Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

RURACTIVE Partners Conclude Successful Third Meeting in Zamora, Spain

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 20/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

From September 16th to 19th, 2024, the charming town of Zamora, Spain, served as the backdrop for the third RURACTIVE partners’ meeting. This gathering was a pivotal step in the project’s journey to invigorate Europe’s rural landscapes through innovation and technology.

The event unfolded over four days of intensive collaboration and exploration. The Steering Committee kicked off the meeting with a review of progress and strategic realignment. This was followed by Knowledge Transfer (KT) sessions and the General Assembly (GA), where partners united to exchange ideas and reinforce their commitment to rural development.

Highlights of the meeting included:

Sayago: Showcased the “Monitoring of the Elderly at Their Homes” IoT system and the “Vital Heartbeat” initiative, which uses public totems to advance rural healthcare.
Campos-Pan: Featured the “Crisol Labyrinth” Project, a creative hub for sculpture and education, and the “Comitas E-health” Project, offering telemedicine to alleviate long-distance travel for medical care.
Almendra: Highlighted a successful agroecology venture by a young entrepreneur, recognized with the European Commission’s “Rural Inspiration Award” for its impact on local agriculture.

The meeting was hailed as a success, leaving participants enthusiastic and well-prepared to continue driving positive change in rural communities across Europe.

Discover more about the RURACTIVE Project here.

more project blog post on inclusion and diversity

Youth as Agents of Change: Promoting Inclusion and Diversity

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 19/09/2024. Posted in Blog.

“The future depends on what we do in the present, and young people are the strongest force shaping it.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Young people possess extraordinary potential to be agents of change, driving societal progress with their fresh perspectives, boundless energy, and passion for justice. Their adaptability, open-mindedness, and commitment to social justice, complemented by their creativity and willingness to challenge the status quo, often place them at the forefront of social change.

In this context, they have the traits and the power to play a pivotal role in addressing modern societal challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and division. With their openness to new ideas and adaptability, young people can lead the charge in breaking down barriers, promoting inclusion, and helping to create more cohesive communities. Additionally, as digital natives, they can leverage a diverse set of tools and platforms to connect across rigid social lines, learn from one another, and most importantly, mobilize and advocate for social causes.

This deep belief in the power and potential of young people is the starting point and guiding force behind the MOVE Project, which works to connect youth and spark tangible actions toward shaping a diverse and inclusive European identity. The project aims to foster social awareness, promote cultural respect, and encourage young people to be the building blocks of new bridges between communities.

The MOVE Project: Youth-Led Inclusion
Funded by the European Union, as a joint initiative from four EU countries – Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Belgium, the MOVE Project fosters youth awareness of migration and inclusion, focusing on building a tolerant society that respects cultural diversity. By providing tools like an audiovisual campaign and an interactive map of migrations, MOVE encourages youth to engage actively in shaping Europe’s future. The project has three key objectives:

Strengthening Youth Technicians’ Abilities: MOVE equips youth workers with innovative tools and strategies to foster social inclusion, particularly around migration. By empowering these leaders, the project ensures that they can guide and mentor others, amplifying the impact across Europe.
Active Youth Participation: Involving young people from four European countries, MOVE encourages them to create content, materials, and tools that raise awareness about migration. By giving youth a platform to express their views, the project promotes active contributions to societal change. Through communication tools like videos and social media, young participants challenge stereotypes and educate their peers about migration and diversity.
Promoting a Tolerant European Identity: MOVE promotes a European identity that embraces cultural diversity. By focusing on migration, the project highlights Europe’s rich history of diverse cultural contributions. The audiovisual campaign challenges negative narratives around migration, promoting a vision of Europe as a space where different cultures coexist and thrive.

Why Youth’s Role Matters
The MOVE Project demonstrates how young people can actively shape inclusive societies. Engaging with issues such as migration and social cohesion, youth raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Involving young people in initiatives like MOVE ensures they have a voice in shaping Europe’s future, including the role of cultural diversity in the future.

The emphasis on creative expression in the MOVE Project allows young people to share personal stories that resonate with their peers. Whether through film, digital media, or art, these young voices shape narratives around migration and inclusion, challenging stereotypes and fostering empathy and understanding among diverse communities.

The Impact of MOVE Project
MOVE’s innovative approach to promoting inclusion through digital tools and youth engagement is impactful. The interactive map of migrations provides a visual representation of migration movements, reminding viewers of the shared histories that unite Europe. Meanwhile, the audiovisual campaign humanizes migration by sharing personal stories, fostering dialogue around inclusion, and challenging negative perceptions of migrants.

By empowering youth to understand and address complex social issues, MOVE creates a platform for ongoing dialogue and cross-border collaboration. As young people become more informed and engaged, they are better equipped to advocate for policies that promote inclusion and respect for diversity in their communities and beyond.

Conclusion and the Future
Young people hold the key to building a more inclusive and tolerant future. Through projects like MOVE, they are given the tools and platforms to use their voices, creativity, and energy to drive positive change. As agents of change, youth can challenge misconceptions, promote empathy, and foster a Europe united in diversity. By shaping their own futures, they are also contributing to the creation of a more inclusive and cohesive European identity.

Learn more about the MOVE Project here

move project releases methodology towards inclusion

MOVE Project Shares the Methodology to Foster Inclusivity and EU Values Through Gamification

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 18/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

The MOVE project has taken significant strides in empowering VET professionals, youth workers, immigrants, and policymakers through a recently held Youth Lab. This lab focused on implementing the project’s Training Guide, which was developed to foster inclusivity and promote EU values. A diverse group of 21 participants was equipped with practical tools and strategies to advance these objectives, particularly targeting young people, immigrants, and refugees.

The Training Guide and its Key Objectives
The Training Guide is a collaboratively designed training model centered on social innovation, featuring dynamics, games, and materials adaptable for practical use across participating countries and beyond. During the lab, participants explored innovative ways to integrate inclusivity into their professional settings and communities, with a focus on key objectives:

Promoting Inclusivity: Equip participants with strategies to create welcoming environments for immigrants and refugees.
Enhancing Understanding of EU Values: Strengthen knowledge of fundamental EU principles, such as human rights, democracy, equality, and the rule of law, to build a more cohesive European society.

Positive Feedback and Valuable Suggestions
The workshop was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants particularly praised its interactive methodology and the inclusive nature of the activities. Here are some key takeaways:

Engaging Format: Attendees appreciated the hands-on activities, innovative approaches, and networking opportunities.
Suggestions for Improvement: Some participants suggested incorporating more role-plays and visual presentations to enhance engagement and understanding. Additionally, they recommended more in-depth questioning during the third (bingo) stage for a more immersive experience.
Interactive Methodology: Many participants described the workshop as “perfect” and praised the interactive nature of the sessions, feeling that nothing needed to be changed.

Explore the Methodology of the MOVE Project
For those interested in deepening their understanding of inclusiveness and EU values, the MOVE project’s resources and MOVE Methodology are now available. Take the first step toward creating more inclusive and supportive communities by exploring the guide today!

STEAM Researcher/Project Manager

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 17/09/2024. 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.

STEAM Researcher/Project Manager
(Hybrid / partly remote)

CARDET is interested in hiring an experienced STEAM and Learning Technologies Researcher/Project Manager who will be responsible for facilitating and executing EU/ research projects in the education and learning technologies sector. We are looking for high calibre individuals who demonstrate the following attributes:

Fluency in English and Greek with excellent writing skills
Strong communication skills
Good organisational and time management skills
Pleasant personality with excellent collaboration and teamwork skills
Resilience and agility
Creative mind, patterned with problem solving ability
Willingness to learn and take initiative

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role

Management and implementation of EU research projects.
Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s research goals.
Prepare data collection instruments, collect, and analyse data.
Conduct fieldwork research (interviews, survey research, observations, focus groups).
Conduct literature reviews and prepare reports.
Liaise and coordinate with external partners, ensuring alignment in objectives, timelines, and resources.
Update stakeholders through formal reports, maintain comprehensive project documentation, and ensure all processes are transparent and traceable.
Regularly review project progress, ensuring timely completion.
Facilitate the organisation of workshops and dissemination activities.
Design courses for face-to-face, blended, and online delivery.
Deliver and facilitate training seminars/webinars in certain areas of expertise.
Develop reports, project outputs, training material.
Prepare and deliver project presentations.
Coordinate research, projects, and teams to successfully complete deliverables.
Travel abroad for project meetings, events, and conferences.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
A Masters and/or PhD in a related field would be considered an asset (e.g. Digital Learning, LearningTechnologies, STEAM,, etc.).
Previous proven experience with research design and implementation in a similar position is essential.
Demonstrable knowledge in Learning Technologies (XR, AI, STEAM, gamification in education, etc.)
Proven track record of successful research project implementation

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
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave
Hybrid work
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 October 7th, 2024 through this 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.

CARDET Participates in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2024

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 17/09/2024. Posted in Portfolio.

CARDET, represented by Dr. Marinos Papaioakeim, had the honour of participating in the Forum on Vocational Excellence 2024, held in Lyon between the 10th and 12th of September. The event brought together Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) from across Europe and beyond, focusing on key challenges such as the green economy, AI integration and fostering inclusive societal transitions through improved Vocational Education and Training (VET).

The forum provided a valuable platform for VET professionals to exchange ideas, collaborate across sectors, and explore innovative strategies for advancing vocational education excellence. CARDET shared its expertise in the field, delving into its work and experience in the field, contributing with insights on the conceptual framework of Entrepreneurial CoVEs and putting forward actionable recommendations to enhance VET programs for a broader impact.

The forum coincided with the 47th WorldSkills Final Competition, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with WorldSkills experts and competitors, further enriching the event’s collaborative and educational spirit.

XR Women Project Launches Innovative E-Learning Course to Empower Refugee Women

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 12/09/2024. Posted in Project News. No Comments on XR Women Project Launches Innovative E-Learning Course to Empower Refugee Women

XR Women Project is excited to announce the launch of its groundbreaking e-learning course,aimed at empowering refugee women and women with fewer opportunities through the integration of Extended Reality (XR) tools into language education. This innovative project features four comprehensive learning modules, designed to make language learning more interactive and effective.

Module 1: Introduction to XR in Language Education
Module 2: XR Teaching Methodologies and Strategies
Module 3: Practical Application of XR Tools
Module 4: Evaluation and Best Practices

In alignment with our commitment to promoting social inclusion, this course focuses on using education and training to empower women. Language learning is a vital tool for social inclusion, allowing individuals to actively participate in society. Understanding the emotional impact of language learning is especially important for marginalized communities.

The XR Women project leverages cutting-edge technologies, such as Oculus, to simulate real-world communication scenarios and help learners navigate emotions through language. By providing immersive experiences in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), these tools enable users to practice communication, correct mistakes, and learn in dynamic, interactive environments.

For the e-learning platform, click here

Education EU Project Coordinator

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 11/09/2024. 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 and services that inspire and empower individuals and communities to thrive. We believe that education can be a powerful force for change. A large part of global problems and challenges are a result of the lack of knowledge, skill, and competencies. 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.

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.

Education Program Coordinator
(Hybrid / partly remote)

CARDET is interested in hiring an experienced Education Program Coordinator who will be responsible for managing and coordinating the organisation’s educational programs and team. The Education Program Coordinator will support the Head of Operations in the coordination, planning, execution, and evaluation of various educational initiatives, facilitating effective communication and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. We are looking for a high-calibre individual who can demonstrate the following attributes:

Solid management and leadership skills
Strong project management and coordination skills
Passion for education and digital learning
Organisational skills, with the capacity to prioritise and work across multiple projects
Excellent teamwork skills
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Fluency in English and Greek with excellent writing skills
Strategic and critical thinking with problem solving skills
Positive mindset, resilience and agility
Commitment to continuous learning and growth, coupled with the ability to adapt to changes
Drive and initiative

Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Role

Coordinate the operation of the Education Team projects to ensure that they are completed according to specifications, budgets, and timelines.
Plan, execute and monitor educational projects.
Oversee a team of project managers/researchers and regularly monitor all projects.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the education team, facilitating communication between team members, and other departments.
Holds regular check-ins with the team members.
Coordinates the Education team and allocates responsibilities amongst the team members.
Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to team members to enhance their performance and professional development
Conduct periodic performance reviews, setting clear objectives, and evaluating achievements against these objectives.
Ensure that all deliverables meet program’s standards/requirements.
Identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate delays and other issues.
Communicate with key stakeholders.
Prepare regular reports on the progress and performance of educational projects, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.
Plan the weekly events and initiatives of the education team

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Educational Psychology, or other related field.
A Masters in Educational, Business Management, Project Management or other related field would be considered an asset.
In-depth knowledge of methodologies and techniques used in project and program management.
Project Management qualification, e.g. PRINCE 2, PMP, or other certification would be considered an asset.
Previous proven experience in coordinating teams.

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
Fully paid maternity and paternity leave
Hybrid work
Travel opportunities

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.

Empowering Educators with a Two-Day Training Seminars Focused on Innovation and Resilience

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 09/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

CARDET had the pleasure of contributing, for yet another year, to the Pedagogical Institute’s annual Teacher Training Seminar taking place at the start of the school year. Over the course of the two days of the seminar, the Centre’s project managers and trainers organized and delivered a wide array of workshops walking educators through the innovative and immensely useful resources of their projects.

Drawing on the work and experience of the work of its projects, CARDET Team offered a comprehensive set of training offerings, delving on key facets and themes essential to the professional development of educators. More than 200 educators from across Cyprus, working in early childhood, primary and special education benefited from practical training and the presentation of good practices and tools.

Namely, CARDET offered training covering the following themes:

Mental Resilience and inclusion practices in support of both students and teachers based on the Inclusive Hubs project.
Developing students’ emotional skills, promoting self-confidence and positive emotional management based on the SMILE project.
STEAM skills and the promotion of astronomy to students by using the interactive resources and learning material of the Aristarchus project
The promotion of digital education approaches and skills through the BENEFIT project

Participants engaged in interactive activities, discussions, and group work, utilizing educational materials that enriched both teaching and learning. CARDET continues its efforts to create a high-quality and inclusive educational experience for all.

ICC – Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus Famagusta district

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 04/09/2024. Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

In a bit to support local authorities to design and implement inclusive integration policies Intercultural Cities (ICC) is a Council of Europe programme, aims at improving the outreach to people (children and their families) with fewer opportunities, especially with migrant background, that frequently can be facing socio-economic difficulties or any other potential source of discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief. ICC implementing a 2-year project, called “Enhancing structures and policies for intercultural integration in Cyprus” in partnership with the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus (CRMD), and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG Reform).

The project’s specific objectives are:
1. Support, empower and guide migrants to effectively navigate through important aspects of their everyday lives and connect with the local community, through language courses, and their active participation in workshops, events and local festivals.
2. Promote intercultural exchanges and interactions in the region and counter diversity-related prejudices, with the support of civil society organisations, local authorities/stakeholders, NGOs and other local entities.
3. Expand the Regional Network, engage and reaffirm the commitment of all the members to support and promote intercultural integration.
4. Facilitate the implementation of the recommendations set by the Famagusta District Intercultural Network’s Action Plan towards the overall objective.
5. Assess the performance and progress of the region in relation to the intercultural integration model and promote further actions

Green League Project Hosts Eco-Friendly Sports Tournaments to Promote Environmental Awareness

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 30/08/2024. Posted in Project News.

The Green League project, dedicated to strengthening the connection between sports and environmental sustainability, organized a 7-day football tournament and a 3-day relay race using garbage bags in August 2024. These events attracted the participation of approximately 150 amateur athletes and aimed to raise awareness about the impact of sports on the environment.

Participants in the tournaments also engaged in discussions about how sports can influence the environment, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices in everyday activities. Similar tournaments were also organized in schools, summer camps, and in collaboration with other organizations.

Green League is an innovative project designed to merge the world of sports with environmental advocacy, using physical activity to inspire urgent action against climate change. By linking sustainability with healthy living, Green League contributes to both a greener planet and improved well-being for communities.

The Green League initiative promotes outdoor physical activity as a powerful tool for generating environmental consciousness and encourages sustainable practices within sports. Through experiential learning, the project addresses the urgent need to combat climate change while promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being for all.
For more information and event materials, visit Green League Results here