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Month: June 2025

TINKER Project Holds Successful Master Training in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in 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.

MILES: Shaping Education Policy Through Dialogue

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of Work Package 4 (WP4): Involvement and Awareness Activities for Policy Makers, the MILES partnership has entered an exciting new phase, connecting directly with policymakers, education stakeholders and school communities to raise awareness of the importance of media and information literacy (MIL) and pre-bunking strategies in education.

Over the past few weeks, several partners have successfully launched their first national and international webinars, reaching diverse audiences, including teachers, educational experts, civil society representatives and local authorities. These interactive online events are designed to bridge the gap between educational practice and policy, ensuring that the findings and tools developed in MILES are shared, discussed, reflected upon and acted upon.

The webinars vary in format and language — some are held in English to reach international audiences, while others are tailored to the local context and held in national languages. They all focus on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue by presenting the MILES approach and showcasing key results, such as the training modules and pilot findings, and inviting feedback from individuals who influence or shape educational policy.

The initial webinars have received significant engagement and interest, indicating a growing recognition of the necessity to provide educators and learners with the critical thinking skills required to navigate today’s complex information landscape.

What’s next?

More partners will follow with their own policy-oriented events in the coming months, both online and in person. These efforts will culminate in national multiplier events, where project results and policy recommendations will be shared more broadly.

These webinars play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and wider impact of MILES. It does this by fostering meaningful conversations that can influence the way we teach, think and respond to disinformation in the future.

Keep an eye out for upcoming event dates and highlights from across the partnership!

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

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

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

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.

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!