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Month: June 2025

TINKER Project Holds Successful Master Training in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Education, Project News.

The TINKER project marked a significant milestone in its implementation with the successful completion of its Master Training, held on 26–27 June 2025 in Cyprus. The two-day event brought together 25 STEM and adult educators from across the country and was organised by CARDET in collaboration with the University of Nicosia and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute.

The Master Training introduced participants to the TINKER project’s innovative methodology and overarching goals. Through a series of interactive sessions and hands-on workshops, attendees were equipped with the knowledge and practical tools required to support and train fellow educators in applying TINKER’s educational resources within their own teaching environments.

This training forms a crucial part of the project’s capacity-building efforts, ensuring the sustainable transfer of knowledge and practices across the education sector.

Looking ahead, the project will shift its focus to the next phase: teacher training and the rollout of TINKER activities in schools throughout Cyprus. The TINKER project continues to promote inclusive, creative, and learner-centred STEM education by empowering teachers and fostering innovation in classrooms.

TINKER Project aims to revolutionise informatics education in upper primary and lower secondary schools through a comprehensive pedagogical framework. Rooted in authentic learning principles, the project encourages students to engage with real-life tasks, promoting exploration and intentional connections between theoretical knowledge and practical experiences. Additionally, the project aims to address and overturn the severe underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in the field, by adopting a progressive gender-inclusive stance. In particular, it will promote gender-inclusive teaching practices creating positive student-centred environments that celebrate diversity.

Learn more about the project by visiting the project’s website here.

From Ideas to Action: AELIA Webinar Empowers Educators for Sustainable Change

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News. 2 Comments on From Ideas to Action: AELIA Webinar Empowers Educators for Sustainable Change

On 26 June 2025, the webinar titled “Sustainability in Action: Ideas, Experiences & Approaches for Educational Institutions” was successfully held, attracting the participation of 50 individuals from across the education spectrum. The webinar was organised by CARDET in collaboration with the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, and was primarily addressed to educators of all levels, both in formal and non-formal education, as well as adult trainers, students of education faculties, and professionals from educational institutions committed to integrating sustainability into their practice.

The event opened with a presentation of the AELIA Project, with a focus on the educational resources developed within the framework of the European project. Particular emphasis was placed on the MOOC – an open, asynchronous online course designed to support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This resource aspires to empower both educators and organisations in adopting holistic approaches to sustainability.

Following the introductory session, a series of inspiring presentations highlighted good practices and practical tools from professionals and institutions in the field:

Maria Elia, CARDET Project Manager and Researcher presented the AELIA Project along with selected ESD methodologies featured in the MOOC; Dr. Athena Georgiou-Siippi (KykloIKOdromio) shared initiatives in circular economy and sustainable development targeting both students and teachers; Panagiota Koutsophta (Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free) introduced awareness campaigns aimed at reducing plastic use; Stella Chatzichillaios from the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development, a public body, facilitated an engaging workshop designed to inspire and support participants in developing and implementing sustainability actions within their educational settings.

The webinar concluded with a hands-on session, inviting participants to brainstorm and record ideas and initiatives tailored to their own institutions. These proposals focused on enhancing day-to-day operations, fostering partnerships, mobilising resources, and systematically embedding sustainability at the pedagogical, organisational, and social levels.

This training initiative aimed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for advancing Sustainable Development and to strengthen the role of educators as agents of change within the educational process.

The AELIA Project aims to facilitate the acquisition of skills and competences necessary for the green transition among all citizens. To achieve this goal, the project will employ a comprehensive, multistakeholder, whole-institutional approach that encompasses both formal and non-formal education settings, businesses, civil society, and the public sector. Participants from these diverse sectors will engage in all phases of the project, adhering to a quadruple helix innovation approach. This collaborative endeavor seeks to establish an enabling learning ecosystem, fostering transformative change at institutional, individual, and societal levels.

Find out more about the AELIA Project here.

CARDET on the spotlight in the HR Community

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

As part of the Cyprus Human Resource Association’s #HRinAction inspiring stories, we’re proud to spotlight our HR team at CARDET.

In March 2025, they led a company-wide initiative to co-create a culture of shared well-being—engaging staff in open dialogue, collective decision-making, and continuous action.

Their work continues to strengthen trust, inclusion, and purpose across our teams—a true example of HR as a catalyst for positive change.

SOOS: Breaking the Silence on Domestic Violence Through Art and Dialogue

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

An evocative evening dedicated to raising awareness on domestic violence was held on Thursday, June 26, in Nicosia, under the EU-funded project Sons of Silence (SOOS), implemented in Cyprus by CARDET. Using the transformative power of art and open dialogue, the event aimed to shed light on the often-invisible issue of domestic violence—an enduring social problem that frequently remains hidden behind closed doors.

At the heart of the evening was the theatrical performance “Agrafos” (in English: “Unwritten”), written and directed by Giorgos Papakonstantinou. The monologue, delivered with emotional intensity by actor Fanos Theofanous and accompanied by live music from Savvas Chrysostomou, powerfully portrayed the lived experience of a victim of domestic violence. The music, symbolising the role of the perpetrator, conveyed the psychological strain and unspoken suffering with haunting sensitivity—offering a visceral insight into a typically silenced reality.

Opening addresses were delivered by:

  • Mr. Christos Christofides, Member of Parliament for Nicosia and member of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, who stated: “A human-centred and courageous educational system plays a critical role in tackling domestic violence, breaking down entrenched barriers and paving the way towards a more just and equal society. Art, likewise, is a force of social justice and progressive change”.
  • Mr. Chrysanthos Fakas, Deputy Mayor of Nicosia, representing Mayor Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, highlighted: “Through such initiatives, we aim to illuminate the unseen and give voice to those who have long been silenced”.
  • Mr. Andreas Georgiou, Chief Operating Officer at CARDET, remarked: “Silence surrounding domestic violence often stems from our collective failure to listen, to see, and to act”.

The event also featured a panel discussion with the participation of leading experts in the field: Ms. Ifigenia Katchie, Executive and Scientific Director and Gender Expert at the Social Policy and Action Organisation, and Ms. Thelma Lazarou, Clinical Psychologist. Their insights further enriched the discourse and provided critical perspectives on prevention, support, and systemic change. Foteini Sokratous, Project Manager of SOOS and CARDET Researcher was coordinating the event.

CARDET warmly thanks all who attended the event, the creators and contributors of the performance, the speakers, the panelists, and the Municipality of Nicosia for their invaluable cooperation.

The evening served as a poignant reminder that change begins when we dare to see, to listen, and to speak out.

Violence is not a private matter. It is a collective social responsibility.

The aim of the SOOS project is to raise awareness about the potential impact of domestic violence (DV) on youth and to highlight the risks of experiencing DV and its potential effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological health of youth. The SOOS project also aims to provide resources and support to those affected by DV and to educate the public on preventative measures. Ultimately, SOOS project endeavours to reduce the prevalence of DV in our society and create safer and healthier environments for young people.

Learn more about the project here!

Youth-Well in Colour: “Carry Your Voice: Paint Your Tote Bag for Youth Empowerment”

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

Young people in Cyprus express themselves through art, reflection, and community engagement as part of the Youth-Well project.

On the evening of 25 June 2025, Athalassa Park came alive with colour, creativity, and conversation, as young people aged 18–30 gathered for “Carry Your Voice: Paint Your Tote Bag for Youth Empowerment” — a unique, hands-on workshop organised by CARDET and KOKEN under the EU-funded Youth-Well project.

The event offered participants a safe and inspiring space to explore vital themes such as mental health, resilience, and active citizenship. Through a blend of artistic expression and open dialogue, young attendees were encouraged to reflect on their experiences, values, and aspirations.

The workshop opened with a short but impactful talk on mental health, setting the tone for an evening of self-expression and awareness. It was followed by a guided creative session led by artist-researcher Andriana Panagi and psychology researcher Giota Mastrosavvaki, PhD (c), who encouraged participants to translate their thoughts and emotions into personalised tote bag designs.

With all materials provided, participants turned blank canvases into vibrant statements — visual narratives that not only showcased their artistic talents but also highlighted their individual and collective voices on issues that matter.

This event forms part of the wider Youth-Well initiative, which aims to promote the wellbeing and empowerment of young people across Europe by encouraging creative engagement and community building.

CARDET and KOKEN extend their sincere thanks to all who participated in this inspiring event, and to the facilitators whose guidance and passion helped bring the workshop to life.

Watch some highlights from the event available here!

The Youth-Well project tackles the challenges at the intersection of European youth, mental health, democracy and resilience. One of its biggest goals is to connect young people across participating Member States so they can take their future, their mental health, and their participation in democracy into their own hands. Youth-Well also helps young people set up their own initiatives and projects which equally advocate for mental health and active citizenship.

Read more about the project here.

Grant Development Executive

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Vacancies.

CARDET is the largest independent, non-profit research and development organisation in Cyprus with a strong presence in Europe and the region. At CARDET we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education services that inspire and empower individuals and communities to thrive. We believe that education can be a powerful force for change. Our approach to education aims to have a strong social impact and help shape a better world through education, training, capacity building, awareness raising, and communication.  A key pillar of our work is the use of digital learning and tools such as AI, XR, Gamification, STEAM, and mobile learning.

If you want to have an impact and are interested in working for a purpose-driven organisation, we would like to hear from you as we expand our teams with new opportunities.

Grant Development Executive
(Hybrid / partly remote)

CARDET is interested in hiring a Grant Development Executive to support its program development operations. For this position, the Centre is looking to employ a high calibre individual who can demonstrate the following attributes:

  • Fluency in English and Greek
  • Strong writing skills
  • Resilience and agility
  • Excellent time management, coordination and organisational skills with the capacity to prioritise and
    work across multiple tasks
  • Willingness to learn and take initiative
  • Creative thinking and problem solving
  • Interest in topics related to education, inclusion, social justice, and innovation
  • Excellent team player

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role

  • Prepare research proposals, grant applications, and tender submissions
  • Identify funding opportunities and keep record of donor strategies
  • Coordinate with team on preparation and submission of grant applications
  • Conduct research and literature reviews and prepare reports
  • Identify and engage with partners, stakeholders and external organisations to support the
    partnership-building strategy of the group
  • Manage and offer administrative support for research proposals handling various tools and
    platforms.
  • Assists other colleagues involved in proposal writing with providing them guidelines and necessary
    information
  • Prepare and deliver project presentations
  • Manage and update an inventory of past and current projects and proposals.
  • Travel abroad for networking events, and conferences (occasionally).

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

  • A Masters and/or PhD would be considered an asset
  • Previous experience with grant writing and copy editing in a similar position
  • Experience with EU funding programmes
  • Knowledge of grant submission processes
  • Demonstrable knowledge in any of the following domains:
    o Technical Writing
    o Proposal writing (tender, EU grants, other)
    o Copy editing

We offer:

  • An inclusive, supportive work environment with a positive culture
  • A portfolio of Employee Health & Wellbeing initiatives
  • Lifelong learning opportunities
  • Challenging and rewarding work with purpose and impact to society
  • Provident Fund
  • 13th salary
  • Generous annual leave
  • Paid 5 sick leave days
  • Fully paid maternity and paternity leave
  • Hybrid work
  • Remote Ergonomic Set up Budget
  • Flexible Working Hours including Hybrid work options
  • Shorter Fridays
  • Travel opportunities

If you are ready to embark on an exciting career journey and eager to make a positive impact in a dynamic organisation , you can complete our online application form and submit an up-to-date CV, and cover letter indicating your experience to the Hiring Committee by July 18th, 2025 through the following link. 

To be considered for any of our positions, shortlisted applicants must complete a self-declaration form to confirm they have never been subject to sanctions (disciplinary, administrative or criminal), provide the contact details of at least 2 work related referees and certificates of clear criminal records by the Cyprus Police and be willing to provide samples of their work.

​The position will remain open until it is filled. ​All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CARDET complies with GDPR. For details about our privacy policy, visit https://www.cardet.org/privacy-policy

CARDET is an HR Award winning, equal opportunities, disability confident, employer of choice. We have recently been accredited with the Sound Industrial Relations 2014 standard. We are committed to safeguarding and are against all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Successful Piloting of the RALExILA Project: “National Registries of Adult Learning and Education to Support the Deployment of Individual Learning Accounts” in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The piloting event of the EU co-financed project RALExILA – National Registries of Adult Learning and Education to Support the Deployment of Individual Learning Accounts successfully took place on Friday, 20 June 2025, at CARDET’s Education Hub in Nicosia.

The initiative, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, focuses on enhancing adult learning systems across Europe by establishing comprehensive National Adult Learning and Education (ALE) Registries and promoting the implementation of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). The piloting session in Cyprus marked a crucial step in testing and refining the models developed under the RALExILA framework.

Participants representing a range of stakeholders – from education professionals and policy advisors to digital system developers and quality assurance experts – engaged in an interactive agenda that included:

  • A presentation of the current landscape of adult learning registries and ILAs across Europe
  • An introduction to the RALExILA conceptual model
  • Discussions on challenges, stakeholder needs, quality assurance mechanisms, and system governance
  • Reflection on user experience and insights into improving the feasibility, accessibility, and usability of the system

Through their contributions, participants supported the development of a proof of concept and provided valuable feedback for the finalisation of the forthcoming Handbook for National Registries for ALE.

The event concluded with a reflective session and a light networking lunch, reinforcing the commitment of all involved to strengthen adult learning infrastructures across Europe.

For more information about the project, visit: https://ralexila.eu/ 

CARDET Participates in Regional Dialogue on Gender Equality at the Albanian Forum on Women Empowerment

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On 20 June 2025, Foteini Sokratous, representing CARDET, participated in the panel discussion “Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Women’s Empowerment in the Euro-Med Region”, as part of the Albanian Forum on Women Empowerment. The session was organised within the framework of the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), which fosters intercultural dialogue and collaboration across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Bringing forward CARDET’s experience in inclusive education, gender equality, and youth empowerment, Foteini Sokratous highlighted best practices and insights from key initiatives such as EMERGE Project, HEARD Project, CARDET’s internal establishment of the Inclusion Committee, and in-house training sessions on topics such as the use of inclusive language. Her intervention focused on practical, community-based approaches that challenge entrenched gender roles while empowering women and youth to take on leadership roles in diverse societal contexts.

The panel brought together experts from Austria, Romania, North Macedonia, and Lebanon, all active members of the ALF network, to explore cultural dynamics, policy gaps, and collaborative strategies for overcoming systemic gender-based barriers. The discussion addressed pressing issues such as workplace discrimination, underrepresentation in leadership, and the role of education and media in shaping gender narratives.

A central message of the session was the need to move from dialogue to action. Emphasis was placed on strengthening regional cooperation, promoting capacity-building, and leveraging programmes like ERASMUS+ to scale impact through strategic partnerships.

CARDET’s participation underscored its ongoing commitment to advancing social inclusion, intercultural collaboration, and gender-responsive practices that contribute to a more just and equitable Euro-Med region.

EGIDEV project multiplier event cyprus board game digital entrepreneurship

EGIDEV Multiplier Events Introduce VET Teachers and Students to Digital Entrepreneurship

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

With a mission to support innovation in digital education, CARDET successfully hosted two local multiplier events in June as part of the Erasmus+ project EGIDEV – Educational Game in Digital Entrepreneurship for VET Students. Bringing together educators, students, and stakeholders interested in innovative learning tools for vocational education and training (VET).

The first event took place at the Education Hub at CARDET’s offices, followed by a second session held at Pascal Private School. Both gatherings introduced participants to the EGIDEV project and showcased the educational board game developed under its framework, designed to help VET students explore and test business ideas in the realm of digital entrepreneurship.

The game was enthusiastically received by attendees, who had the opportunity to engage in gameplay, learn about its educational objectives, and provide valuable feedback. Designed specifically for VET teachers and learners, the game promotes entrepreneurial thinking through interactive, scenario-based learning tied to digital technology.

The events aimed to not only promote the game but also foster dialogue around innovative tools in VET education. Participants appreciated the hands-on experience and praised the game for its engaging format and real-world relevance.

EGIDEV Project aims to facilitate VET students and teachers in learning and teaching the principles of entrepreneurship by gamification in different business development stages. The objective is to develop, implement and provide the VET community with an educational game where learning by playing will allow for better understanding of digital entrepreneurship and challenges.

To download the EGIDEV board game click here

To find out more about the project visit the official website.

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact with Key Partners! 

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in 20 years, 20 Years of Impact.

🎓 Shaping the Future of Educational Research – Together 🎓

From the early steps of his academic career to today, Prof. Vasilis Grammatikopoulos has witnessed first-hand the growth and impact of CARDET. His powerful words remind us of how far we’ve come—and how vital our partnerships are in driving meaningful change.

Our collaboration with the International Hellenic University has been grounded in a shared vision for innovative, impactful, and inclusive educational research. Together, we’ve supported the development of young researchers, strengthened communities, and tackled pressing societal challenges.

💙 Thank you to Prof. Grammatikopoulos, Director of the Masters in Digital & Soft Skills in Educational Sciences, for his continued trust and support—and for being part of CARDET’s journey from the very beginning!

Here’s to many more years of visionary collaboration and excellence!