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Month: November 2025

CARDET Showcases Inclusive Education Tools at ACT INCLUSIVE Final Conference in Brussels

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET took part in the ACT INCLUSIVE project’s Final Conference, “Inclusive education in action”, held on 12 November 2025 in Brussels. The event brought together educators, students, policy officers and organisations from across Europe to explore effective ways of strengthening inclusion in schools through practical tools and collaborative initiatives.

Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to engage with the project’s key resources: the Toolbox, the Training & Awareness-Raising Manual, and the Comic Book, all designed to support inclusive communication and foster understanding within school communities. These outputs have been developed to help teachers integrate inclusion-focused activities and discussions into their everyday classroom practice.

The event featured a series of panel discussions showcasing insights from those directly involved in the project’s local workshops. Cyprus was represented in three panel discussions by our CARDET Project Manager, Andri Psilogeni, along with a student and a teacher from Agios Antonios Gymnasium, Limassol. All three highlighted the positive impact of the workshops, emphasising the value of student engagement and the importance of continued efforts to advance inclusion. Their contributions reflected a strong commitment to sustaining the project’s momentum and promoting inclusive education at national and European levels.

The conference programme included presentations from EASPD, COGAMI, and EACEA, as well as exchanges with students who participated in the project’s artwork contest, “What does inclusion mean to you?”. The day concluded with networking opportunities and an exhibition of the project’s materials, allowing participants to further discuss the tools and share ideas for future collaboration.

The ACT INCLUSIVE Final Conference marked a significant milestone in the project’s journey, celebrating achievements while inspiring continued action toward more inclusive and supportive learning environments across Europe.

Learn more about the project here: https://www.easpd.eu/project-detail/act-inclusive-raising-awareness-on-inclusive-education-and-empowering-students-with-disabilities/

DISCOVER Project Marks Successful Completion with Final Conference in Tunisia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The DISCOVER Project celebrated its successful completion with a well-attended Final Conference on 13 November 2025 at the Bizerte Resort Hotel in Tunisia. Hosted by the Centre de Formation et d’Apprentissage de Bizerte – ATFP, the event gathered around 100 participants, including high-level institutional representatives, VET providers, trainers, project partners, and stakeholders from across Tunisia and Europe.

Among the distinguished guests were the Governor of Bizerte and the Director General of ATFP, whose presence underscored the national importance of strengthening digital learning capacities within Tunisia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Building the Foundations for Digital Transformation in VET

The DISCOVER Project, co-funded by the European Union, was launched in response to the growing need for digital skills in Tunisia, where nearly half of available jobs require adequate digital literacy. The project has focused on equipping VET centres, trainers, and learners with the tools and competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital labour market.

Through a multi-stakeholder approach, the project has supported Tunisian VET institutions in designing and implementing their own digital learning strategies. This included the development of an ecosystem mapping toolkit, updated training curricula, targeted capacity-building programmes, and mobility activities that strengthened cooperation between Tunisian and European partners.

Conference Highlights

The conference opened with introductory remarks and an overview of the programme, followed by a series of insightful presentations addressing the digitalisation priorities of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (MEFP) and the strategic vision of ATFP.

Key sessions included:

  • Overview of the DISCOVER Project, introducing the consortium, objectives, and target groups.
  • Presentation of Results (Work Packages 2–3 and 5–6), showcasing the progress achieved in digital strategy development, capacity building, and pilot implementation.
  • Demonstration of the DISCOVER E-Training Platform, presenting its structure, features, and access modalities.
  • Case Study from CFA Bizerte, highlighting the practical implementation, monitoring, and feedback processes.
  • Impact Assessment, outlining improvements in learners’ employability, trainers’ pedagogical innovation, and the overall modernisation of participating centres.

The programme concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on International Cooperation: Opportunities and Benefits, featuring representatives from MEFP, ATFP, Erasmus+ Tunisia, and ARSII.

A Collaborative Effort Towards a Digital Future

The event wrapped up with closing remarks and acknowledgements, followed by a networking lunch offered by the organisers. Participants welcomed the opportunity to exchange experiences and explore future avenues of collaboration.

The Final Conference reaffirmed the project’s contribution to enhancing the digital readiness of Tunisia’s VET system and strengthening its alignment with labour market needs. Through DISCOVER, VET providers, trainers, and learners have gained valuable tools and insights that will continue to support the sector’s digital transition long after the project’s end.

Find out more about this interesting project here: https://discoverproject.eu/

Youth Well Project Concludes, Empowering European Youth to “Break the Silence” on Mental Health

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The EU-funded Youth-Well project successfully wrapped up to foster youth empowerment, mental health, and democratic participation with an engaging final event, the “Podcast – Breaking the Silence: Speaking Openly about Youth Mental Health”, held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the WindMill Workspace in Nicosia.

The event, which fostered dialogue and inspiration, marked the official end of the Youth Well project, which addressed challenges at the intersection of European youth, mental health, democracy, and resilience.

A Project Built on Empowerment and Action

A core goal of the Youth Well initiative was to connect young people across participating Member States so they could take ownership of their future, their mental health, and their participation in democracy. The project actively helped young people set up their own initiatives and projects that equally advocate for mental health and active citizenship.

Throughout its duration, the Youth Well project delivered significant resources and activities, including:

  • Advocacy activities across Europe specifically targeting European youth.
  • Training manuals for youth workers focused on mental health and democracy.
  • An e-learning platform designed to build essential leadership skills.
  • International conferences for emerging youth advocates.

Final Event Fosters Open Dialogue

The podcast, attended by a diverse audience of young people, advocates, and policymakers, delivered on its promise that “The change begins when we speak openly”. The panel facilitated a high-level discussion on how to destigmatise mental health, which the organisers emphatically declared “is not a taboo, but everyone’s business!”

The speakers who led the insightful conversation included:

  • Ms. Poly Grigora, Expert by Experience & Mental Health Empowerment Advocate (Host).
  • Ms. Eleni Antoniou, Blogger, Podcaster, and Journalist (Co-Host).
  • Mr. Nicos Kettirou, Member of Parliament and Member of the Parliamentary Health Committee.
  • Ms. Maria Diplarou, Social and Developmental Psychologist.

The final event highlighted the Youth Well project’s contribution in creating a space for youth to engage in democratic processes and promote their own mental well-being.

Learn more about the project here: https://youthwell.eu/

Final Event of the INNOVATE Project Highlights Practical Approaches to Innovation Management

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The final event of the INNOVATE Project took place on 12th of November at the University of Cyprus (UCY) with the collaboration of the University’s Center of Entrepreneurship, bringing together students, educators, and professionals for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to innovation and creativity in practice.

Hosted under the theme “Innovation by Design: Managing Ideas for Impact through the Innovation Management System”, the event showcased how structured innovation processes can transform ideas into tangible outcomes. Participants had the opportunity to explore the project’s Innovation Management System (IMS), a practical framework designed to support individuals and organizations in managing ideas strategically for meaningful impact.

The session featured an engaging presentation by Konstantinos Souroullas, PMP®, EU Project Manager III & QMS, who shared insights from his extensive experience in adult education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Through interactive discussions and creative exercises, attendees were introduced to innovative tools and gamified learning methods developed as part of the European INNOVATE initiative.

The INNOVATE Project, co-funded by the European Union, aims to equip young professionals and university students with practical innovation management competencies, aligned with the international standard ISO 56000. The project also offers free access to online training modules and resources, supporting learners in developing skills that enhance their employability and readiness for the modern labor market.

Participants left the event with valuable knowledge on how to apply innovation management principles in real-world contexts, and with inspiration to continue fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in their academic and professional journeys.

Learn more about the project and its achievements here.

Civic Champions Project – Second Newsletter Now Available

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Civic Champions Project continues to strengthen and protect civil society organisations (CSOs) across Europe. The second newsletter highlights recent activities, including national Civic Champions Days, the Mid-Term Transnational Project Meeting in Palermo, and the International Consultation Meeting in Vienna, where partners discussed emerging threats to civic space and introduced innovative tools like the Early Warning Mechanism to monitor attacks and raise public awareness.

This issue also features the release of a new Comparative Report analyzing civic space in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy, alongside a brochure summarizing key trends and challenges for CSOs and human rights defenders. Upcoming activities include national policy briefings, a documentary showcasing positive CSO stories, and a training programme aimed at enhancing advocacy, collaboration, and evidence-based responses to civic space risks.

Learn more about the Civic Champions Forum here!

AELIA: Policy Learning Meeting and Forum on Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development Held in Athalassa

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Wednesday, 5 November 2025, a Policy Learning Meeting and Forum on Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development was held at the Athalassa Environmental Education Centre, marking the completion of the EU-funded project “AELIA”.

The meeting was organised by the Unit of Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, together with CARDET, with the co-funding of the European Union.

The purpose of the meeting was to share the final policy recommendations developed through the AELIA project and to explore opportunities for collaborative action for their implementation in schools, organisations and educational institutions.

During the Forum, the AELIA White Paper was presented, summarizing key strategies and recommendations to advance Education for Sustainable Development through a holistic, participatory, and institutional approach. This was followed by an interactive workshop where participants exchanged ideas, identified synergies, and proposed ways to integrate the policy recommendations into their own operational contexts.

Participants included, among others, Ministry of Education officials and inspectors, academics and researchers, representatives from the Office of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, as well as members of non-governmental organizations.

Organizers expressed gratitude to all participants for their creative contributions and best practices. The final results of the AELIA project will soon be shared and will serve as a foundation for targeted interventions and monitoring mechanisms.

More information about the project: https://www.aelia-project.eu/

European Commission Recognises CARDET Projects XRWomen and RE.MA.C. as Exemplary Erasmus+ Initiatives

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

We are thrilled to announce that two more of CARDET’s Erasmus+ projects have been distinguished by the European Commission for their outstanding quality and impact.

XRWomen has been officially recognised as a Good Practice, while RE.MA.C. has been awarded the prestigious European Language Label. These distinctions highlight the projects’ excellence in implementation, innovation, and contribution to European priorities in education, digital transformation, and inclusion.

XRWomen: Empowering Women in Extended Reality

The XRWomen project has been acknowledged as a Good Practice under the Erasmus+ programme, a mark of quality granted to projects that deliver exceptional results and innovation in their field.

This initiative aimed to empower women with fewer opportunities by enhancing their digital skills and participation in the field of Extended Reality (XR). The project developed innovative learning tools and training materials to promote inclusion, gender equality, and access to emerging technologies.

Through a dynamic consortium of partners, XRWomen achieved the following:

  • Empowered refugee women through XR supported Language learning 
  • Developed inclusive training methodologies tailored to adult learners
  • Fostered cross-sector collaboration between education, technology, and equality initiatives

Learn more about the project: https://xrwomenproject.eu/ 

Project on EC portal: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2022-1-CY01-KA220-ADU-000086774 

RE.MA.C.: Recognised with the European Language Label

We are equally proud to share that RE.MA.C. (Reinventing Mainstream Classrooms) has been honoured with the European Language Label, a distinction that celebrates innovative initiatives in language teaching and learning.

RE.MA.C. focused on reinventing mainstream classrooms through innovative resources and practices that enhance second language teaching and learning. The project supported mainstream teachers in addressing diverse linguistic and cultural needs through interactive digital tools, intercultural materials, and targeted training using the MILAGE Learn+ platform.

Key achievements of RE.MA.C. include:

  • Innovative methodologies for assessing and enhancing academic language skills
  • A digital toolkit promoting inclusive and effective language learning
  • Resources supporting European cooperation in higher education and linguistic diversity

Learn more about the project: https://remacproject.eu/ 

Project on EC portal: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2022-1-CY01-KA220-HED-000088107 

Celebrating Excellence in European Education

These recognitions reflect CARDET’s continued commitment to advancing quality, inclusivity, and innovation in education and training across Europe. We extend our sincere congratulations to all partners involved for their dedication, creativity, and hard work in making these achievements possible.

At CARDET, we remain steadfast in our mission to foster digital readiness, equality, and lifelong learning opportunities, driving positive change and lasting impact across Europe and beyond.

UxGE Project Concludes – Final Outputs Now Available

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The UxGE (United for a Green Europe) Project has reached its final milestone, and all project outputs are now publicly available. This project, aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental awareness among young people across Europe, has produced a range of resources for educators, youth professionals, and interested learners.

All outputs can be accessed on the project’s Outputs page, which includes:

These outputs provide valuable tools and inspiration for anyone seeking to engage young people in sustainability and environmental initiatives. The UxGE project encourages exploration, learning, and active participation toward a greener, more inclusive Europe.

Explore all project resources and be inspired to make a difference: UxGE Outputs

job position we are hiring CARDET

Head of Technology

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Vacancies.

About CARDET

CARDET is one of the leading research and development centers in Cyprus and the region, dedicated to promoting social impact, innovation, and lifelong learning. At CARDET, we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education and development services that empower individuals and communities to thrive. We believe that education can be a powerful force for change — addressing global challenges by equipping people with the knowledge, skills, and values to build a better future.

About the Role

The Head of Technology provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure CARDET’s digital, AI, and technology strategies drive innovation, learning impact, and organizational excellence. This senior leadership role requires a forward-thinking professional who can lead digital transformation, oversee product and systems development, and inspire a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The postholder leads a multi-disciplinary team of developers, designers, and digital specialists, ensuring that technology acts as a key enabler across all CARDET units and programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of CARDET’s Technology, AI, and Digital Transformation Strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Oversee the development and deployment of digital products, learning platforms, data systems, and automation tools.
  • Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance frameworks across all operations.
  • Manage the design and developer teams, driving innovation in UX/UI, scalability, and accessibility.
  • Foster cross-unit collaboration, partnering with Research, Education, and Business Development teams to support technology-enabled solutions.
  • Lead operational excellence in IT infrastructure, cloud systems, and digital workflows to improve efficiency and impact.
  • Manage technology budgets and vendor relationships, ensuring value-for-money and quality.
  • Champion AI adoption and digital literacy across the organization.
  • Mentor and develop the technology team, encouraging innovation and agile working practices.
  • Represent CARDET in national and European digital innovation networks and events.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience (typically 7+ years) leading technology, digital innovation, or AI transformation initiatives.
  • Proven success in managing cross-functional technical teams and implementing digital systems.
  • Solid understanding of software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT governance.
  • Experience in AI tools, automation, extended reality (XR), or digital learning technologies is highly valued.
  • Familiarity with EU-funded or mission-driven organizations will be considered an asset.

Key Skills and Attributes

  • Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on delivery capabilities.
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Integrity, innovation, and accountability in all aspects of work.
  • Commitment to CARDET’s mission of learning, social impact, and digital excellence.

We offer:

  • Collaborative, inclusive, and wellbeing-oriented work environment.
  • Provident Fund, 13th salary, and generous annual leave.
  • Paid sick leave and family-friendly policies.
  • Lifelong learning and continuous professional development opportunities.
  • Hybrid working flexibility and shorter Fridays.
  • Opportunity to contribute to projects with national and European impact.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to complete the online application form and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter by 21st December 2025 through the following link. 

​Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide references, a self-declaration form, and certificates of clean criminal record. 

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and evaluated fairly.

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

CARDET is an HR Award-winning, equal opportunities employer committed to diversity, wellbeing, and safeguarding. For more information about our privacy policy, visit www.cardet.org/privacy-policy.

SHOREWINNER Partners Advance Offshore Wind Education at Sixth Steering Committee Meeting in Lisbon

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The SHOREWINNER consortium gathered in Lisbon on 31 October 2025 for its 6th Steering Committee Meeting (SC#06), hosted at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento – Ciência Viva. The hybrid event, which welcomed both in-person and online participants, brought together universities, VET providers, CoVE leaders, and industry representatives from across Southern Europe.

The meeting served as a key platform to review progress, exchange experiences, and coordinate the next milestones in strengthening offshore renewable energy education and collaboration in the region.

Meeting Highlights:

The session opened with a comprehensive update on the current status of the project, followed by the introduction of a new partner, further enriching the consortium’s expertise and network.

Partners UDC and UAEGEAN led an in-depth discussion under Work Package 3, focusing on the joint curriculum analysis, methodology revision, and the alignment of EQF5 national courses with the skills demands of the offshore wind sector.

Under Work Package 4, IFOA and APREN presented progress on the development of career kits, innovative learning materials, and CVET short courses aimed at promoting professional upskilling and mobility through micro-credentials and digital tools.

INOVA+ provided an update on Work Package 7, outlining the evaluation framework for measuring the impact and sustainability of regional Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). This was followed by a review of Work Package 1, where P.PORTO and VET partners discussed the upcoming reporting cycle and administrative matters related to payments and compliance.

Under Work Package 6, CARDET and CoVE leaders shared progress on dissemination and communication activities, including website updates, social media engagement, and the planning of Local CoVE Development Events across partner countries.

The meeting concluded with DBL and WP leaders presenting the strategic and long-term action plans (D5.2), setting the foundation for the continuation and expansion of the SHOREWINNER network beyond the project’s lifetime.

The consortium agreed on several priorities for the months ahead:

  • Finalizing and launching the career kits and CVET modules in early 2026
  • Organizing national CoVE development events to enhance visibility and regional engagement
  • Preparing for the impact assessment and next reporting cycle to ensure accountability and sustainability

Learn mora about the SHOREWINNER Project, here.