Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

BUPA project training in coding and game design concepts

BUPA Project: Training on upskilling with coding and game design concepts

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 27/11/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on BUPA Project: Training on upskilling with coding and game design concepts

A successful and interesting training was held by IIS MARCONI MANGANO in Catania, Italy between the 14th and 16th of November 2023.

The 14 dedicated staff members of BUPA partner organizations, including CARDET, participated in this comprehensive 3-day training on enhancing skills and knowledge related to the following modules, developed in the framework of the project:

Computational Thinking unplugged
Methodologies to support Logical Learning
Google Blocky Games
Fundamentals of Scratch
Python and Introduction to Programming with a Formal Language
Game design concepts

The 6 modules address both teachers and students and are now accessible for free on the BUPA e-learning platform

During the training, the participants immersed themselves in various unique activities, including the design of their own board games, viewing inspirational TED talks on relevant topics, and engaging in simple coding activities.

In the following months, the BUPA material will be tested by both students and teachers during the Learning, Teaching, and Training Activities (LTTA) in Spain. Following this phase, pilot implementations will be conducted in all partner countries.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The BUPA Project is an Erasmus + Project, aiming to find new and innovative tools and approaches to include coding and game design concepts in school education by upskilling students and teachers in developing games for thematic learning. The project also aims to develop students’ digital skills in what game design framework is and enhance their problem-solving skills.

The project partnership is: CODEUP (Portugal), XENIOS POLIS (Greece), CARDET (Cyprus), IES LA SENIA (Spain), AEVA (Portugal), IIS MARCONI MANGANO (Italy), FIP (Ireland).

For more information on the BUPA project, you may visit the website and follow us on Facebook.

Stars4SD Youth Entrepreneurs Comprehensive Guide and Policy Recommendation Report for Sustainable Success

Stars4SD Empowers Youth Entrepreneurs: A Comprehensive Guide and Policy Recommendation Report for Sustainable Success

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 16/11/2023. Posted in Project News. 1 Comment on Stars4SD Empowers Youth Entrepreneurs: A Comprehensive Guide and Policy Recommendation Report for Sustainable Success

The Stars4SD initiative, a collaborative effort between Austria’s Sudwing, Belgium’s KMOP Policy Center, Cyprus’ CARDET, Greece’s KMOP and Amazing Youth, Ireland’s Future In Perspective, and Italy’s CESIE, has developed a Good Practice Guide. This guide aims to raise awareness among young entrepreneurs about effective, successful, and sustainable ways to incorporate environmentally and socially responsible practices into their schemes. Featuring 14 cases from partner countries, the guide also addresses key areas where young entrepreneurs need assistance.

Key findings

The issues that young entrepreneurs and companies care most about are the following:

• Decent work and economic growth
• Financial Support and Funding
• Entrepreneurial education and Training
• Challenging Sustainable Production
• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
• Collaborative Ecosystems
• Networking and Communication
• Support for promoting the SDGs
• Access to Sustainable Materials
• Data and Measurement for Eco-friendliness
• Zero Waste Strategies

The Stars4SD Policy Recommendation Report

The Report complements the previous effort by offering policy recommendations to formulate an effective strategy for promoting sustainability in youth entrepreneurship. Drawing on evidence from desk and field research, as well as insights from participants in the STARS4SD Awards, the report provides a comprehensive summary of key lessons learned from the project outputs and includes policy recommendations, divided into three segments: recommendations for Policy-Makers at Local, Regional, and National Levels; recommendations for Policy-Makers at the European Level; and recommendations for multiple levels of governance.

Find out more about the findings of our Best Practice Guide and Policy Recommendation Report HERE.

Stars4SD Unveils an Award System for Sustainable Business Practices

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 09/11/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on Stars4SD Unveils an Award System for Sustainable Business Practices

Stars4SD, a leading initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable business practices, has created a self-assessment and award system to propel businesses and organizations towards achieving their sustainability goals. The Stars4SD Award system offers comprehensive indicators for the evaluation and cultivation of a sustainability culture within a company or organization. This initiative empowers network members to engage in a self-assessment questionnaire, scrutinizing their business practices against predefined criteria. Upon completion of the self-assessment, participants or companies are rewarded with stars, reflecting the points accumulated during the evaluation. The awarded stars correspond to specific levels within a structured framework of five levels in total. The Stars4SD self-assessment tool is accessible in multiple languages, including English, Greek, French, German, and Italian, and is provided free of charge. Companies can still register to the Stars4SD network, fill in a form with their details and contact information, and use our self-assessment tool.

Star4SD Awards

The Stars4SD Awards were a recognition for applicants who integrate sustainability principles into their business activities, operations, and practices. The award winners from Austria, Brussels, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Ireland have already been announced and were given the opportunity to present their own successful sustainability story. The Stars4SD Awards in each partner country were more like a celebration of businesses and organizations that embrace sustainability as a core value. In the Stars4SD project we believe that by acknowledging and promoting their efforts, we inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and responsible future. Therefore, we still encourage businesses and organizations across Europe to embrace the challenge, undertake the self-assessment in our network, and share their stories, signalling their dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Find out more about the Stars4SD Network HERE.

Stars4SD project methodology on sustainable development

Stars4SD Launches a Methodology for Sustainable Business Administration

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 31/10/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on Stars4SD Launches a Methodology for Sustainable Business Administration

Stars4SD is proud to announce the development of a methodology aimed at driving positive change and inspiring responsible business practices. To realize its ambitious objectives, the project has pursued the development of a framework which serves as a comprehensive guide, offering invaluable insights to entrepreneurs into meeting the five selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The framework is connected to the Stars4SD self-assessment mechanism and award system, designed to recognize and reward entities actively undertaking measures aligned with these SDGs. Business organizations, chambers of commerce, and business agencies are also encouraged to leverage this methodology to implement the Stars4SD award system within their markets. Furthermore, youth and environmental organizations can utilize the methodology to advocate for sustainable practices and incentivize their adoption.

Key Components of the Stars4SD Methodology:

● Provides an overview of the Stars4SD initiative and the need for a new framework in business administration.
● Defines the perceived needs of youth entrepreneurs regarding sustainability
● Includes the benefits for entrepreneurs resulting from promoting the SDGs in their business
● Describes the relevance of the five SDGs with businesses and explains the award system
● Presents concrete actions to guide the continuous use of the Stars4SD Methodology

By helping other organizations to incorporate the award system and promote the selected SDGs, Stars4SD aims to create a global network of businesses contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

The Stars4SD project

Stars4SD is an Erasmus+ project that aims to strengthen youth entrepreneurship and promote youth active citizenship and innovation, by providing support for young entrepreneurs and trainers about the importance of five Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – namely provide quality education to youth entrepreneurs, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption and production – by providing a methodology and guidance on how to meet these SDGs, and also by rewarding young entrepreneurs who take the necessary steps to meet the SDGs.

Find out more about the Stars4SD Methodology here.

LEADING2030 sustainable business practises

Providing Sustainable Business Practises Through the Leading 2030 Project

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 09/10/2023. Posted in Project News.

In a bid to promote and contribute to the implementation of more sustainable practices, LEADING 2030 is here to support post-pandemic business dynamics and daily activities.

Having as a main goal to accelerate a culture of sustainability and ownership of the SDGs and create a holistic and practical background the project aims to upskill business consultants, continuing vocational education and training (CVET) professionals, and leaders to mainstream sustainability across sectors. In the following months LEADING 2030 partners will develop innovative and accessible didactic resources to empower professionals. It will also provide vocational education and training (VET) and businesses with practical tools. Additionally, the project will enhance cooperation at local, regional, national, and European levels by involving partners, experts, and key stakeholders.

Find out more about the project’s updates in the recent e-brief, available in Greek.

PR.I.M.E Project involving Participants With Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) in VET, ADU and YOUTH sector

Launching PR.I.M.E to Promote Inclusive Mobility

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 02/10/2023. Posted in Project News. 1 Comment on Launching PR.I.M.E to Promote Inclusive Mobility

In the ever-evolving landscape of education and international exchange, the PR.I.M.E. project, officially launched on October 1, 2023, marks a significant milestone in the quest for inclusivity and accessibility. The acronym PR.I.M.E., which stands for “PRomoting Inclusive Mobility Experiences,” and encompasses a collaborative initiative set to run until March 31, 2026, led by a consortium of seven organizations hailing from diverse corners of Europe.

Comprising this dynamic consortium are Kara Bobowski from Italy, JDC from Lithuania, PSONI from Poland, ESTIA from Athens, VisMedNet from Malta, Cap Ulysse from France, and CARDET from Cyprus. Each organization brings unique expertise and perspectives to the table, creating a potent synergy for the PR.I.M.E. project.

At its core, PR.I.M.E. emerges from a shared desire to make Erasmus+ programs more accessible and inclusive. The project’s overarching goal is to foster innovation and internationalization within partner organizations by enhancing the skill sets of their staff members. By creating specific and innovative tools and resources, PR.I.M.E. aims to equip these professionals with the expertise needed to effectively manage high-quality mobility projects. Notably, these projects will involve participants with intellectual disabilities (PWID) in various sectors, including Vocational Education and Training (VET), Adult Education (ADU), and the Youth sector.

With this in mind, the project is also set to promote greater participation of people with respiratory disorders in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) mobilities. By creating a supportive framework and providing the necessary resources, PR.I.M.E. seeks to break down barriers and create opportunities for individuals who have traditionally faced challenges in accessing international educational experiences.

PR.I.M.E. is more than just a project; it’s a commitment to change. Over the course of its implementation, it will not only enrich the lives of PWID but also empower organizations and educators to embrace inclusivity as a fundamental value. As the project takes off, it is ready to redefine what it means to be inclusive in the sector of international education, opening doors that were previously closed and setting new standards for accessibility and equality. Stay tuned for updates as PR.I.M.E. embarks on its transformative journey towards a more inclusive future.

WAY2GO in Stockholm

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 27/09/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on WAY2GO in Stockholm

Τhe progress and the near future of the WAY2GO project had the chance to discuss, partners from Cyprus, Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Portugal and Turkey. On a 2 day meeting in August the partners met for the second time in the beautiful city of Stockholm for a productive dialog and the project’s details.

On the first day of the meeting, there was a great brainstorming session about inclusivity in each partner’s country and how inclusivity can be improved through the project. Due to the personal experiences of the partners, amazing ideas were expressed on how to approach the next steps and what could be added to the to-do lists.

The second day was even more productive, as EUROPIAMO (Italy) organized a knowledge-sharing session. More specifically, each partner wrote different topics they would like to share with the group in order to expand knowledge. Through voting, 3 topics emerged, in which the participants had the opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns.

The meeting ended with a delicious fika (tea and cinnamon rolls) and warm goodbyes for a safe trip back home.

The progress of VideoTeach project – Second Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 31/05/2023. Posted in Project News. No Comments on The progress of VideoTeach project – Second Newsletter

The VideoTeach project is on a roll and we have a few new exciting updates to share with you.

Following the partner meeting in Sofia, the VideoTeach project has finalised the Competence Profile (CP) for Video Teachers for the Green Industry and the European Curriculum for Video Teachers for the Green Industry, which without a doubt come in handy in supporting the introduction of video education in rural areas.

Want to learn more about these tools? Download the newsletter below for more information, as well as other exciting updates and next steps of this important project.

TUA Project support young people with DS/ASD

Empowering Youth with ASD and Down Syndrome through Art & Entrepreneurship

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 24/03/2023. Posted in Project News. 1 Comment on Empowering Youth with ASD and Down Syndrome through Art & Entrepreneurship

We are excited to announce the launch of the latest European initiative – ‘TUA – The Unexpected Artrepreneur’ to help people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome (DS) combat feelings of exclusion and marginalisation. Through the use of visual art, this project aims to provide long-term soft skills of self-expression, social innovation and social participation amongst young people with mental disabilities, as well as to create inclusive and equal learning environments.

The project is set to develop a specialised curriculum and training focused on teaching the intersection of the visual art and entrepreneurship to minimise the challenges experienced at hand. Using an interactive e-learning platform and toolkits, the project hopes not only to enhance the overall feeling of belonging, but also to encourage young people to become agents of social change through art and entrepreneurship. The training materials will be available to support professionals working with youth, as well as teaching toolkits for young people to access concepts about art and social entrepreneurship.

Supported by CARDET, alongside CESIE, ARTIT Athens, Amazing Youth, CARDET, Aproximar and KMOP Policy Center, ‘The Unexpected Artrepreneur’ promises to be a transformative project for these young people, their families and communities. By teaching marginalized youth to share their views and stories with the world ‘The Unexpected Artrepreneur’ seeks to reinforce common values and civic engagement and strengthen young people’s sense of initiative and increase the quality, innovation and recognition of work produced by young people with DS/ASD.

For more information, please visit the project website.

TUA Project Launches Its 1st Newsletter: A Journey of Creativity and Inclusion Begins

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 24/03/2023. Posted in Project News.

We are excited to announce the launch of The Unexpected Artrepreneur (TUA) Project, an inspiring European initiative dedicated to empowering young individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome (DS). This groundbreaking project merges visual arts with entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for creative self-expression and professional growth.

By focusing on these key areas, TUA seeks to promote social inclusion, celebrate the unique talents of young people with disabilities, and advocate for diversity, respect, and equality. The project aims to provide a platform where their perspectives and abilities can shine, enriching both their lives and the communities around them.

TUA’s first newsletter marks an exciting milestone in this journey, offering a glimpse into the project’s goals, activities, and vision for the future. Stay connected for inspiring stories, engaging workshops, and dynamic collaborations that showcase the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial potential of TUA participants!

Discover more about the TUA Project in the newsletter below.