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Month: May 2025

EPIC Project: Train-the-Trainers Workshop Empowers Youth Workers in Social Entrepreneurship

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of the EPIC Erasmus+ project, a dynamic Train-the-Trainers Workshop and Study Visit took place in Athens, Greece, from 13–15 May 2025, hosted by KMOP EIH. The event brought together 15 youth workers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to train young social entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans.

Three expert trainers from Cyprus, representing CARDET and Innovade LI, participated in the sessions—marking a key step in building a strong foundation of trainers who will go on to empower young changemakers in their communities. This initiative will culminate in a regional Hackathon planned for 2026.

The first day of the workshop was particularly intensive, covering three of the six curriculum modules. Over the next two days, participants delved into additional modules and activities, including in-depth sessions on Modules 3 and 5, a lively Q&A with field experts, and a study visit to a local social enterprise. The third day concluded with Module 6, a final assessment and feedback session, and a second study visit—further enriching participants’ practical understanding of social entrepreneurship in action.

The curriculum is specifically designed to strengthen participants’ capacity in social entrepreneurship and promote innovative, sustainable solutions to local and regional challenges. Each module builds on key themes, explores global trends, and fosters a mindset focused on impact-driven action. The structure includes clear learning objectives, detailed content, practical exercises, and assessment tools—offering a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience.

Participants also had the chance to connect and collaborate during a social dinner on the first evening, encouraging peer exchange and building lasting connections. This workshop marked a significant milestone in EPIC’s mission to promote youth-led social entrepreneurship in the region.

Learn more about the EPIC project here: https://epic-project.eu/ 

fuTOURiSME Announces the Results of Its Open Call for Innovative Tourism Projects in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News. No Comments on fuTOURiSME Announces the Results of Its Open Call for Innovative Tourism Projects in Cyprus

The EU-funded fuTOURiSME project, implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, is pleased to announce the results of its Open Call for Innovative Projects. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 12 projects have been selected, each receiving €30,000 in funding to drive digital transformation and sustainability in the tourism sector.

Selected Projects and SMEs from Cyprus:

  • iTrip – Innovative Tourism Digital Integration by Knossos Travel.

The iTrip project modernizes Knossos Travel, a top Cypriot agency since 1995, by driving digital transformation and sustainability while preserving cultural identity. It will develop an API Integration System for streamlined operations and a mobile app for customer engagement. Key activities include needs analysis, platform development, and staff training, leading to greater efficiency, improved customer experience, and reduced environmental impact. By digitizing processes, travelers gain personalized itineraries, real-time updates, and deeper cultural connections. Ongoing training and system updates will ensure Knossos Travel remains a leader in sustainable, digital tourism.

  • e-MUSE by Hambis Museum of Printmaking

The e-MUSE project transforms the Hambis Museum of Printmaking into a pioneer in sustainable, digital, and inclusive tourism. Founded by renowned printmaker Hambis Tsangaris, the museum preserves Cyprus’ intangible heritage through its unique collections and workshops. The project introduces a Museum Digital Management System (DMS), digitizes the print collection, and develops a Digital Educational Kit (DEK) to enhance accessibility, visitor engagement, and global reach. By adopting the EMAS scheme and digital formats, it reduces environmental impact and supports sustainable tourism. Located in Nicosia’s historic old city, the museum enriches the local economy and offers immersive, interactive experiences. Staff training ensures effective management of digital and sustainability practices, positioning the museum as a global leader in responsible cultural tourism.

  • Future Mobility by Panayides and Fekkas Coaches Ltd

The Future Mobility project advances Panayides and Fekkas Coaches Ltd, a leader in bus transfers since 2002, into a new era of sustainable, tech-driven transportation. By integrating real-time GPS tracking, advanced telematics, and a user-friendly web app, it optimizes fleet management, reduces emissions, and enhances passenger experiences. Driver tablets promote eco-friendly driving, minimize delays, and enable dynamic routing, while reporting tools support data-driven decision-making for efficiency and cost savings. This approach strengthens the company’s industry leadership and aligns with sustainable tourism, setting a new standard for environmentally friendly, customer-centric transportation.

  • Sustainable Shores by Princess Hotels Development Ltd

Sustainable Shores is transforming Princess Hotels Development Ltd, operator of Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca, by integrating digitalization and sustainability into its operations. The project includes targeted training on sustainability frameworks and digital tools, empowering staff to drive environmental and operational improvements. A custom digital platform streamlines sustainability strategy development, covering materiality assessments, KPI setting, and GHG emissions calculation. External experts assist in creating a comprehensive sustainability strategy, and ISO 26000 verification highlights the resort’s commitment to responsible business. By leveraging digital innovation, Sustainable Shores positions Radisson Beach Resort Larnaca as a leader in green tourism, offering a scalable model for SMEs adopting responsible, tech-driven hospitality practices.

  • BluGreen Sustainability Plan by Radisson Blu Hotel

Blue Green is transforming the Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca, into a leader in sustainable, tech-driven hospitality by integrating digital solutions with responsible business practices. As an eco-labeled hotel aligned with Radisson Hotel Group’s Responsible Business pillars, it will use a custom digital platform to streamline sustainability strategy development, including materiality assessments, KPI tracking, GHG emissions calculations, and integrated reporting. Targeted training will enhance staff competencies, and external experts will help create a comprehensive sustainability strategy and emissions inventory report. ISO 26000 verification will underscore the hotel’s commitment to continuous improvement, while stakeholder engagement will ensure inclusivity and industry-wide impact. Blue Green elevates the hotel’s environmental performance and sets a new standard for sustainable, digital, and inclusive tourism, inspiring broader transformation across the sector.

  • The Heritage Sustainability Project by Agora Lefkara Ltd

The Heritage Sustainability Project guides Agora Lefkara Ltd towards a sustainable, digitally-driven future. Through staff training, a tailored digital solution, and expert guidance, the project integrates sustainability into its operations. It includes creating a sustainability strategy, conducting a GHG emissions inventory, and obtaining ISO 26000 verification. A custom digital platform will manage sustainability efforts, track performance, and support risk assessment for long-term impact. The project promotes inclusivity, engages diverse stakeholders, and shares best practices, positioning The Agora Hotel as a leader in responsible tourism and providing a model for other SMEs.

  • Kultura Connect by Tangerine Homes

Through Kultura Connect, Tangerine Homes is redefining Cyprus’s tourism landscape by creating a centralized digital platform that links travelers with authentic, locally curated experiences while promoting sustainable tourism. As a leading provider of high-quality short-term rental accommodations, Tangerine Homes will empower local businesses through onboarding and training, increasing visibility and driving economic growth. The platform’s user-friendly interface, with customizable searches and smart algorithms, will personalize the visitor experience, while curated content highlighting Cypriot culture, nature, and heritage deepens cultural immersion. By encouraging eco-conscious travel and directing visitors to lesser-known areas, Kultura Connect reduces pressure on overcrowded destinations and supports balanced regional development. Ongoing partnerships, targeted marketing campaigns, and continuous platform evolution ensure long-term impact, establishing Tangerine Homes as a trailblazer in experiential, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, delivering value to both travelers and local communities alike.

  • ImMERSuRA by TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd

The ImMERSuRA project is transforming TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd, a Cyprus-based tourism SME with over a decade of experience, by focusing on sustainable, community-driven tourism. The project will develop new community-led experiential tours, forge local partnerships, and implement a marketing plan to create meaningful experiences for both travelers and local communities. Key initiatives include acquiring an online booking system, obtaining sustainable certification, and standardizing practices with a manual of procedures. These efforts will promote sustainable practices, enhance customer satisfaction, and support local economies. By integrating sustainability and digitalization, the project positions TRAVEL BOX T.B. Ltd as a leader in responsible tourism, fostering cultural immersion, empowering local communities, and improving operational efficiency through technology.

  • WASD-AI by Crowne Plaza Limassol

The WASD-AI Project is enhancing Crowne Plaza Limassol’s commitment to sustainability, a key player in Cyprus’s hospitality industry, by integrating AI-powered waste management with sustainable practices. The project will develop and deploy the WASD-AI app, using real-time data and AI image recognition to monitor, categorize, and analyze waste, optimizing resource use and reducing waste generation. Staff training and the pursuit of EMAS certification will further strengthen the hotel’s environmental efforts. By integrating the WASD-AI app into daily operations and utilizing data-driven insights, the project ensures long-term impact. Additionally, the project’s results and best practices will be shared to inspire wider industry adoption, fostering a collaborative approach to sustainable waste management.

  • SWIFT by BookYourWeddingDay.com

The SWIFT project is revolutionizing the wedding tourism industry through BookYourWeddingDay.com (BYWD) by enhancing its innovative SaaS platform with AI, automation, and global expansion. This project offers a seamless, eco-friendly experience for couples, venues, and agents by streamlining the planning process, reducing paper-based workflows, and promoting sustainable practices. SWIFT sets a new benchmark for digitalization and sustainability in the industry, empowering SMEs, expanding market reach, and ensuring long-term benefits by improving efficiency and fostering inclusivity. It positions BYWD as a transformative solution in wedding tourism.

  • futurANIMA by Animafest Cyprus

The futurANIMA project is enhancing Animafest Cyprus, the island’s leading animation festival, by improving visitor experience and operational efficiency. The project will develop a cutting-edge website with interactive features, including a detailed event calendar, real-time updates, and educational animated videos, improving accessibility for all audiences and reducing environmental impact by minimizing printed materials. By integrating digital innovation and sustainability, the project ensures a seamless, eco-friendly experience for visitors while supporting the local economy. With a strong focus on inclusivity and sustainability, Animafest Cyprus is setting a new standard for cultural tourism, making it a global, responsible, and accessible cultural destination.

  • PEAK by Troodos Hotel

The PEAK Project aims to elevate Troodos Hotel and the surrounding Troodos Mountains as a premier sustainable tourism destination. By achieving EMAS certification, Troodos Hotel will enhance its environmental performance. The project also includes clustering training for local SMEs, pine-based workshops promoting regenerative tourism, and the development of a 360-degree virtual tour website with QR codes for enhanced digital engagement. These initiatives, along with a focus on inclusivity and long-term community collaboration, position the Troodos Mountains as a leader in sustainable, digital, and experiential tourism, fostering environmental awareness and economic growth in the region.

On the 26th of March, the Kick-off Meeting for the fuTOURiSME project took place, bringing together the project managers of the winning initiatives. During the meeting, next steps and guidelines for the projects were discussed.

fuTOURiSME is co-funded by the Single Market Programme and aims to support SMEs in the experiential tourism sector as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. By fostering new business models, innovative services, upskilling, and the adoption of digital and sustainable solutions, the project helps businesses adapt to the evolving socio-economic landscape.

Stay tuned for updates as these projects take shape and contribute to the transformation of Cyprus’ tourism industry!

For more information about the program, visit the website: fuTOURiSME

Just4AALL Consortium Holds 3rd TPM in Stockholm to Advance Inclusive and Just Transition Goals

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The third Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the Just4AALL Consortium took place in Stockholm from May 13 to 15, 2025, hosted at the ABF Headquarters. The meeting gathered stakeholders, practitioners, and policy experts to further the mission of building a just and inclusive transition through adult education and social policy.

During these three days, the event featured a dynamic agenda. The opening session welcomed participants with remarks from Jörgen Danielsson (CEO of ABF Örebro län), Carlos Roldán (SOLIDAR), and Hilmi Tekoglu (SOLIDAR), setting the tone for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Key highlights included:

  • Stakeholder discussions on adult education and lifelong learning in Sweden.
  • In-depth work package sessions focused on governance, impact, and dissemination strategies.
  • Planning of national policy events and the rollout of the MOOC platform in multiple languages.
  • A high-level policy dialogue day exploring international perspectives, civil society’s role in climate justice, and the power of popular education, with contributions from SOLIDAR’s Mikael Leyi, Cajsa Unnbom (Olof Palme International Center), Johan Hall (LO), and Anna Ekström (ABF Stockholm).

The meeting concluded with a collaborative dialogue session aimed at identifying policy challenges and solutions to guide future EU and national strategies for a just transition. This TPM reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to leveraging adult learning as a driver for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societal change across Europe.

Just4ALL is an initiative promoting a just transition through inclusive and innovative lifelong learning and adult education. The project’s overall objective is to support an inclusive recovery and digital and green transitions in Europe. More specifically, it aims to develop integrated, inclusive, and innovative adult learning and education (ALE) models that promote just transition, with a special focus on migrants, women, and low-skilled adults.

Learn more about the project by visiting its website here!

Thriving Schools Project Launches to Advance Mental Health and Wellbeing in Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Thriving Schools Project officially launched with its first transnational partner meeting in Nicosia, held on 12–13 May 2025. The initiative aims to implement a whole-school, systemic approach to mental health and wellbeing across schools in Europe.

Co-funded under the EU’s policy experimentation framework and launched in March 2025, the project brings together partners from Greece, Cyprus, Romania, and Italy. The kickoff meeting focused on aligning visions and mapping out the first steps toward creating evidence-based policies and practices that foster wellbeing and strengthen social-emotional competencies within school communities.

At its core, the project promotes holistic development and resilience by embedding mental health literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL) into every layer of the school ecosystem. The goal is to educate and empower the entire school community—including teachers, school leaders, learners, and parents—to support emotional wellbeing and adopt healthy coping strategies.

Over the next three years, the consortium will co-develop a comprehensive framework and training package grounded in positive psychology. This will include adaptable, practical tools to help schools build cultures of wellbeing and strengthen both individual and collective mental health.

Key activities in the initial phase include:

  • Establishing wellbeing teams in participating schools
  • Co-developing action plans with educators, students, and parents
  • Delivering targeted training to teachers and staff
  • Piloting school-based interventions and practices

These efforts will be piloted in 10 schools across the partner countries between 2026 and 2027, providing critical insights to refine the model and support its broader adoption.

The project is implemented by a multidisciplinary consortium, including:

  • Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Epirus – Greece
  • Center for the Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology (CARDET) – Cyprus
  • Institute of Development (IoD) – Cyprus
  • International Hellenic University – Greece
  • Directorate of Primary Education of Western Thessaloniki – Greece
  • University of Milano-Bicocca – Italy
  • University of Pitesti – Romania
  • School Inspectorate Arges County – Romania

Each partner contributes vital expertise in mental health, education, and training, playing a key role in the design, piloting, and potential mainstreaming of the Thriving Schools model within their national contexts.

Following the successful launch, the consortium is now focusing on the co-creation of tools and resources tailored to diverse school environments. The ultimate goal is to develop a scalable and policy-relevant model that can be embedded into education systems across Europe.

By promoting emotional wellbeing and resilience across school communities, the Thriving Schools Project aspires to transform how education systems support mental health—creating lasting, positive change for both learners and educators.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project unfolds.

Thriving Schools: A Systemic, Whole School Approach to Mental Health and Well-being

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

The project aims to develop evidence-based policies and practices aimed at enhancing teachers’ and learners’ well-being and establishing foundational practices that foster social-emotional competencies and holistic development across all school community members.

General Objectives:

● Promote Mental Health and well-being Literacy: Educate school staff, teachers, parents and learners about mental health, emphasizing the importance of early identification and the adoption of healthy coping strategies.

● Cultivate a Positive School Climate: Develop environments that promote psychological well-being, social & emotional learning, resilience, and personal growth, aiming to prevent mental health issues before they arise.

● Empower Educators with innovative practices and resources for mental health and well-being promotion.

PERMA Digital – A Whole School Approach to Digital Well-being

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Digital Learning, Education, Health & Wellbeing, Projects & Initiatives.

The PERMA-Digital project aims to develop and implement an innovative whole-school systemic programme for well-being in digital education, assessing its impact through mixed methods and experimentations across European countries and validating its potential to be mainstreamed.

The programme will be based on a research-driven pioneering framework to be designed, pairing principles of Positive Education, Positive Psychology, Digital education, and Digital and Life Competencies. Our proposed framework will merge the PERMA model and digital education (henceforth called PERMA – Digital), targeting the purposeful integration of technologies in teaching, learning, assessment for students’ well-being and the development of both teachers’ and students’ skills to benefit from digital technology use while handling the associated risks and challenges.

Youth Well Project European Youth Exchange

CARDET Joins European Youth Exchange to Champion Mental Wellbeing and Inclusion

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

As part of our ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through the Youth-Well Project, CARDET proudly participated in the “Resilient and Democratic Youth” European youth exchange held in Brussels from May 6–8, 2025. This inspiring event brought together young people and youth workers from across Europe to explore critical themes such as mental wellbeing, inclusion, participation, and solidarity—especially among youth from underrepresented communities.

During the three-day event, participants engaged in a variety of non-formal education activities designed to strengthen resilience and encourage active, informed citizenship. Highlights included insightful discussions on mental health, dynamic multicultural team-building exercises, and interactive simulations of the European Parliament. These sessions created a vibrant and inclusive environment where young people could exchange ideas, learn from each other, and grow both personally and collectively.

The group also visited the House of European History, where participants reflected on the development of democracy and the crucial role that youth continue to play in safeguarding democratic values today.

Beyond learning, the exchange served as a powerful platform for building lasting connections. We strengthened existing collaborations, forged new partnerships, and returned with fresh ideas and renewed motivation to enhance the impact of our work in youth wellbeing and inclusion.We are grateful to all the organizers and participants who made this experience so meaningful. As coordinators of the Youth-Well Project, we are more committed than ever to fostering inclusive societies where all young people have the support, space, and voice they need to thrive.

Visit the Youth-Well Project website here!

RECOVER – Contribute to the RECOVERy and reintegration of victims of trafficking through sports

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

The RECOVER project aims to facilitate the recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking (VoTs) through sports, enhancing their physical and mental health while fostering social inclusion and empowerment. The project will also build the capacity of sports coaches and trainers to design and implement activities tailored to the needs of VoTs.

  1. Contribute to VoTs’ recovery through sports
  2. Build the capacities of sports trainers and coaches
  3. Enhance access to guides and toolkits for professionals assisting VoTs
  4. Encourage collaboration and networking among professionals
  5. Raise public awareness on the role of physical activity in VoTs’ recovery
5th International Conference on Professional Development in Mathematics and Science Education

CARDET Participates in the 5th International Conference on Professional Development in Mathematics and Science Education

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET successfully participated in the 5th International Conference on Professional Development in Mathematics and Science Education (ETE 2025), held on May 8th and 9th in Limassol. Organized by the University of Nicosia (UNIC) and the International Centre for STEM Education (ICSE), the conference brought together researchers, educators, and policymakers to address key challenges and opportunities in 21st-century STEM education.

Focusing on four key themes—Diversity in STEM Classrooms, STEM Education in the Digital Era, Interdisciplinarity in STEM Education, and Sustainability in STEM Education—the conference served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and innovative practices.

As part of our commitment to advancing STEM education, we presented three groundbreaking projects: TINKER, RoboAquaria, and INFINITE. These initiatives are designed to promote innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary learning, providing educators with tools and resources to create inclusive and engaging STEM learning environments.

Our participation in this conference motivates us to continue empowering teachers and developing innovative tools, resources, and opportunities that contribute to the ongoing transformation of STEM education on a global scale.