Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

Article at Politis for the 20 years of CARDET

CARDET: 20 Χρόνια Καινοτομίας και Κοινωνικής Συμβολής μέσω της Εκπαίδευσης

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 03/12/2024. Posted in Media Highlights.

Το Ερευνητικό Κέντρο CARDET γιορτάζει φέτος την 20ή επέτειο από την ίδρυσή του, έχοντας διαγράψει μια πορεία γεμάτη επιτυχίες και καινοτόμες δράσεις. Σε αυτά τα 20 χρόνια, έχει να επιδείξει πολυδιάστατο έργο σε τοπικό και διεθνές επίπεδο που το έχει καθιερώσει ως έναν από τους κορυφαίους οργανισμούς στην Κύπρο και τη Νοτιοανατολική Μεσόγειο. Από το 2004, το CARDET παραμένει πιστό στο όραμά του να ενισχύει την κοινωνία μέσω της εκπαίδευσης, της καινοτομίας και της δια βίου μάθησης.

Η ίδρυση του CARDET στηρίχθηκε στην πεποίθηση ότι η εκπαίδευση μπορεί να αποτελέσει καταλυτικό παράγοντα αλλαγής. Στη βάση αυτής της πεποίθησης και στηριζόμενος σε ένα σύνολο αξιών καθώς και στην εμπειρία της ομάδας του, ο οργανισμός εργάζεται για να προσφέρει πρωτοποριακά εργαλεία και λύσεις που ενισχύουν την κοινωνική συνοχή και την ευημερία. Παράλληλα, κινείται με εξωστρέφεια, ακεραιότητα και διαφάνεια αναπτύσσοντας στρατηγικές συνεργασίες με κορυφαίους οργανισμούς και ιδρύματα παγκοσμίως, όπως η Microsoft, η Ευρωπαϊκή Επιτροπή, η UNICEF και το Yale School of Public Health. Μέσα από αυτές τις συνεργασίες, το CARDET επεκτείνει διαρκώς τη τεχνογνωσία και τις δραστηριότητες του έχοντας εδραιώσει την παρουσία του σε περισσότερες από 40 χώρες, επηρεάζοντας θετικά τις ζωές πάνω από τρία εκατομμύρια ανθρώπων παγκοσμίως.

Η δράση του CARDET εκτείνεται σε διάφορους τομείς, όπως η εκπαίδευση, τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα, η κοινωνική ένταξη, η ψηφιακή μάθηση, η υγεία, η επιχειρηματικότητα και η βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη. Κατανοώντας τις σύγχρονες προκλήσεις, το CARDET δημιουργεί και υλοποιεί καινοτόμα προγράμματα που προσφέρουν λύσεις σε κοινωνικά ζητήματα και προωθούν την πρόοδο. Παράλληλα, διαδραματίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στην προώθηση της τεχνολογίας στην εκπαίδευση, με προγράμματα όπως η εκπαιδευτική ρομποτική, η Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη και η εικονική πραγματικότητα, προετοιμάζοντας τους μαθητές για τις προκλήσεις του 21ου αιώνα.

Εξίσου σημαντική είναι η συμβολή του CARDET στην κοινωνική ένταξη των μεταναστών, προσφέροντάς τους τα απαραίτητα εργαλεία και δεξιότητες για να επιτύχουν την ομαλή ενσωμάτωσή τους στις κοινωνίες υποδοχής. Αυτή η πολυδιάστατη προσέγγιση καθιστά το CARDET ηγέτη στον τομέα της κοινωνικής και εκπαιδευτικής ένταξης, τόσο στην Κύπρο όσο και διεθνώς.

Η καινοτομία αποτελεί βασικό μέρος της στρατηγικής του CARDET. Μέσα από τη συνεχή ανάπτυξη νέων εκπαιδευτικών εργαλείων και τη χρήση προηγμένων τεχνολογιών, το Κέντρο προσαρμόζεται στις μεταβαλλόμενες ανάγκες της κοινωνίας και της εκπαίδευσης. Με την ολοκλήρωση περισσότερων από 400 έργων σε διάφορες χώρες, το CARDET έχει δημιουργήσει ένα ισχυρό δίκτυο που ενισχύει το έργο του.

Όπως δήλωσε ο Εκτελεστικός Διευθυντής του CARDET, Καθηγητής Χαράλαμπος Βρασίδας: «Το CARDET ξεκίνησε με το όραμα να προάγει την εκπαίδευση ως δύναμη θετικής αλλαγής. Είκοσι χρόνια μετά, είμαι περήφανος που έχουμε μετατρέψει αυτό το όραμα σε πραγματικότητα, με σημαντικό θετικό αντίκτυπο». Αυτή η φιλοσοφία συνεχούς ανανέωσης και ανάπτυξης αποτελεί το κλειδί για την επιτυχημένη πορεία του οργανισμού.

Τα πρώτα 20 χρόνια του CARDET έχουν θέσει ισχυρές βάσεις για το μέλλον, με το Κέντρο να προγραμματίζει την ενίσχυση της παρουσίας του σε πανευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο και να προάγει την καινοτομία στην εκπαίδευση. Τα επόμενα χρόνια αναμένονται δυναμικά, με νέες συνεργασίες και πρωτοβουλίες που θα συμβάλλουν στην κοινωνική πρόοδο. Με αφορμή την 20ή επέτειό του, το CARDET εισάγει επίσης την πρωτοβουλία “Twenty4Twenty,” που περιλαμβάνει εθελοντικές δράσεις για την ενίσχυση της κοινότητας, επιβεβαιώνοντας τη δέσμευσή του να επενδύει στην κοινωνία και να λειτουργεί ως καταλύτης για εκπαιδευτική και κοινωνική πρόοδο.

Βρείτε περισσότερες πληροφορίες στην ιστοσελίδα μας: www.cardet.org

*Συνέντευξη στον Πολίτη

Final Event of the Include-Ce Project Online

INCLUDE-CE Project Final Event: Empowering Communities through Digital Literacy and Circular Economy

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 03/12/2024. Posted in Project News.

On December 2nd, an inspiring online event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to explore the intersection of migrant youth, ethnic minorities, and the Circular Economy. Hosted as part of the Inclusion and Digital Empowerment through Circular Economy (INCLUDE-CE) Project, the event was a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue and showcasing innovative tools to empower migrant and ethnic minority communities.

Attendees gained insights into practical strategies for active online job searching and learned about the pivotal role of digital skills in building inclusive communities aligned with Circular Economy principles. The event emphasized the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a digitally-driven world.

A standout feature was the unveiling of a cutting-edge E-learning platform, now available in six languages, including Arabic. This platform offers:

A professional area for those working with youth.
A youth area with free educational resources to support active online job searching.
A free, open-access training program covering critical topics such as internet safety, computer literacy, and effective job-searching techniques.

The event highlighted two comprehensive training courses, showcasing how digital literacy can empower individuals and promote sustainability. Engaging presentations and dynamic discussions encouraged participants to share insights, experiences, and ideas to strengthen inclusion and digital empowerment.

The success of this event marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive and empowered society. The collaborative spirit and innovative resources reaffirm the transformative potential of digital literacy for individuals and communities.

Learn more about INCLUDE-CE Project here

CARDET participates at the STEAME Festival 2024 in Limassol

CARDET Participated in the 2nd Cyprus STEAME Festival 2024

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 29/11/2024. Posted in Blog.

CARDET proudly participated in the 2nd Cyprus STEAME Festival, held on November 29-30, 2024, at Linopetra Lyceum in Limassol. The event, organized by the Cyprus Mathematical Society, the STEAME ACADEMY project, and the Thales Foundation, showcased innovative STEAME learning activities and workshops for students, teachers, and the general public.

During the festival, CARDET presented three key projects that aimed to engage the audience in STEAME education, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability:

STEAM4LIFE

To celebrate the successful conclusion of the STEAM4LIFE project, CARDET showcased its achievements in promoting gender equality in STEAM fields. Visitors explored practical tools such as the career choice simulator and the MOOC (massive open online course) platform, both designed to inspire women and advance their participation in STEAM careers.

EcoSTEAM

Through a creative art installation activity, CARDET engaged participants in discussions about sustainability and ecology. Attendees shared their ideas using drawings and post-its, emphasizing the importance of integrating STEAM education with environmental awareness.

Coding4Kids

CARDET also highlighted the Coding4Kids platform, which introduces coding concepts through real-life scenarios. Educators explored the platform’s interactive lessons and activities, gaining valuable tools to incorporate into their teaching methods.

The festival was an excellent opportunity to connect with educators, students, and stakeholders, exchanging ideas and resources to foster a more inclusive and sustainable society.

BoysLingo Wraps Up with the Release of the 4th Newsletter and a Comprehensive Infographic

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 29/11/2024. Posted in Project News.

The BoysLingo Project has successfully concluded, promoting inclusive language learning by engaging students, especially boys, through innovative, gamified approaches and mobile technologies. Over the course of its two-years of implementation, the project empowered educators and students, addressing the gender gap in education and inspiring more meaningful engagement with language lessons by adopting inclusive practices based on its results.

Highlighting this closure, the BoysLingo project is now releasing its final newsletter and an infographic showcasing key achievements and tools. The goal is for these resources to remain accessible, continuing to support educators in fostering equality and inclusivity in language education.

Find out more in the newsletter and the infographic below.

EcoSTEAM final transnational partner meeting in Lithuania

EcoSTEAM TPM Concludes Successfully in Vilnius, Lithuania

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 29/11/2024. Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM project, an Erasmus+ initiative, successfully held its final Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 28–29, 2024. The meeting marked the culmination of the project’s collaborative efforts, bringing together partners to reflect on achievements, evaluate pilot outcomes, and plan for the sustainability of its results.

Over the two-day meeting, participants reviewed the project’s key deliverables, including the e-Learning Concept, e-Teaching Program, and e-Guide. These final outputs were presented, and their impact was analyzed, particularly in light of pilot activities that engaged 200 students across four countries. Feedback from the pilots highlighted the project’s success in fostering environmental awareness and sparking interest in STEAM topics among young learners.

The meeting also prioritized preparing the final report for submission to the National Agency, ensuring all administrative and financial documentation was completed with full transparency. Partners reflected on the challenges encountered during the project, shared success stories, and discussed lessons learned to inform future initiatives.

Sustainability was a central theme of the discussions, with a focus on how EcoSTEAM’s methodologies and outputs can continue to support educational practices beyond the project’s funding period. Dissemination efforts were reviewed, and plans were developed to ensure the ongoing promotion of the project’s tools and resources.

EcoSTEAM, which aims to enhance STEAM education while addressing environmental sustainability and climate change, has been a significant step forward in equipping secondary school students with the skills and awareness needed to become engaged and informed scientific citizens. The Vilnius meeting provided a fitting conclusion to this impactful project, leaving partners with a clear roadmap for sustaining its legacy in education and innovation.

To learn more about the EcoSTEAM project, please visit here

TUA Project Releases Its 4th and Final Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 29/11/2024. Posted in Project News.

As the TUA Project draws to a close, we’re excited to present the 4th and final newsletter!

This edition is filled with key updates and achievements, including the launch of the “Express Yourself” e-learning platform and digital toolkit. These innovative resources empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Down Syndrome (DS) to embrace art, explore social entrepreneurship, and unlock their full potential through meaningful self-expression.

The project’s journey culminated in Palermo, where partners gathered for the final meeting to celebrate two years of impactful work and discuss the enduring legacy of the TUA Project.

Discover all the highlights and outcomes in the final newsletter! Find it below

TUA project concludes with successful multiplier events

TUA Project Hosts Successful Multiplier Events in Nicosia

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 28/11/2024. Posted in Project News.

The TUA (The Unexpected Artrepreneur) project recently organised two successful multiplier events at the Nicosia Autism Association and the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Special Needs, highlighting the accomplishments of its two-year journey. These events marked a pivotal moment in the project’s implementation, providing an opportunity to showcase its outcomes, share valuable insights, and present its innovative approach to improving learning opportunities for individuals with autism and Down syndrome, as well as for the professionals who support them.

The TUA project is dedicated to enhancing the educational and developmental experiences of young individuals with autism and Down syndrome. Through practical tools, personalised learning opportunities, and professional development resources, the project promotes an inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to meet diverse needs.

At the events, attendees explored the project’s digital tools, including its official website and eLearning platform. Designed for accessibility and ease of use, these resources empower educators, caregivers, and parents to engage effectively with the materials. The eLearning platform, featuring interactive modules that build practical skills and enhance communication, garnered particular attention. Its emphasis on tailored learning strategies for children with autism and Down syndrome was met with great enthusiasm.

Feedback from participants underscored the need for more resources like these to better support the work of professionals striving to improve the lives and opportunities of individuals with special needs.

To learn more about the TUA project and access its resources, visit here.

XRwomen Project Final Conference in Cyprus

XR Women Final Conference: Celebrating Innovation in Language Learning and Inclusion

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 28/11/2024. Posted in Project News.

On November 28th, CARDET hosted the final conference of the XR Women project, marking the culmination of two years of pioneering work in language learning and social inclusion through XR (Extended Reality) technologies.

The event brought together educators, students, and researchers to explore the transformative potential of XR tools in education. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with the project’s free resources through interactive demonstrations. A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Dr. Chris Christou from the University of Nicosia, who delivered an inspiring presentation on how XR technologies are revolutionizing education, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity

Project Achievements

Over the past two years, the XR Women project has made significant strides in empowering refugee women and women with fewer opportunities by enhancing their language skills and promoting civic engagement through XR tools. Key milestones include:

A dynamic e-learning platform for inclusive language learning. Explore it here.
A comprehensive toolkit to help educators integrate XR technologies into their teaching. Learn more here.

As CARDET concludes this initiative, the tools and knowledge developed will continue to advance inclusive education and inspire innovation in teaching practices. Discover more about the project’s journey and impact through this video or by visiting the XR Women website.

CARDET Highlights Digital Literacy and Language Learning at Limassol Book Fair 2024

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 25/11/2024. Posted in Blog.

CARDET was a key participant in the 3rd Limassol International Book Fair, held at the Lanitis Carob Mill from November 22-24, 2024. The Fair brought together over 30 prominent speakers and panelists from across Europe and the Middle East, offering a dynamic forum for the publishing and literary communities to discuss emerging trends and share expertise. CARDET’s presence underscored its commitment to advancing digital literacy, language learning, and community engagement.

One of CARDET’s significant contributions was the keynote address and panel discussion on The Role of Libraries in Promoting Digital Skills, held on November 22. CARDET’s Executive Director, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, delivered an insightful keynote on Artificial Intelligence, Literacy, and Life Skills, exploring how AI is reshaping literacy education and how libraries can equip communities with essential digital skills for the future.

Following his talk, a panel titled Emerging Digital Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence featured experts including:

Dr. Christos Anagiotos, Director of the Pedagogical Support Unit for E-Learning at the University of Nicosia;
Christos Christofides, Member of Parliament for the Education Committee; and
Giorgos Glossiotis, a librarian and member of the Regional Committee of Europe for IFLA.

The panel was moderated by Andreas K. Andreou, Head of Systems and IT at the University of Cyprus Library. Together, they discussed the evolving roles of libraries in fostering digital literacy, promoting inclusive policies, and serving as key community resources for lifelong learning and skill-building across all ages. Dr. Vrasidas, emphasized the importance of the PartnerUP and LeaderAI Projects, which CARDET is implementing in Cyprus, and explained how these initiatives contribute to skill upgrading, create opportunities for adults, and strengthen their participation in lifelong learning.

On November 24, CARDET’s BoysLingo team engaged young participants in a workshop titled Learning a New Language Through Gamified Scenarios on Mobile Devices. This interactive session invited educators, parents, and children aged 10-14 to experience a gamified approach to language acquisition. Through mobile-based scenarios, participants explored effective language-learning techniques in an engaging, hands-on environment. Attendees also received access to free online resources to continue their language education journey.

The Limassol International Book Fair, now in its third year, continues to grow as a cultural landmark, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including publishers, educators, and librarians. CARDET’s contributions at the event showcased its commitment to innovative learning and digital literacy, reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in education and community development in Cyprus and beyond.

Empowering Students for a Sustainable Future: SMILE Project Unveils Educational Videos

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on 25/11/2024. Posted in Uncategorized.

The SMILE project proudly announces the launch of a dynamic series of educational videos designed to inspire and engage students in addressing climate change, promoting sustainable mobility, and advancing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. These videos aim to raise awareness, foster critical thinking, and empower young people to adopt climate-conscious behaviors that help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

A centerpiece of SMILE’s Result 3: Educational Resources for Students & Piloting, the videos are integrated with creative and interactive Escape Room activities, making learning both enjoyable and impactful. By blending storytelling with problem-solving, these resources empower students to tackle environmental challenges while envisioning sustainable solutions.

As the project concludes, its primary focus remains equipping teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to guide students in understanding and addressing climate-related issues. Through capacity building and innovative educational methods, SMILE fosters a deeper commitment to sustainability and inspires active participation in creating a greener future.

Teachers, students, and stakeholders are invited to explore these videos and join this transformative initiative.Watch the videos here: SMILE Project YouTube Channel.