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Author: Veronica Charalambous

UxGE Project Hosts Second Stakeholder Meeting in Larnaca

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 5, 2024, the UxGE Project held its second stakeholder meeting in Larnaca, Cyprus, in collaboration with the 270th Air Scout System. The meeting brought together 11 young participants to discuss the project’s goals, activities, and anticipated outcomes. These stakeholder meetings aim to strengthen connections with key audiences and ensure the UxGE Project achieves its objectives effectively.

The session included a detailed presentation of the project’s core components: its aims, objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and expected results. A key highlight was the introduction of the Online Training Course (OTC), the project’s first major deliverable. Participants were given an overview of the OTC, its relevance to young people, and its potential to enhance critical skills and knowledge. Members of the 270th Air Scout System were encouraged to engage with the OTC and share feedback to help refine the training.

The meeting emphasized the crucial role of youth in achieving the UxGE Project’s objectives, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and grassroots engagement. By involving local youth, the project not only connects with its target audience but also empowers them to serve as advocates for its mission.

This series of stakeholder meetings reflects the UxGE Project’s dedication to collaboration, active participation, and the effective dissemination of outcomes. Building on the enthusiasm and insights from Larnaca, the next meeting will continue to advance these goals and broaden the project’s impact.

To learn more about the project, visit its official website here

HEARD Project Hosts Two Engaging Events on Mental Health and COVID-19 Challenges

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The HEARD project, dedicated to exploring the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on democratic dialogue, fundamental rights, and women’s experiences, recently organized two impactful events focused on mental health. The first event was held on July 18, followed by a second on September 27. Both events delved into the pandemic’s profound impact on mental well-being, with a particular emphasis on gender perspectives.

Experts and participants examined both the successes and gaps in Cyprus’ mental health response throughout the pandemic. Best practices were shared, while critical shortcomings were addressed, offering a holistic view of the island’s approach to mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.

To drive forward actionable solutions, the events also unveiled a series of forward-thinking policy recommendations, including:

  • Establishing ethical guidelines for equitable resource allocation during health crises
  • Creating collaborative networks to share mental health best practices
  • Ensuring protection for marginalized communities during emergencies
  • Advocating for universal access to psychological support
  • Strengthening nationwide mental health support systems
  • Prioritizing the mental health and professional development of women during pandemics
  • Integrating mental health initiatives into broader public health policies

These insightful discussions not only reflected on the lessons learned but also provided a roadmap for addressing future health crises. The events highlighted the critical role of mental health support, especially for vulnerable groups, and emphasized the importance of inclusive policies. The HEARD project continues to inspire meaningful conversations, shaping a more resilient and inclusive approach to mental health in times of crisis.

For more information about the HEARD Project, click here.

SHOREWINNER Project Launch Event in Cyprus: Navigating Southern Europe’s Offshore Renewable Energy Future Together

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The SHOREWINNER Project, which aims to set up and develop a Southern European offshore wind energy community of practice, was successfully launched in Cyprus on Thursday, 26th of September. The hybrid event took place at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building in Nicosia, titled “Energy for the Future”.

The launch event attracted key members of the academic and business community, as well as government officials, and was co-organised by CCCI, Intercollege, the University of Cyprus, and CARDET. The event focused on the prospects and challenges of wind energy development in Cyprus and Southern Europe.

The event was addressed by CCCI General Secretary, Mr. Marios Tsiakkis, who underscored the importance of offshore wind energy for achieving Cyprus’ sustainable development goals.

Moreover, Intercollege Executive Director, Dr. Nicholas Kythreotis outlined the objectives of the SHOREWINNER Project. He also highlighted the cooperation among five Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus.

Mr. Gerasimos Gerasimou, Energy Service Officer at the Energy Ministry, discussed the prospects and challenges of renewable energy sources in Cyprus.

Mr. Constantinos Panayiotou from the Human Resource Development Authority (ANAD) presented the identified needs in green professions and skills within the Cypriot economy.

A notable contribution came from Mr. Christos Tsingis, Executive Director of the Cyprus Wind Energy Association, who spoke on the development potential of wind energy in the country.

Dr. Andreas Livera, Special Research Scientist at the University of Cyprus, analysed the goals and challenges facing both the photovoltaic and wind energy sectors.

The event concluded with an interactive workshop moderated by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos, a special research scientist at the University of Cyprus, allowing participants to exchange views and ideas on emerging opportunities in the field of renewable energy sources.

The Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy (SHOREWINNER) project aims to set up and develop a Community of Practice (CoP) based on the cooperation among five Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) committed to the development of skills, upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, sharing of resources, and achievement of major European goals and priorities. The CoVEs will be created in southern European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus) with a promising offshore energy sector.

Each CoVE will engage national stakeholders to collaboratively provide vocational training aligned with the needs of the local industry. SHOREWINNER will establish a Community of Practice (CoP) to foster collaboration and partnerships among vocational education and training (VET) institutions, higher education institutions, enterprises, research groups, and industry representatives.

More information about the Project can be found here.

UxGE Project Events Inspire Students to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On September 25, 2024, CARDET hosted a dynamic and educational event at Latsia High School as part of the “United for a Green Europe” (UxGE) project, under the Erasmus+ European Youth Together Programme. This event aimed to engage students with the goals of the UxGE project, which focuses on promoting sustainability and environmental awareness across Europe.

During the session, students were introduced to the project’s first major milestone—the “United for a Green Europe” Online Training Course. They were encouraged to explore the course and use its resources to deepen their understanding of pressing environmental issues. A lively “World Café” activity followed, where students discussed critical topics such as extreme weather events, plastic pollution, and overconsumption. Through interactive group discussions, they exchanged ideas about the causes and effects of these global challenges and brainstormed potential solutions. The activity fostered a sense of environmental responsibility and active citizenship, inspiring students to contribute to a more sustainable Europe.

On September 27, CARDET held a second event at Agios Antonios High School in Limassol, where students explored various modules of the Online Training Course, with a special focus on leadership. A fun Kahoot quiz added an interactive element, stimulating engagement and collaboration among the participants.

These two events marked important milestones for the UxGE project, with the September 25 event being the first Multiplier Event, showcasing the Online Training Course. The initiative reflects CARDET’s commitment to cultivating environmentally conscious youth and mobilizing collective action for a sustainable future.

Learn more about the UxGE Project here

INNOVATE Project Partners Meet in Helsinki to Advance SME Innovation Strategies

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On September 24-25, 2024, the EU-funded INNOVATE Project convened its TPM4 partners meeting in Helsinki. This key milestone furthered the project’s mission to identify, develop, and promote innovative approaches for enhancing vocational education and training systems, with a focus on the ISO56000 innovation framework.

During the meeting, partners reviewed the progress of tools aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate innovation into their strategic planning. These tools are designed to foster sustainable growth and strengthen competitiveness in today’s dynamic marketplace.

As co-organizers and participants, the INNOVATE team reflected on their achievements and outlined the next steps to finalize and promote these solutions across various sectors. This meeting marks an important advancement in supporting sustainable business practices through innovation, aligning with the broader goals of the European Union.

In conjunction with the meeting, partners explored the various competences and skills that “Innovation Management” encompasses, which include:

  • Strategic Thinking: Identifying opportunities for innovation and aligning them with organizational goals.
  • Creativity and Problem Solving: Generating and implementing novel ideas and solutions.
  • Project Management: Planning, executing, and monitoring innovation initiatives.
  • Change Management: Facilitating and managing organizational change resulting from innovation.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering cross-functional and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with innovation.
  • Customer and Market Insight: Understanding customer needs and market trends to drive innovation.
  • Leadership and Vision: Inspiring and guiding teams towards innovative solutions.
  • Technological Competence: Leveraging emerging technologies for innovation.
  • Resource Management: Allocating and managing resources efficiently to support innovation efforts.

Additionally, the partners from the Helsinki Business College arranged an online casting of the Nordic Business Forum, happening live at the College during partners’ attendance. Participants had the opportunity to watch Adam Grant, a world-renowned bestselling author, discuss hidden potential and achievement, providing invaluable insights into personal and organizational innovation.

Find out more about the INNOVATE Project, here.

Anti-Rumours Workshop Explores Strategies to Combat Stereotypes and Discrimination

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET, hosted on September 26, at the Famagusta Avenue Garage, an impactful Anti-Rumours workshop. The workshop explored the detrimental effects of rumours in communities and provided participants with practical guidance and tools to challenge misinformation and counter stereotypes that feed discrimination and fuel hate, empowering them to promote a more inclusive, understanding society. 

The keynote speaker, Dani de Torres, Director of the Spanish Network of Intercultural Cities (RECI), offered valuable insights into the anti-rumours methodology – a proactive approach, designed to combat stereotypes by challenging misinformation and fostering dialogue. He highlighted how this approach has been successfully applied in various contexts with diverse groups, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals to address stereotypes and promote positive change within their communities.

The workshop was part of the broader Intercultural Cities (ICC) project “Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus”. This initiative is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Project Number: Council of Europe 2023-2024.

More information about the ICC project can be found here.

UxGE Project Launches Stakeholder Engagement at Summer Camp in Limassol

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On July 8, 2024, the United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project launched its stakeholder engagement series with an inaugural event during a Summer Camp at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol, Cyprus. This marked the first of eight stakeholder meetings to be hosted by each partner organization, designed to introduce the project and develop strategies to amplify its impact.

The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation of the UxGE project, outlining its objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and expected outcomes. A key highlight was the unveiling of the Online Training Course (OTC), the project’s first deliverable. Participants, including team leaders and youth mentors, were encouraged to enroll in the OTC and contribute to advancing the project’s environmental sustainability goals.

As part of the event, UxGE hosted an interactive workshop for young camp participants under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future: Teaching Children the Value of Recycling.” The workshop included a hands-on activity, “Plastic Survivor,” where children examined the environmental impact of plastic waste and brainstormed alternatives to single-use plastics. By crafting innovative items from recycled materials, participants tackled eco-survival challenges with creativity and determination, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Practical tips for adopting eco-friendly habits at home and school were also shared, drawing from insights gained through the UxGE and SMILE projects.

Through initiatives like these, the UxGE consortium aims to engage diverse audiences and foster community-driven efforts to embrace greener lifestyles. By empowering individuals and organizations across Europe, the project strives to build a sustainable future for all.

To learn more about the project, visit its official website here.

CARDET Hosts First Transnational Coordination Meeting for UxGE Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On January 24th, CARDET proudly hosted the first Transnational Coordination Meeting of the UxGE project, which aims to empower youth leaders and young people by enhancing their key competences to create participatory proposals for a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Europe.

Bringing together representatives from six partner organizations: Iniciativa Internacional Joven (Spain), Ayuntamiento de Málaga (Spain), The Rural Hub (Ireland), Asociacija Aktyvistai (Lithuania), Out of the Box International (Belgium), and CARDET (Cyprus), this meeting served as a pivotal opportunity to discuss the project’s work packages, set the framework for upcoming steps and activities, and establish strategies for effective management and communication.

The meeting also provided a platform for the consortium to clarify doubts, exchange ideas, and ensure a shared understanding of the project’s vision and goals. By hosting this event in Nicosia, CARDET reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in youth development initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates as the UxGE project progresses. Visit its official website.

Green It Your Skills event in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The “GREEN IT YOUR SKILLS!” event, the fourth in the Green IT Your Work Project, took place from December 4th to 7th in Nicosia, Cyprus, organized by CARDET.

The event brought together 50 participants from 8 European countries to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable practices. On December 5th, participants engaged in presentations and interactive activities on climate change, sustainable fashion, and urban environments, followed by a city tour showcasing businesses with youth-focused sustainability initiatives.

December 6th featured a study visit to local businesses and a youth center in Agros village, where participants learned about sustainable practices and youth involvement in climate action. The event offered a valuable opportunity for youth, including NGO members, to expand their environmental knowledge and sense of responsibility. Gender considerations were integrated throughout the program to ensure inclusivity and balance.

Learn more about the project here!

EGIDEV Project Kicks Off with Inaugural Meeting in Antibes, France

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 22–23, 2023, the consortium of the Educational Game in Digital Entrepreneurship for VET Students (EGIDEV) project gathered in Antibes, France, for its kick-off meeting. The consortium includes partners from Bulgaria, France, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Türkiye, Romania, and Cyprus.

This two-day event marked the launch of EGIDEV’s mission to create an educational board game designed to foster innovative learning. The meeting focused on building connections, reviewing the project’s objectives, and planning initial activities, including branding and brainstorming ideas for the game’s design.

Key discussions addressed project implementation, financial management, and timelines for upcoming tasks. Partners also shared their expertise in educational game development and explored themes such as EdTech, AI, and Green Tech to inspire the game’s content.

The meeting concluded with plans for Work Package 2, stakeholder engagement strategies, and preparations for future project milestones. The EGIDEV consortium is now poised to embark on its collaborative journey to transform education through creativity and innovation.

EGIDEV aims to enhance entrepreneurship education for VET students while empowering VET organizations and educators to become agents of digital transformation across the EU. By gamifying various stages of business development, the project seeks to facilitate the teaching and learning of entrepreneurship principles. Its goal is to provide the VET community with an engaging and educational tool that deepens understanding of digital entrepreneurship and its challenges through a “learning by playing” approach.

To learn more about the project, visit the website here.