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Month: August 2026

fuTOURiSME: Supporting Tourism SMEs in Europe’s Digital and Sustainable Transition

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The fuTOURiSME project is supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the experiential tourism sector to strengthen their resilience, competitiveness and capacity for innovation through the twin transition towards digitalisation and sustainability.

Running for 36 months, from September 2023 to September 2026, the EU-funded initiative brings together partners from Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Spain, with a focus on helping tourism businesses adopt digital and green solutions, develop new business models and strengthen the skills needed to respond to a rapidly changing tourism landscape.

Building a more resilient tourism sector

Tourism plays a significant role in the European economy, with tourism businesses overwhelmingly represented by SMEs. However, many smaller enterprises continue to face challenges related to digital maturity, sustainability skills, access to funding and the capacity to invest in innovation. At the same time, consumer demand for more sustainable tourism experiences continues to grow.

fuTOURiSME addresses these challenges through a combination of expert training and coaching, sustainability assessments, innovation funding, digital resources and peer learning. Its approach is designed to help tourism SMEs move towards more sustainable and digitally enabled business models while supporting their post-COVID recovery and long-term resilience.

From training and assessment to direct funding

The project has already delivered measurable results across the participating countries. More than 263 professionals have been trained, while 63 SMEs have completed sustainability assessments and 16 online coaching sessions have been delivered.

The project has also engaged 185 tourism stakeholders and evaluated 381 SME applications, with 60 SMEs receiving funding totalling €1.8 million to support innovation.

Alongside financial support, fuTOURiSME has developed practical resources to help businesses continue their digital and sustainable transformation. These include four multilingual toolkits, a digital platform featuring 125 innovation resources and three multilingual e-learning courses. More than 120 participants have also taken part in the project’s peer-learning workshop.

Practical support for the future of European tourism

By combining knowledge, skills development, business support and financial opportunities, fuTOURiSME is contributing to a more innovative, sustainable and resilient tourism ecosystem in Europe.

The project’s activities are aligned with the European tourism pathway and aim to help SMEs translate the twin transition into practical actions that can strengthen their businesses and improve their capacity to respond to future challenges.

The project is also working towards supporting 50 SMEs in achieving sustainability certification, further strengthening the sector’s capacity to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.

Explore fuTOURiSME Project: www.futourisme.eu

Digital Harmony Showcases Intergenerational Digital Resilience at NTTECONF 2026 in Stockholm

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Digital Harmony Consortium continued its European dissemination activities with a presentation at the 11th International Conference on New Trends in Teaching and Education (NTTECONF 2026), held in Stockholm, Sweden, from 7 to 9 August 2026.

Representing the consortium virtually, Elena Xeni presented the paper “Co-Creating Digital Resilience: An Intergenerational Pedagogical Framework for School-Community Literacy in Europe”, highlighting key findings from the project’s transnational research across eight EU Member States: Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, and Spain.

Funded under the Erasmus+ Policy Experimentation Initiative (Project No. 101195789), the presentation examined the growing digital challenges experienced across generations. While young people face increasing screen exposure, digital overload and cognitive fatigue, many older adults continue to experience digital anxiety and exclusion, particularly as essential public services increasingly move online.

Building digital resilience through intergenerational learning

The Digital Harmony approach responds to these challenges by proposing that primary and secondary schools can serve as reciprocal community learning hubs, where younger and older generations learn with and from each other.

The framework is built around six core didactical pillars:

  • Mutuality
  • Co-Creation
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Structured Interaction
  • Reflective Practice
  • Ethical Governance

During the conference, the consortium also presented nine operational curriculum modules developed for students, older adults and educators. These resources demonstrate how intergenerational learning can be translated into practical educational activities that strengthen digital skills, critical thinking, confidence and community connections.

Among the featured co-creative initiatives were The Digital Recipe Kitchen, The Unplugged Childhood Podcast, and The Neighborhood Secrets Walk, which provide practical examples of how schools and communities can create meaningful opportunities for intergenerational exchange.

The participation at NTTECONF 2026 further strengthened the project’s engagement with the international research and education community, contributing to ongoing discussions around digital inclusion, intergenerational learning and the development of more resilient European communities.

As dissemination activities continue across Europe, the Digital Harmony Consortium is working to translate its research into actionable policy recommendations, practical learning resources and scalable approaches that can support the mainstreaming of intergenerational digital resilience in education and community settings.

Explore the Digital Harmony project, learning modules and resources:
digital-harmony.eu

Learn more about NTTECONF 2026:
NTTECONF 2026

PERSONA Project Equips Europe’s Agricultural Workforce for the Future Through AI Powered Personalised Learning

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

After 30 months of collaboration across Europe, the PERSONA project has successfully delivered an innovative learning ecosystem that combines human expertise with artificial intelligence to modernise vocational education and training (VET) in agriculture. Implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, the project has helped lay the foundations for a more personalised, flexible and future-ready approach to agricultural skills development.

PERSONA (Development of a Hybrid Human-AI Personalised Learning Path for VET for Innovation in Agriculture) brought together partners from eight European countries between 2024 and 2026 to address the growing demand for new skills in an agricultural sector undergoing rapid digital and green transformation.

With more than 9.7 million people employed in agriculture across the European Union, continuous upskilling has become essential. Advances in artificial intelligence, precision farming, automation and digital technologies are reshaping workforce requirements, creating an urgent need for innovative learning models that respond to individual learners’ needs while supporting the broader Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).

To address these challenges, PERSONA developed a hybrid Human-AI personalised learning ecosystem designed to strengthen vocational education and training for agricultural professionals, learners, educators and institutions. The project also supports policymakers and AKIS stakeholders by promoting collaboration and the adoption of innovative learning practices across Europe.

Throughout its implementation, the consortium achieved several significant milestones. These include a comprehensive analysis of the European microcredentials landscape for Agricultural TVET, the development of a Joint European Microcredentials Programme, the establishment of a European Register for Agricultural Microcredentials, and the creation of a Common Microcredentials System for Agricultural TVET. In addition, the project designed and validated the PERSONA Hybrid AI System and an accompanying Learning Management System that enables personalised learning pathways tailored to learners’ knowledge, experience and professional goals.

The project also successfully piloted its solutions through work-based learning activities, ensuring that the developed tools meet the real needs of the agricultural sector while supporting their long-term sustainability and wider adoption.

PERSONA contributes directly to key European priorities, including the European Skills Agenda, the European Education Area, the promotion of Microcredentials, the Green and Digital Transition, and Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

In Cyprus, CARDET played an active role in implementing the project, contributing its expertise in digital education, innovation and vocational learning while supporting the development, validation and dissemination of the project’s outcomes.

The PERSONA consortium consisted of ten organisations from Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Cyprus, Belgium, Czech Republic and Germany, coordinated by Biotehniški Center Naklo. Partners included CESAR, University of Perugia, University College Dublin, ON Projects, COAG, European Vocational Training Association (EVTA), CARDET, Institut INPRO and ASZ ČR.

To learn more about the project and explore its results, visit https://personaproject.eu

Democracy Through the Lens: CARDET’s Get Political Project Supports the 21st Lemesos International Documentary Festival

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The EU-funded Get Political project, implemented in Cyprus by CARDET, partnered with the 21st Lemesos International Documentary Festival to promote civic awareness, democratic participation, and political engagement through the power of documentary cinema.

Held from 1 to 8 August 2026 at the Ceronia Hall, Lanitis Carob Mill in Limassol, the festival brought together filmmakers, activists, and audiences for a week of thought-provoking documentaries exploring contemporary social, political, and environmental issues. Set alongside Limassol’s historic Medieval Castle, the festival provided an inspiring space for dialogue, reflection, and community engagement.

As part of the collaboration, the Get Political project sponsored the screening of the award-winning documentary “A City in the Forest”, which took place on 3 August 2026. The film explores environmental justice, civic participation, and grassroots activism, demonstrating how local communities can mobilise to protect natural spaces and influence public decision-making. Its themes closely reflect the objectives of the Erasmus+ Get Political project, which aims to empower young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate in democratic processes and shape political change.

Alongside the screening, the CARDET team conducted dissemination activities to raise awareness of the project’s outcomes. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the project’s national and transnational Political Talks research through a series of visually engaging posters presenting key findings from Cyprus and across Europe. By combining accessible language, compelling visuals, and evidence-based insights, the exhibition encouraged meaningful conversations around youth participation, democratic values, and the importance of informed civic engagement.

Through partnerships with cultural initiatives such as the Lemesos International Documentary Festival, the Get Political project continues to create opportunities for citizens, particularly young people, to engage with pressing societal issues, exchange perspectives, and strengthen democratic participation across Europe.

Learn more about the project, here: https://getpolitical-project.eu/ 

fACT – Families Acting For Critical Thinking

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

fACT (Families Acting for Critical Thinking) is an intergenerational media literacy initiative implemented by CARDET (Center for the Advancement of Research and Development in Educational Technology) with the active support of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus.

The initiative brings together children (8 to 13 years old), adults (25 to 64), and older adults (65+) to strengthen media literacy, build resilience against disinformation, and improve digital security awareness through collaborative learning.

Hosted at the Paralimni Public Library, the eight-month programme offers weekly drama-based playmaking workshops where participants explore real-life scenarios involving algorithmic manipulation, online scams, misinformation, and digital security threats. Through creative storytelling and role-play, participants develop practical skills to critically assess online information and recognise common manipulation techniques.

The workshops culminate in the co-creation and recording of an original community radio play, transforming media literacy into a shared creative experience that bridges generations and encourages meaningful dialogue.

The project aims to equip participants with practical, repeatable strategies to critically navigate today’s information environment, identify misleading content, protect themselves from online threats, and make informed decisions in the digital world. By combining sound-based storytelling with collaborative creative production, fACT demonstrates how media education can become an engaging, inclusive, and community-driven learning experience.

Supported by: Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia

Young People Shape the Future of Mental Health Support in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

Young people in Cyprus are helping drive meaningful change in how mental health is understood, prioritised, and supported nationwide. After 26 months of coordinated action, the EU-funded project “Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus” has delivered significant progress in research, policy development, youth engagement, and public awareness.

Implemented by UNICEF Central Europe and Asia, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, CARDET, the Youth Board of Cyprus, the Cyprus Youth Council, and the support of the municipalities of Lakatamia and Kourion, the initiative placed youth voices at the centre of mental health promotion and prevention efforts.

The project was guided by a clear vision: to expand opportunities for young people aged 15–24 to benefit from youth-friendly mental health support, articulate their needs, and participate directly in the design and implementation of services at community level.

Responding to an Urgent Reality

The initiative addressed a growing need for mental health support among young people in Cyprus:

  • 75% of young people report experiencing constant pressure and anxiety
  • 86% feel uncertain about their future
  • A persistent help gap remains: while 60% recognise they need support, only 43% seek help

These national findings reflect wider global trends, where mental health conditions affect approximately 75% of young people up to the age of 25. Despite the scale of the challenge, only 56% of countries worldwide have dedicated child and adolescent mental health policies, and fewer than half provide community-based youth mental health services.

Evidence, Participation, and System Strengthening

The project combined research, participatory approaches, and capacity-building to strengthen the youth mental health landscape in Cyprus. Key actions included:

  • Mapping youth mental health services and identifying systemic gaps
  • Engaging young people through structured participation mechanisms
  • Supporting municipalities to make mental health support more locally accessible
  • Training frontline professionals in youth-friendly approaches
  • Contributing youth-driven recommendations to national policy processes
  • Delivering a nationwide awareness campaign

Central to these efforts was participatory research and systems analysis, including the report “Young Minds Matter: Mental Health Support for Youth and Children in Cyprus”. The research provides actionable evidence to inform policy decisions, service development, and the implementation of the National Mental Health Strategy.

Measurable Reach and Public Engagement

The national awareness campaign generated strong public visibility and engagement:

  • Nearly 2 million total campaign interactions
  • More than 430,000 individuals reached, representing approximately 38% of the population
  • 1.6 million views through social media channels
  • Over 114,000 documented community engagements

These results contributed to expanding national dialogue on youth mental health, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviours.

Structural and Policy Achievements

The initiative supported several landmark developments:

  • Youth voices reflected in the National Mental Health Strategy and National Youth Strategy 2030
  • Institutionalisation of youth participation in strategy development and monitoring
  • Introduction of a dedicated national budget line for youth engagement in mental health promotion and prevention
  • Implementation of Cyprus’s first participatory research initiative on youth mental health
  • Launch of a Mental Health First Aid training programme pilot
  • Prioritisation of youth mental health at a High-Level Ministerial Conference during the EU Presidency

Strengthening Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

The project also advanced cross-sectoral cooperation and international learning:

  • Youth mental health highlighted during the EU Presidency, with the project showcased at a high-level conference
  • Study-visit to Ireland supporting exchange of best practices
  • Engagement of more than 150 stakeholders across policy, research, and service sectors
  • Delivery of seven targeted workshops co-designing youth mental health solutions

Tools and Support for Young People

Young people can continue accessing information, participation opportunities, and support through:

Looking Ahead

By positioning young people as active partners in research, policy, and service design, Cyprus is advancing a more inclusive and responsive approach to mental health promotion. The project demonstrates how youth engagement, combined with evidence-driven policy and institutional collaboration, can contribute to sustainable mental health system strengthening.

Video Highlights of the Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRlV4Q1Obj4

Learn more about the Project: https://cardet.org/mental-health/