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Author: cardet-wpadmin

EntrInnO

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Portfolio.

Name/Title: EntrInnO – “Online Game for Entrepreneurship and Innovation”

Executive Summary – Overview

In response to the rise in youth unemployment, via the research conducted by the consortium of the project, EntrInno developed and put forward an interactive learning tool that utilises a gamified approach to cultivate entrepreneurial competencies, drive innovation and guide youth  οn their path to success.

Background

Against the backdrop of heightened challenges across European economies and high-levels of youth unemployment, the EntrInnO project was initiated to help empower and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. In particular, the initiative sought to leverage the interactivity and engagement of digital games, traditionally associated with entertainment, and channel those benefits towards educational and self-development purposes instead. In doing so, the initiative put forward an innovative gaming platform  to equip young people with essential business skills that would enable them to formulate their own enterprises and mitigate high youth unemployment. 

Solution – CARDET Focused

Following the invaluable insights and research conducted by the Consortium, the EntrInno initiative incorporated a simulation game hosted on Moodle LMS for a fully customised gaming and educational experience. By moving through the game, the users are put before the life-like business scenarios and learn from simulated game design to enhance their critical entrepreneurial skills. 

This challenges the traditional Learning Management System design, and gives a glimpse into otherwise unattainable scenarios of designing, developing and running an enterprise. To further expand their entrepreneurial repertoire, the game also features multiple opportunities for social interaction, serving as a platform for discussion, idea generation and networking. Moreover, the gaming hub allows players to track their progress through character upgrades, as well as a scoreboard for an additional element of competition. 

Results – Impact

EntrInnO’s platform employed innovative ICT-based educational approaches and gaming to elevate the tool from a Learning Management System to an engaging and accessible simulation experience to foster innovation and entrepreneurship skills. Through the work of the project, the innovative online gaming platform has:

  • Validated gaming as a novel form of non-formal learning practice to help engage and motivate young adults to commit to active and experiential learning
  • Re-emphasised the need for novel IT-backed learning tools to adhere to numerous learning styles with a strong focus on experiential learning of entrepreneurship
  • Reached over 300 young entrepreneurs and offered educational material to further strengthen their entrepreneurial ambitions
  • Brought to light the transversal skills such as entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as basic skills such as digital literacy, communication and networking skills. 
  • Strengthened cooperation and exchange of information and good practices between European countries.
CARDET Certified with SIR 2014 Standard

CARDET Certified with SIR 2014 Standard

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Sound Industrial Relations (SIR 2014) standard that serves as a true testament to its unwavering commitment and continuous dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace. The Centre received this accreditation following an audit carried out in December 2023 by the Quality Assurance Committee of the Federation of Employers and Industrialists (OEB) and subsequent approval of the honourable Minister of Labour, Mr Yiannis Panagiotou.

The audit featured an in-depth evaluation of CARDET’s performance management, gender equality, employee wellbeing, learning and development and internal communication, as well as Health & Safety and Environmental Management practices. The accreditation process also involved a rigorous assessment by a panel of independent experts who evaluated the organisation’s HR strategy, policies, processes, and results.

Reflecting on this important milestone, CARDET’s Executive Director, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, commented: “We are very excited to receive this prestigious standard. This significant achievement showcases the outstanding HR practices and policies based on our commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to creating a positive and inclusive workplace environment that prioritises the wellbeing of our team. By obtaining this accreditation, we further reinforce our position as a leading employer in the industry, strengthening our reputation for implementing best practices and providing a positive experience for our valued team members.”

SMILE newsletter

The Latest Updates and Next Steps and of the SMILE Project

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

Following its goal of fostering climate change awareness and sustainable mobility, the SMILE Project has just announced the successful creation of the SMILE Methodology and the SMILE e-Guide in it’s latest newsletter. This major milestone towards the overarching aim of the project and will without a doubt have a long lasting impact in education.Find out how to access these useful materials below.

Planting Seeds newsletter

Planning Seeds Project’s First Newsletter is Here

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

Our Planning Seeds project is off to a great start and we have some exciting news to share with you all. As we are focused on embracing SEEDs and their associated purchasing groups, known as ‘short food supply chains’ (SFSCs) promote circular economy principles, local consumption, and have a significant social impact, our project has covered some significant groundwork to come closer to this goal.

Find out all about the latest news below and feel free to download the info leaflet for the overall breakdown of this important initiative.

Include-Ce launches laptop campaign

Include-Ce Announces a New Campaign in its Latest Newsletter

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

In its latest newsletter, the Include-Ce has just announced a new exciting campaign to further promote e-inclusion as a fundamental aspect of modern citizenship – and we need your help!

To make learning and training accessible to all, the project aims to collect second hand laptops in good condition to empower youth from disadvantaged backgrounds on their learning journey. Every donation brings us a step closer to enhancing digital literacy and providing access to resources for skill development and job search, as well as societal integration and reduced inequality amongst migrants and refugees.

Will you be a part of this honourable cause? Check out more information in the newsletter below and please reach out to us at tassos.dimitriou@cardet.org to make your contribution.

PRIME first newsletter

Prime Newsletter is Out

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

We are proud to announce that our project PRIME continues its journey towards a more educational and inclusive environment that supports people with intellectual disabilities.

A project aimed at enhancing the skills of the Partner Organisations’ staff in order to manage high-quality mobility projects has just released its latest newsletter unpacking the most recent project developments.

From the impactful meeting in Bordeaux last month, to releasing the survey on assessing the current realities of organisations working on transnational mobility projects for people with intellectual disabilities, there are plenty of updates and opportunities to get involved you don’t want to miss! Read on to find out more.

SWPBS Recognised by the European Commission and in Academia

SWPBS Recognised by the European Commission and in Academia

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET is delighted to celebrate the remarkable impact and commendation of its SWPBS project, aimed to promote inclusive, non-discriminatory social culture and necessary socio-emotional behaviour support for children, even over a year after its successful completion.

The Centre is proud to announce that the “Building School-Wide Inclusive, Positive and Equitable Learning Environments Through A Systems-Change Approach” (SWPBS) initiative has received a prestigious acknowledgement as a good practice in the European Toolkit for Schools. The work and approaches put forward by the project are now placed among a comprehensive list of tested and effective ideas and interventions for improving collaboration within, between, and beyond schools across the European Union.

With SWPBS showcased as a good practice, the legacy of the project will continue to support and inspire school leaders, teachers, parents, and policymakers in enhancing the quality of early childhood and school education, as well as support exchange of experience among school practitioners and policy makers. The project’s dedicated page in the European Toolkit for Schools can be found here, featuring a short description in 29 languages and a detailed description in English.

In addition to this exceptional recognition, CARDET is proud to highlight two recent publications, in renowned academic journals, that analyse and showcase the lasting impact of the SWPBS project in the field of education. The findings and lessons drawn from the three-year ERASMUS+ Key Action 3 Policy Experimentation program, spanning across Cyprus, Finland, Greece, and Romania served as the basis for the ‘Contextual Adaptations to Implement SWPBS With Fidelity: The Case of Cyprus’ and ‘Effects of the Universal Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on Collective Teacher Efficacy’ research publications.

Both of the studies provide invaluable insights into the aftermath of successful systematic implementation of SWPBS approach in schools around Cyprus and Greece revealing positive outcomes on teachers’ collective belief in providing quality teaching opportunities and managing unexpected behaviors as a team. The academic publications are readily available to all here:

On this note, CARDET would like to extend its gratitude to all project participants, collaborators, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the success of the SWPBS initiative. The organisation remains committed to advancing inclusive and positive learning environments and looks forward to continued collaboration in shaping the future of education.

Stars4SD successfully concludes

Stars4SD Project Successfully Concludes, Empowering Young Entrepreneurs Across Europe

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

Following the Final ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Youth Entrepreneurs’ Conference at the University of Cyprus last week, the Stars4SD project has reached its successful conclusion, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Joined by over 40 students, mentors, and speakers, the conference served as a pivotal milestone of this ambitious Erasmus+ initiative that focuses on the popularisation and implementation of SDG practices across new businesses. The attendees had the unique opportunity to delve into success stories and explore the materials developed throughout the project, gaining insights into the numerous opportunities presented by SDG practices and their adoption.

Over the course of the past two years, the project has continuously drawn inspiration from experts in the field, focused on creating a wider network of SDG entrepreneurs in Europe, as well as provided materials for young entrepreneurs to smoothly integrate sustainability practices. CARDET, who’s been the active driver of the project in Cyprus, is happy to announce that now these innovative tools and materials are also freely available online for everyone, to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs. These include:

  • Youth Entrepreneurs’ Coaching and Training on SDGs: A comprehensive program designed to educate and empower young entrepreneurs to integrate sustainable practices into their business models.
  • Train the Trainer Guide: A resourceful guide created to enable trainers to effectively convey the principles of SDGs to young entrepreneurs to further multiply the project’s impact.
  • Stars4SD Methodology: A groundbreaking framework for business administration that introduced an award system, encouraging and rewarding young entrepreneurs who took tangible steps towards achieving the specified SDGs.
  • Stars4SD Network: A dynamic network of youth volunteers spanning across EU countries, promoting entrepreneurship and advocating for sustainable development goals.
  • Stars4SD Good Practice Guide: A guide aimed at raising awareness among young entrepreneurs and policy makers regarding innovative, sustainability-oriented, and holistic approaches to youth entrepreneurship.

Without a doubt, the Stars4SD project has left an indelible mark on the landscape of youth entrepreneurship and sustainable development, creating a legacy that will continue to inspire and drive positive change. As we celebrate the successful conclusion of the Stars4SD project, we look forward to witnessing the lasting impact of empowered young entrepreneurs who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Entrepreneurial centres of vocational excellence

Excelling Entrepreneurship at the “International Dimension of Centres of Vocational Excellence” Conference in Turin

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET is proud to have been given the opportunity to participate in the European Training Foundation’s “International dimension of Centres of Vocational Excellence” Conference in Turin.

The Conference, taking place between 8th and 10th of November, provided an exceptional opportunity to celebrate the successful completion of the Entrepreneurial Centres of Vocational Excellence (Entrepreneurial CoVEs) initiative. Most importantly, it served as a forum to share and explore the invaluable insights and excellent work of the project in promoting international cooperation and vocational excellence amongst distinguished international stakeholders and partners.

Since 2020, CARDET has had the honour of being involved in the project supporting the ETF in the establishment and facilitation of CoVEs, while placing entrepreneurship excellence as the key competence for lifelong learning. Through its longstanding expertise in the field, as the leading research and training institution in Cyprus, CARDET has since helped ETF build up an international platform for distinguished educational institutions and organisations who embrace innovation and quality in their operations, services, and responsiveness to the labor market’s skill demands.

Over the course of this collaboration, CARDET has worked relentlessly to further the ETF’s mission and bring together CoVEs and experts from across the region, putting forward a joint vision and conceptual framework for entrepreneurial vocational training centres. To further assist the initiative, CARDET has been involved in introducing the Tunisian approach to entrepreneurial learning, developing a reflection tool to assess the entrepreneurial methods among CoVEs, carrying out coaching sessions, webinars, as well as spotlighting and sharing valuable practices across the EU.

The conference in Turin has served as an important milestone in bringing together the lessons learned throughout this time. By improving organisational practices, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, teaching and training and material, as well as products and services – the project has successfully helped champion entrepreneurship and revamp local and international CoVEs as the true innovation hubs with strong ties to industry and business and its legacy will, without a doubt, live on.

DigiTeach project

Celebrating the Impact of DigiTeach

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

We are extremely proud to announce that our DigiTEACH project has successfully completed its work having managed to further its mission to promote inclusive education through the integration of digital tools. Responding to the shifting realities and needs that arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic in educational systems, the project has played a significant role by deploying digital tools and methods to deliver quality and inclusive education.

Over the course of the project, CARDET worked closely with its partners from 5 European countries to help ensure, through the development of a full-suite of resources and tools, learning continuity for all school learners. Particular attention was placed on supporting students with special education needs and/or suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

To that end, the Consortium invested its work towards furthering the digital competences of teachers and to ensure that they possess the capacity to effectively utilize them in their lessons and classes. This entailed a comprehensive approach through the development and putting forwards an innovative pedagogical approach on the use of digital tools, with learning resources catered to the needs of teachers, and offering practical training opportunities to educators.

Specifically the project developed:

  • The DIGITEACH Platform where school learners can acquire digital pedagogical competencies enabling them to deliver high quality inclusive digital education and safeguarding the inclusive nature of learning opportunities .The course is free of charge and it is available in 7 languages: English, Bulgarian, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
  • SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIG) by enrolling on the platform, you can access a SIG of your interest and interact with participants from other countries on some specific topics related to that group. The aim is to create an EU virtual community of practice of teachers /educators.
  • A website which will continue to work and to be regularly updated.

The DigiTEACH was a joint initiative of educational institutions and organisations from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, Spain and Bulgaria. CARDET is immensely proud to have had the chance to collaborate with them and on this project whose work and objective lie at the core of its mission to ‘design innovative education programs to inspire and empower communities to thrive’.