us here: Contact Us

Together, let’s shape a future of critical and confident media users.

For more information about the project, visit the official website: MILES Project.

20years cardet testimonial stakeholders

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact with Key Partners! 

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in 20 years, 20 Years of Impact.

At CARDET, inclusion in education isn’t just a goal—it’s a priority. Our partnership with University College Dublin reflects this shared commitment as we work together to empower students and educators through transformative digital innovations and impactful research.

Aligned with UCD’s Strategy to 2030, our collaboration is built on the values of integrity, collegiality, inclusion, creativity, and excellence. Together, we champion “Science for Good,” ensuring that research and education drive meaningful societal change.

A special thank you to Professor Eleni Mangina, Vice Principal International, College of Science, UCD, for her inspiring words and for being an integral part of our journey. Here’s to many more years of innovation and impact!

Successful Event in Cyprus Highlights Pathway to a Skilled Offshore Renewable Energy Workforce

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On May 27, 2025, the University of Cyprus hosted a forward-looking and collaborative event titled “BUILDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE IN OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY”, gathering educators, industry leaders and experts, students, and policymakers to co-create actionable strategies for workforce development in the growing offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector.

Held at the UCY Library “Stelios Ioannou” and streamed online, the event was structured into two interactive sessions:

The Co-Design Session (10:00–12:00) focused on identifying current gaps and opportunities across education and training systems. Key discussion areas included:

  • Assessing how vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) programmes align with ORE industry needs
  • Identifying skill gaps and potential areas for industry-academia collaboration
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of current teaching methods, including experiential and digital learning tools
  • Proposing improvements to training methods to better prepare learners
  • Exploring student career interest and engagement with ORE pathways
  • Addressing preparedness gaps and the support mechanisms needed to guide students into ORE careers.

The Workshop Session (12:00–14:15) transitioned the conversation toward strategic implementation and collaboration. Key themes included:

  • Aligning curricula with rapidly evolving technologies and industry requirements
  • Addressing immediate skill gaps through flexible, targeted training approaches
  • Enhancing student engagement via real-world interaction with industry stakeholders
  • Identifying key stakeholders essential for roadmap development and implementation
  • Exploring types of partnerships that can support long-term collaboration
  • Developing strategies to engage stakeholders across sectors
  • Ensuring the sustainability of collaborations through institutional and policy support

By integrating insights from both academic and industry spheres, this event marked a crucial step toward equipping future professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the offshore renewable energy sector.

Race for the Cure 2025

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Community Actions.

🎗 To CARDET στο Race for the Cure Cyprus 2025!

Κάθε χρόνο, στην Ευρώπη, 500.000 άνθρωποι διαγιγνώσκονται με καρκίνο του μαστού, ενώ καταγράφονται 125.000 θάνατοι από αυτή την αιτία!

Την Κυριακή, 25 Μαΐου, ομάδα εθελοντών του CARDET συμμετείχε δυναμικά σε έναν συμβολικό περίπατο και αγώνα δρόμου, στη μεγαλύτερη αθλητική εκδήλωση στην Ευρώπη, αφιερωμένη στην πρόληψη και στον αγώνα κατά του καρκίνου του μαστού!

Η ετήσια φιλανθρωπική, αθλητική εκδήλωση Race for the Cure, που διοργανώνει η Europa Donna Cyprus, φιλοξενήθηκε φέτος στο Αθλητικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου και υποστηρίζει έμπρακτα οργανισμούς και νοσοκομεία που δραστηριοποιούνται στον αγώνα κατά του καρκίνου του μαστού, συμβάλλοντας στη συγκέντρωση πόρων και στην ευαισθητοποίηση του κοινού.

📍 Με αφορμή τα 20 χρόνια λειτουργίας του CARDET και στο πλαίσιο της καμπάνιας κοινωνικής προσφοράς μας #twenty4twenty, ενώσαμε τα βήματά μας με χιλιάδες συνανθρώπους μας για έναν σκοπό που μας αφορά όλους!

Μαζί, στείλαμε περήφανα ένα δυνατό μήνυμα ελπίδας και αλληλεγγύης! 💗

#CARDET #RFTC2025 #RaceForTheCureCyprus #EuropaDonnaCyprus #ThinkPink

Civic Champions Consortium Convenes in Palermo for Key Transnational Project Meeting

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Civic Champions consortium successfully held its Mid-Term Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) in Palermo, Italy, on the 22nd and 23rd of May 2025. The two-day event brought together partners from across Europe to reflect on the project’s progress and set the stage for the next phase of implementation, aimed at protecting civic space and supporting civil society actors across the EU.

The meeting focused on reviewing the overall advancement of the project, which seeks to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists defending human rights and democratic values. A key topic of discussion was the development of a regional monitoring tool designed to collect data on physical, verbal, and cyberattacks targeting CSOs and NGOs. This tool will be deployed in the coming months in Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Cyprus, serving as both a reporting mechanism and an instrument for raising public awareness.

During the first day of the meeting, CARDET presented its progress on Work Package 5, dedicated to raising public awareness about the threats facing civic space. The presentation highlighted the Civic Champions Days initiative, which has already demonstrated significant impact in engaging communities and promoting active citizenship. Discussions also covered the project’s growing digital footprint, including social media engagement and news dissemination strategies. Looking ahead, partners began preparations for the final stages of the project, with the closing event scheduled to take place in April 2026 in Brussels.

The second day was dedicated to the Research and Management Committee Meeting. Key administrative and financial matters were reviewed to ensure smooth coordination across work packages and partner organisations.

The Palermo meeting marked an important milestone for the Civic Champions project, reinforcing a shared commitment to safeguarding civic freedoms and supporting grassroots activism in an increasingly challenging environment.

The Civic Champions project aims to strengthen democratic values and civic participation in Southern Europe by enhancing the capacity of civil society actors to become active agents in addressing and reversing the phenomenon of shrinking civic space.

Learn more about the project by visiting its website: https://cardet.org/civic-champions/

digital harmony EU project logo

Digital Harmony: Bridging Generations for Well-being in Education

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

The project aims at addressing digital well-being in school communities by incorporating intergenerational learning as a core element.

The project will:

  • Create a positive and inclusive digital learning experience.
  • Test the theory of intergenerational learning by engaging students and older adults in collaborative activities designed to enhance digital well-being and skills
  • Support “evidence-informed policy” within the context of digital education in Europe.
  • Empower young people while ensuring their safety and mental health in online spaces.
  • Enhance digital literacy among students and senior adults
  • Promote online safety and responsible digital behavior.

Foster intergenerational support and digital well-being through after-school projects.

CARDET Participates in Final GreenYOU Meeting and Conference in Lithuania

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET was pleased to participate in the final partner meeting and conference of the GreenYOU project, held in Klaipėda, Lithuania, on 19–20 May 2025. The event marked the conclusion of a successful initiative aimed at empowering young people for the green transition through targeted skill development and awareness-raising activities.

On 19 May, partners gathered at the KVK Faculty of Technology to wrap up the project. Discussions focused on finalizing the project’s deliverables, sustainability planning, and the quality assurance and impact strategy. CARDET led the session on the project’s Quality Assurance and Impact Plan, reaffirming the importance of evaluation in maximizing long-term outcomes and ensuring the replicability of results.

The Final Conference took place on 20 May and was hosted at KVK. The event featured an engaging programme of presentations from project partners and invited speakers, including:

  • “Green You: Enhancing Youth Employability during the Green Transition”
  • “Green Skills for Youth: Challenges and Opportunities in the Job Market”
  • “Green Projects in Action”
  • “Building a Green Future: Youth and Environmental Skills Development in Lithuania”
  • “Environmental Awareness in Social Work: Integrating Green Competences”

The conference showcased innovative approaches and shared experiences on how young people can play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future. CARDET remains committed to supporting youth empowerment and contributing to the green transformation across Europe.

GreenYOU is an innovative project focused on promoting climate action and enhancing the employability of young people during the green transition. The project developed Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) designed to equip young individuals with the skills and competencies needed to actively engage with climate-related challenges. These MOOCs covered a variety of climate action topics and served as accessible learning resources. The project also featured interactive tools, including augmented reality technology, digital escape rooms, and animated videos.

Additionally, GreenYOU designed a dedicated Green Curriculum for youth workers, aimed at building their capacity to mentor and guide young people in developing green skills and key competences. By empowering youth workers, the project seeks to create a strong support network capable of inspiring and guiding young individuals on their path to a sustainable future.

Learn more about the Green You Project here.

ACT-INCLUSIVE Hosts Inspiring Event to Celebrate Inclusion and Diversity

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The ACT-INCLUSIVE project marked a significant milestone with a vibrant and inspiring Inclusive Day celebration on May 17th at the Municipality of Strovolos, Nicosia. The event brought together educators, students, and community members to honour the project’s progress and celebrate its impact so far.

The celebration provided a meaningful space to reflect on ACT-INCLUSIVE’s journey and its growing influence in promoting inclusive education. A highlight of the day was the launch of the project’s comic book, a creative and engaging tool designed to spark conversations about inclusion and encourage personal reflection among participants.

The event also featured an Art Contest on the theme “Inclusive Education”, showcasing imaginative and thought-provoking artworks by students from Agios Antonios High School. These pieces offered powerful interpretations of inclusion, developed through the students’ involvement in ACT-INCLUSIVE workshops.

ACT-INCLUSIVE continues to empower students with disabilities, their allies, classmates, teachers, and school staff by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to become actors of change. The project promotes social inclusion and diversity within school education by working to remove barriers and foster inclusive attitudes throughout entire school communities.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us in making Inclusive Day a meaningful tribute to diversity, creativity, and the ongoing journey toward equity in education!

Don’t miss the opportunity to read the comic book or listen to the audiobook version (available in several languages!)

Learn more about the project here.

the second happiness and wellbeing fair 2025 cyprus

A Day of Smiles and Wellbeing at the 2nd Happiness & Well-Being Fair 2025

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

On Saturday, May 17th, the Strovolos Municipal Hall was filled with positive energy, laughter, and joyful encounters as the Happiness & Well-Being Fair 2025 returned for its second consecutive year—more vibrant, creative, and inspiring than ever.

Organised by CARDET and the Institute of Development N. Charalambous, in collaboration with the Municipality of Strovolos and the Strovolos Open School, the Fair was held in honour of the International Day of Happiness (March 20). It served as a powerful reminder that happiness is a fundamental human right and a driving force for resilience, solidarity, and sustainable development.

The festival brought together people of all ages in a celebration of community, connection, and self-care. Through art and shared experiences, attendees were reminded of the simple yet meaningful ways we can cultivate happiness in our everyday lives.

We extend our thanks to everyone who embraced this initiative with such enthusiasm. Special thanks to our supporters: the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, the Office of the Commissioner for the Citizen, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, the Cyprus Red Cross Youth Section, the Pancyprian Coordinating Council for Volunteering, and the Youth Board of Cyprus—as well as our media sponsor, NJOY Radio CY.

As the event continues to grow, it reaffirms our ongoing commitment to promoting happiness and mental wellbeing across society. We look forward to welcoming you again next year for another day filled with smiles, kindness, and positive energy!

INNOVATE eLearning Platform and E-Courses Launched to Boost Innovation Management Skills Across Europe

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

We are excited to announce the launch of the INNOVATE eLearning Platform, a dynamic new tool designed to support adult educators, VET professionals, and innovation-oriented organisations in mastering Innovation Management Systems (IMS).

Now live at https://innovate.dieberater.com/, the platform offers a suite of practical, interactive, and multilingual courses tailored to help users develop, implement, and strengthen innovation strategies. Whether you are new to IMS or seeking to build on existing knowledge, the INNOVATE platform provides a flexible learning experience designed for real-world impact.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Coming soon is the Train-the-Trainer Acceleration Programme, offering selected participants the opportunity to delve deeper into IMS and receive expert-led training to become innovation champions in their communities!

Interested in participating or learning more? 

Get in touch with us at Konstantinos.souroullas@cardet.org and be part of the movement shaping the future of innovation in education and enterprise!

Explore the platform and discover more about the project at innovate-project.eu.