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Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

EPIC Project Successful Pilotings and Workshops across the Western Balkans

EPIC Project Advances with Successful Pilot Workshops Across the Western Balkans

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The EPIC project has reached an important milestone with the successful pilot implementation of its newly developed EPIC Toolkits through a series of workshops held in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo. The workshops brought together young people and youth workers to test, validate, and refine key project resources aimed at strengthening social entrepreneurship ecosystems.

The pilot workshops focused on two key outputs of the project:

  • Toolkit for Youth Workers, which equips educators and youth professionals with practical tips, guidelines, and strategies to mentor and support young social entrepreneurs.
  • Toolkit for Youth, offering hands-on tools and step-by-step guidance to help young people design, develop, and manage their own social ventures.

The main objectives of the pilot activities were to effectively communicate the content and methodologies of the toolkits, ensure their relevance to the specific social, economic, and cultural contexts of each country, foster sustainable learning communities among youth and youth workers, and collect structured feedback to further refine the resources.

Overall, the pilot implementations were highly successful and well received. Participants from both target groups demonstrated strong engagement throughout the workshops. Young participants highlighted the toolkits as a valuable foundation for initiating their own social entrepreneurship journeys, while youth workers emphasized how the resources addressed critical gaps in mentoring, counselling, and social impact measurement.

The workshops also provided valuable insights for the project team. Feedback and observations revealed that many participants had limited prior exposure to social enterprise concepts or national legal frameworks, underlining the importance of EPIC in introducing structured and accessible support mechanisms. Participants contributed constructive suggestions that will be used to further enhance the clarity, usability, and applicability of the toolkits.

Conclusions from the pilot phase confirmed that the EPIC Toolkits offer realistic and practical guidance for both youth and youth workers. At the same time, findings highlighted that their long-term impact will be further strengthened through continued capacity-building initiatives and broader institutional recognition of social entrepreneurship education.

The EPIC project continues to build momentum as it moves toward the next phases of curriculum development, training implementation, and dissemination, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young people as agents of positive social change.

Learn more about the EPIC project here.

VET4 Social Impact Training in Egypt and Palestine

VET4 Social Impact: EntreCoVE Training Programme Successfully Implemented in Egypt and Palestine

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The VET4 Social Impact project continues to make meaningful progress with the successful development and implementation of the Entrepreneurial Centres of Vocational Excellence (EntreCoVE) Training Programme, in Egypt and in Palestine.

The training programme was delivered through a blended learning approach, combining online sessions with in-person training activities to ensure flexibility, engagement, and practical learning outcomes. As part of the implementation process, the project consortium trained two local trainers, one from Egypt and one from Palestine, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to deliver the programme within their local contexts.

Both national training implementations have now been successfully completed, marking an important milestone for the project and strengthening local capacity for entrepreneurial vocational education and training.

Stay tuned for upcoming updates on the program’s results, and long-term impact. For more information visit the website.

e-Protect Honoured at the European Innovative Teaching Award 2025 Ceremony in Brussels

e-Protect Honoured at the European Innovative Teaching Award 2025 Ceremony in Brussels

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The European Innovative Teaching Award 2025 Ceremony, held on 8–9 December 2025 in Brussels and online, celebrated groundbreaking initiatives in education and digital learning. Among the awardees, e-Protect, a project by CARDET, was recognised for its transformative impact in empowering older adults to navigate the digital world safely.

Designed to equip older generations with the confidence and skills to protect their personal data online, e-Protect has already benefited more than 20,000 participants through its digital platform and tailored training materials. The project demonstrates that technology can be accessible and understandable for all, fostering digital inclusion across Europe.

The award was received on behalf of CARDET by Andreas Georgiou, Chief Operating Officer, who highlighted the project’s mission to make the internet a safer and more empowering space for older adults. e-Protect’s work will also be featured on the award’s website, Erasmus+ social media channels, the European Education Area portal, and the European School Education platform, showcasing best practices to educators and policymakers across Europe.

Learn more about the e-Protect project here!

INITIATION new project

ΙΝΙΤΙΑΤΙΟΝ Project: The official launch of a New Initiative for the Digital and Green Transformation of Higher Education

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The kick-off meeting of the Erasmus+ funded project INITIATION – dIgital traNsformatIon and green Transition of hIgher educATion InstitutiONs officially marked the start of a new international initiative supporting the digital and green transformation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, INITIATION brings together HEIs and organisations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Cyprus, and North Macedonia, under the coordination of a leading university from North Macedonia. The project adopts a whole-institution approach, strengthening institutional capacity to design and implement forward-looking strategies that integrate sustainability and digital innovation.

Over the course of the project, INITIATION will deliver a comprehensive set of capacity-building activities, including:

  • the development of Strategic Recommendations informed by state-of-the-art research and stakeholder engagement;
  • blended formal training programmes for more than 240 faculty members and academic leaders, focusing on green and digital competencies, strategic decision-making, and innovative learning design;
  • informal learning opportunities, such as virtual and in-person mobilities and job shadowing;
  • and student hackathons, engaging over 100 higher education students in developing digital and green solutions.

Through these activities, INITIATION aims to:

  • enhance the capacity of academic leaders to design and implement sustainable digital and green institutional strategies;
  • support faculty in developing interdisciplinary courses that embed green and digital skills;
  • improve students’ employability by equipping them with integrated competences relevant to the evolving labour market;
  • and establish participating HEIs in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina as regional role models in sustainable and digitally enhanced higher education.

The kick-off meeting provided partners with the opportunity to align on project objectives, implementation timelines, roles, and expected outcomes, setting a strong foundation for effective collaboration over the project’s lifetime.

CARDET is proud to contribute its expertise in research, education, and policy development to INITIATION and looks forward to supporting HEIs in advancing sustainable, inclusive, and future-oriented higher education systems.

Stay tuned for more information!

Ageing Well final partner meeting final conference Paris CARDET

CARDET Concludes Successful Final Activities of the “Ageing Well” Project in Paris

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET proudly participated in the final Transnational Project Meeting and international conference of the Erasmus+ project “Ageing Well – Science-based habits of people who age well” on 26–27 November 2025 in Paris, hosted by E-Seniors.

The two-day event began with the final project meeting at E-Seniors’ headquarters, where partners reviewed key project results, discussed the final report, and finalized the Exploitation, Sustainability, and Quality Assurance Reports. Collaborative sessions ensured that all tasks were completed for the successful conclusion of the project. The day ended with a social dinner at Café Martin, fostering informal exchange and strengthened partnerships.

The following day, we joined the international conference at Club Senior Georgette Agutte, focusing on digital well-being, creative digital skills, and healthy ageing. The project’s platform and training modules were presented, showcasing practical tools that promote digital confidence, social connectedness, and active engagement among older adults. Partners engaged in discussions on online habits and healthy ageing practices, supported by English translation for cross-country exchange. The conference concluded with a networking lunch, providing an opportunity to reflect on the project’s impact.

We are so proud to see that the material developed throughout the project will continue to promote active and healthy ageing across Europe. For more information about the project visit the website here.

GROWS project releases its final newsletter

GROWS Project Releases its 6th Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

As the GROWS project enters its final phase, partners across six European countries successfully delivered a series of national workshops and a final conference, engaging over 230 VET teachers, trainers, students and education stakeholders. Held in Poland, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Portugal and Bulgaria, the events showcased key project results, including the GROWS Toolkit, e-learning platform, Intelligent Tutor and training programme. Participants highlighted the practical value of the resources and their strong potential to support sustainable waste management education in vocational training, inspiring concrete action towards greener practices across Europe.

To find out more about the project visit the website here.

Grows project final transnational partner meeting CARDET

CARDET Participates in the Final Conference of the GROWS Project in Warsaw

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET, together with partners from across Europe, successfully concluded the GROWS project during its final Transnational Project Meeting and conference held on 18–19 November in Warsaw, Poland. The events marked the completion of a two-year effort to promote sustainability competences in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

During the final partners’ meeting on 18 November, consortium members reviewed the project’s outcomes, finalised deliverables, and officially closed the project. On the following day, the GROWS Final Conference brought together students, educators, VET providers, and stakeholders for an engaging programme dedicated to sustainable waste management.

At the conference, all project partners presented the Work Packages they led, showcasing the project’s innovative resources and achievements. The sessions highlighted the importance of empowering VET trainers and providers with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare and implement effective green education action plans. Local presentations and an open discussion further enriched the event, focusing on sustainability challenges and opportunities in educational environments.

The GROWS project has produced several impactful outputs, including:

  • A comprehensive e-toolkit for developing a Green Strategy in VET institutions, complete with pedagogical materials and methods to enhance learners’ green skills.
  • An E-Learning Platform and Open Educational Resources (OERs) featuring gamified elements and an intelligent tutor designed to guide users in creating green action plans.
  • A hands-on training programme for VET providers and trainers aimed at building their competences in sustainable waste management.

Through these efforts, the project has engaged hundreds of individuals across six partner countries, including trainers, VET providers, students, and key stakeholders who play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future.

CARDET is proud to have contributed to this important initiative, reaffirming its commitment to advancing environmental education and supporting green transitions in the education sector.

More information about the project you can find here.

job position we are hiring CARDET

Head of Technology

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Vacancies.

About CARDET

CARDET is one of the leading research and development centers in Cyprus and the region, dedicated to promoting social impact, innovation, and lifelong learning. At CARDET, we envision a just and sustainable world where people learn and flourish. Our mission is to design innovative education and development services that empower individuals and communities to thrive. We believe that education can be a powerful force for change — addressing global challenges by equipping people with the knowledge, skills, and values to build a better future.

About the Role

The Head of Technology provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure CARDET’s digital, AI, and technology strategies drive innovation, learning impact, and organizational excellence. This senior leadership role requires a forward-thinking professional who can lead digital transformation, oversee product and systems development, and inspire a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The postholder leads a multi-disciplinary team of developers, designers, and digital specialists, ensuring that technology acts as a key enabler across all CARDET units and programs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of CARDET’s Technology, AI, and Digital Transformation Strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Oversee the development and deployment of digital products, learning platforms, data systems, and automation tools.
  • Ensure robust cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance frameworks across all operations.
  • Manage the design and developer teams, driving innovation in UX/UI, scalability, and accessibility.
  • Foster cross-unit collaboration, partnering with Research, Education, and Business Development teams to support technology-enabled solutions.
  • Lead operational excellence in IT infrastructure, cloud systems, and digital workflows to improve efficiency and impact.
  • Manage technology budgets and vendor relationships, ensuring value-for-money and quality.
  • Champion AI adoption and digital literacy across the organization.
  • Mentor and develop the technology team, encouraging innovation and agile working practices.
  • Represent CARDET in national and European digital innovation networks and events.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience (typically 7+ years) leading technology, digital innovation, or AI transformation initiatives.
  • Proven success in managing cross-functional technical teams and implementing digital systems.
  • Solid understanding of software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT governance.
  • Experience in AI tools, automation, extended reality (XR), or digital learning technologies is highly valued.
  • Familiarity with EU-funded or mission-driven organizations will be considered an asset.

Key Skills and Attributes

  • Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on delivery capabilities.
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Integrity, innovation, and accountability in all aspects of work.
  • Commitment to CARDET’s mission of learning, social impact, and digital excellence.

We offer:

  • Collaborative, inclusive, and wellbeing-oriented work environment.
  • Provident Fund, 13th salary, and generous annual leave.
  • Paid sick leave and family-friendly policies.
  • Lifelong learning and continuous professional development opportunities.
  • Hybrid working flexibility and shorter Fridays.
  • Opportunity to contribute to projects with national and European impact.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to complete the online application form and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter by 21st December 2025 through the following link. 

​Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide references, a self-declaration form, and certificates of clean criminal record. 

The position will remain open until filled. All applications will be treated in strict confidence and evaluated fairly.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CARDET is an HR Award-winning, equal opportunities employer committed to diversity, wellbeing, and safeguarding. For more information about our privacy policy, visit www.cardet.org/privacy-policy.

grows eu project fifth newsletter

GROWS Project Releases its 5th Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

GROWS project has just released its 5th newsletter, which highlights that the GROWS Forum is now live, providing a collaborative space for VET schools, training centres, and organisations to share Green Action Plans, exchange best practices, and post resources for sustainable waste management. This autumn, national workshops and the Final Conference in Warsaw will bring together educators, policymakers, and learners to explore green skills and showcase the project’s key results. Join the GROWS social media campaign to connect with peers, share ideas, and promote waste management education across Europe.

To find out more about the project visit the website here.

greens hoots eu project fourth newsletter

GREEN SHOOTS shares its updates in the last Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

From April 8–10, 2025, the GREEN SHOOTS project partners met in Zagreb, Croatia, for an engaging LTTA hosted by Callidus Institute. The three-day training united educators and innovators to explore green career education, modern teaching practices, and career guidance for the evolving green job market. Through interactive workshops, digital tools, and collaborative sessions, participants enhanced their skills in curriculum design, coaching, and innovative pedagogy—culminating in reflections and certificate presentations.

To learn more about this, check out the newsletter below.