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Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

Discover the Green YOU Project – The Vision for a Sustainable Future

Dive into the Green YOU Brochure and explore how this exciting initiative empowers youth and youth workers to tackle climate change through digital innovation and green skills development. 

Learn about our cutting-edge use of mobile augmented reality, the key project objectives, and the tangible results we aim to achieve. Whether you’re a youth worker, educator, or just passionate about sustainability, this is your gateway to joining the green transition!

Download the brochure below.

Green League – Case Studies

The Case Studies Collection of the Green League project constitutes a set of existing successful practices and initiatives of sports activities with parallel development of environmental awareness at European level, in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, and Iceland.

The aim is to inspire sports organizations to replicate the most successful sports practices that contribute to promoting environmental and climate education.

Learn more at the following link

Our project becomes practice!

In this edition of our newsletter, we are excited to delve into the innovative strategies and impactful outcomes of The Unexpected Artrepreneur (TUA) project. This Erasmus KA220 project is pioneering a creative approach to teaching young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome (ASD/DS) through art, fostering social participation, and introducing the concept of ‘artepreneurship’. We have already completed our research and have transformed our results into modules. These modules will be included in our piloting seminars and professionals or anyone interested in the topic of the TUA project will have the opportunity to give us feedback.

1.1. Learning is key
The TUA project is a beacon of hope and progress in the realm of education for individuals with ASD/DS. Through innovative teaching methodologies that leverage art as a primary tool, this project is reshaping how we approach education and inclusion for these individuals. The piloting phase of this project has revealed inspiring stories, breakthroughs, and transformative experiences.

1.2. Art as a Vehicle for Social Participation and Motivation
Art is not just a medium of expression but a catalyst for social interaction and inclusion. Through TUA’s approach, art becomes a bridge that connects individuals with ASD/DS to the broader community. The piloting will feature anecdotes, case studies, and testimonials highlighting how art empowers these individuals to engage socially, fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

1.3. Artepreneurship
One of the unique aspects of the TUA project is its introduction to artepreneurship. By nurturing entrepreneurial skills through artistic ventures, young people with ASD/DS are given the tools to explore their creative potential while developing essential skills for their future. This section will explore how the project is cultivating a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship within this community.

Stay tuned for our next edition as we continue to explore the transformative journey of the TUA project and its profound impact on the lives of young people with ASD/DS.

TUA 2nd Newsletter: Progress, Creativity, and Inclusion in Action

The second edition of The Unexpected Artrepreneur (TUA) newsletter shines a spotlight on the project’s progress and achievements as it continues its mission to empower young individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome (DS). By blending art and entrepreneurship, TUA opens doors for participants to express themselves and thrive within inclusive communities.

Following a successful research phase, the team has designed interactive learning modules that will soon be tested in pilot workshops involving educators, caregivers, and professionals. These workshops are a crucial step in shaping the curriculum to better serve the needs of its participants. Feedback gathered during this phase will guide the refinement of the modules, ensuring they inspire creativity, boost confidence, and promote inclusion.

Curious about TUA’s transformative journey?
Read the latest updates in the newsletter below!

Green League Releases Its First Newsletter

Our Green League project has officially kicked off in its pursuit of combating climate change and promoting healthy lifestyle. By encouraging outdoor activities and bringing back attention to the natural surroundings as an ideal setting for sports, this initiative aims to contribute to better environmental awareness, as well as better well-being for all.

Even though the project has only just started, there are plenty of updates to keep an eye out for. Find all about the project’s progress and latest exciting developments in the newsletter below.

Green YOU Project announces the MOOC course!

The GreenYOU MOOC is live—and it’s more than just a course! Designed with youth and youth workers in mind, this interactive, gamified platform fosters green and digital skills through storytelling, quizzes, and simulations. 

Read the second Newsletter below to find out how you can access the MOOC, what to expect from the five immersive modules, and how it supports learning in a flexible, inclusive, and accessible way.

VideoTeach presents the self-assessment tool – Third Newsletter

Over the past few months the VideoTeach project has been making considerable progress towards promoting video education in rural areas and we are excited to share the latest milestone with you! 

The project team has just successfully developed an online video course which provides an analysis of teachers’ video skills, gives competence recognition and identifies training needs. Now, it’s finally time to share this unique online-self assessment tool with you! Find out more information in the newsletter below!

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 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

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.