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Author: Nikolina Frangoullidou

EcoSTEAM Project Pilot Successfully Completed at Athinaeidion School in Limassol

On December 19, 2024, the piloting of the EcoSTEAM Project’s innovative training curriculum took place at Athinaeidion School (Katholikis School) in Limassol, marking a significant milestone in promoting sustainability through STEAM Education.

During this event, students and teachers participated in exciting activities such as “trash fashion”, creating wearable art from discarded materials, exploring ways to reduce food waste and crafting art installations from reused paper. The hands-on, fun approach got everyone involved followed by engaging discussions about the environment and sustainability

Teachers Applaud the EcoSTEAM Initiative
Teachers were thrilled with the program and its potential to inspire students while meeting educational goals. Many shared their excitement about the project and their eagerness to continue working with CARDET to bring more EcoSTEAM activities to their classrooms.

Inspiring Future Innovators
The students’ enthusiasm was clear as they tackled real-world challenges and used creative thinking to solve problems meeting the pedagogical goals of the eTeaching Programme. Activities like experimenting with renewable energy not only captured their interest, but also helped them see how science and technology can make a difference in the world. Students expressed their interest in pursuing STEAM-related subjects and careers marking this as the highlight of the day. 

What’s Next for EcoSTEAM?
The EcoSTEAM Project’s primary objective is to disseminate and refine educational content developed during the initiative. Feedback from students and educators will be used to enhance the materials and teaching methods for future implementations. The project also involves primary school students and teachers, creating a holistic educational experience across different age groups.

With its hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, the EcoSTEAM Project continues its efforts in equipping educators and students to address environmental challenges creatively and effectively. CARDET remains committed to expanding these efforts, fostering meaningful change through education.

Find out more about the EcoSTEAM Project and its upcoming initiatives here.

Discover Inspiring Stories for a Sustainable Future with LEADING2030 StoryMaps

The StoryMaps, an innovative digital resource developed as part of the LEADING2030 project, are now available. These StoryMaps use a storytelling approach to showcase best practices in sustainability, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses and individuals can actively support the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.

Designed to inspire action, the StoryMaps represent the fifth key result of the LEADING2030 project. They highlight a variety of impactful initiatives driven by collaboration and innovation among organizations across partner countries. By blending compelling narratives with robust data, these digital tools offer valuable insights and practical resources to help stakeholders adopt sustainable practices.

Take a moment to explore the StoryMaps and learn how you can contribute to creating a more sustainable world.

For more information about the LEADING2030 project and its outcomes, please visit the official website.

CARDET participated in the “Adopt a Family for Christmas” Initiative by Pan Cyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council spreading Holiday Happiness!

This year, as part of our 20-year celebration and the #twenty4twenty campaign, we joined forces to make the holiday season brighter for vulnerable families in our community.

Through the incredible generosity of our team, we prepared thoughtful care packages filled with clothes and supermarket vouchers. Together, we have shown the true meaning of the holidays: compassion, community, and giving back.

Here’s to making a difference, one family at a time. From all of us at CARDET, Happy Holidays!

CARDET Supports Association for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in the Family’s “Secret Santa Supports Shelters” Initiative!

As part of our #twenty4twenty campaign celebrating CARDET’s 20th anniversary, we were honored to contribute to SPAVO’s “Secret Santa Supports Shelters” initiative. This meaningful effort brought joy and essential support to mothers and children in need during the holiday season.

Our team came together to spread festive cheer by donating essentials to bring the warmth of Christmas, and handcrafting heartfelt Christmas cards!

Seeing our community unite to brighten the holidays for those who need it most was truly inspiring. Wishing everyone a joyful and heart-warming holiday season!

SDG Navigator Project Concludes, Leaving a Legacy of Sustainable Education and Empowerment

The SDG Navigator Project has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in sustainability education and vocational training. Over the course of its implementation, the project developed innovative tools and resources to empower VET educators, learners, and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to address environmental challenges and lead the green transition.

Key Features of the SDG Navigator Project:

The project’s achievements include the creation of the SDG Navigator Digital Hub and Toolbox (SNDH), a lasting resource for education and entrepreneurship communities. This hub features essential tools such as the Sustainability Changemakers Competences Dictionary (SCCD) and the Sustainability Navigator Learning Path (SNLP), providing a robust foundation for sustainability-focused education.

The SDG Navigator’s impact is demonstrated through the following features:

  • Dynamic Learning Modules: Seven comprehensive stages guide learners through sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial processes, offering a clear path from foundational knowledge to practical business applications.
  • Interactive Learning Resources: Engaging materials such as storytelling, videos, quizzes, and infographics make learning effective and enjoyable.
  • Practical Training Tools: Designed for integration into VET curricula, these tools enable educators to strengthen their students’ sustainability competencies.

Access the Resources:

Explore the SDG Navigator’s Digital Hub and the free resources available on the eLearning platform. These materials will remain accessible for years, ensuring that sustainability education continues to play a pivotal role in the VET sector.

Together, we can inspire and empower the changemakers of tomorrow.

Successful Completion of the Coding4Kids Project at Dasoupoli School

The Coding4Kids project has successfully concluded, with CARDET hosting a closing event on 6th of December at Dasoupoli School in Cyprus. This event marked the culmination of an initiative that has inspired young learners and empowered educators through innovative approaches to teaching coding and programming.

The event highlighted the project’s achievements and showcased its forward-thinking approach to integrating coding into classrooms. Attendees were introduced to the project’s scope and objectives, emphasizing the value of applying coding concepts to real-life scenarios to foster a deep understanding of programming.

Key Highlights of the Event:

  1. Educational Resources: A demonstration of the interactive platform, featuring engaging lessons and supplementary activities for students, along with structured and user-friendly materials to support teachers.
  2. Skill Development for Educators: Practical guidance on overcoming challenges in teaching programming, coupled with strategies to inspire creativity and problem-solving skills in young learners.
  3. Project Goals and Vision: Insights into how educators can sustain the enthusiasm for coding beyond the classroom and continue fostering a culture of innovation.

The Coding4Kids partners are committed to building on the project’s success by providing practical, engaging tools for educators and students alike.

Find out more about the project here.

Benefit Project Concludes with the Release of the Final Newsletter

The BENEFIT project has successfully concluded, marking a pioneering initiative designed to empower youth workers and young individuals in enhancing mental well-being and resilience.

Throughout the project’s duration, partners developed two key resources: a Toolkit and a Training Package. These resources offered practical, accessible strategies to support mental health, resilience-building, and employability. A standout feature of the BENEFIT project was its collaborative, evidence-based approach, which culminated in the creation of an interactive e-learning platform, ensuring lasting accessibility and impact. This platform aims to continue serving youth workers and young people, supporting their personal and professional growth.

To learn more about the project’s outcomes and access these valuable resources, check out our latest newsletter.

CARDET: 20 Χρόνια Καινοτομίας και Κοινωνικής Συμβολής μέσω της Εκπαίδευσης

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

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

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 Participated in the 2nd Cyprus STEAME Festival 2024

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.