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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Youth Leaders from Cyprus Inspire Action on Sustainability and Leadership

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

In the final week before the Christmas break, two youth leaders from Cyprus, Anastasis and Nefeli, conducted workshops promoting sustainability and leadership among high school students. Representing CARDET, they applied the knowledge and skills they had gained during the International Youth Leaders’ Meeting in Malaga, Spain, in October 2024, as part of the EU-funded UxGE project, to deliver impactful sessions at Lykeio Latsion. The workshops engaged 16 students, all aged 17, focusing on two key themes: leadership in environmental action and sustainable consumption.

The first workshop began with an introduction to leadership, highlighting its significance, various types, and examples of green leadership. Students participated in practical activities, including ranking leadership styles and analyzing case studies to identify different leadership approaches in various scenarios.

The second workshop shifted the focus to sustainable consumption. Through an interactive game, students categorized products based on their sustainability. This was followed by a presentation on sustainable shopping practices, which covered criteria for choosing environmentally friendly products and examples of best practices.

Despite it being their first time facilitating workshops, Anastasis and Nefeli excelled in engaging the participants through dynamic presentations and hands-on activities. Their efforts inspired the students to actively participate, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and leadership. This initiative not only demonstrated the potential of youth-led action but also empowered participants to take responsibility for promoting environmental sustainability and leadership in their communities. Anastasis and Nefeli’s dedication and creativity highlighted the critical role of youth leadership in shaping a sustainable future.

These workshops were part of the UxGE Project, which aims to holistically develop youth leaders and stakeholders. By focusing on leadership, critical thinking, sustainability, and environmental awareness, the project strives to create a robust framework for personal and professional growth. The ultimate goal is to cultivate young leaders who are not only aware of environmental challenges but also equipped to lead their communities toward sustainable practices and policies.

Learn more about the UxGE Project, here.

CARDET Participates in Teacher’s Day Professional Development Sessions

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On December 12, 2024, CARDET actively contributed to the professional development sessions organized as part of the “Teacher’s Day” event for General Secondary, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training educators. The event, hosted by the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, served as a platform for sharing innovative practices aimed at improving school environments and supporting educational professionals.

Education is a fundamental pillar of CARDET’s work, and with many years of experience in implementing innovative programs, the organization plays a key role in empowering educators and enhancing the learning experience. As part of the event, CARDET delivered two impactful presentations:

Collegiality and Wellbeing in the School Environment
This session, presented within the frameworks of the COSERE, Ageing Well projects, addressed the importance of fostering collaboration and promoting wellbeing among educators. The sessions were held at Zakaki Gymnasium and Laniteio High School in Limassol. During these sessions, an introduction to positive psychology and the PERMA model, which promotes well-being, was provided. Educators were divided into groups and outlined the profile of the “ideal colleague”. They explored challenges and engaged in brainstorming sessions to generate creative actions aimed at fostering collegiality. These ideas were later presented to the plenary session and their school administration.

Wellbeing in the School Environment through Inclusive Education
This session, drawing from the ACT-Inclusive project, emphasized the principles of inclusive education and the importance of creating supportive, inclusive spaces for both students and teachers. It was held at Ayios Antonios High School in Limassol.

Application of Educational Digital Activities for Climate Change and Sustainable Mobility
Focusing on the enhancement of Education for Sustainable Development and Global Education within the framework of the SMILE Project, this session was presented at Agios Antonios High School in Limassol.

CARDET’s participation underscores its commitment to promoting wellbeing and inclusivity in education, aligning with its broader mission to elevate the quality of teaching and learning in schools.

LEADING 2030 Project Concludes with Final TPM and Conference in Dresden, Germany

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The LEADING 2030 Project concluded with its final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) and Conference on December 5-6, 2024, in Dresden, Germany. This marked the successful conclusion of a significant initiative aimed at boosting post-pandemic sustainable business practices. The Conference brought together business leaders, consultants, and Continuing Vocational Education and Training (CVET) professionals to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and showcase its groundbreaking resources for promoting sustainability.

The keynote speech was both compelling and insightful, as were the two presentations featuring practices from local organizations. These presentations sparked lively and engaging discussions among participants. The Final Meeting was highly productive, resulting in a clear plan for completing the remaining tasks necessary to finalize the project.

The LEADING 2030 initiative has been instrumental in upskilling professionals to align business goals with sustainable development and integrate sustainability into key sectors. By focusing on empowering both business consultants and leaders, the project addressed a critical need for sustainable business practices in a rapidly changing world.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the StoryMaps, an innovative digital resource designed to inspire businesses and individuals toward sustainable development. The StoryMaps use a compelling storytelling approach to sustainability, identifying and showcasing best practices from across the participating countries. These digital narratives not only share impactful data, but also map the efforts of organizations committed to the SDGs, offering a wealth of resources and knowledge on actions aligned with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030.

The StoryMaps will soon be made available on the  LEADING 2030 WebHub, a platform that houses a wealth of digital tools and resources designed to promote sustainable business transformation. The WebHub has been a central feature throughout the project, offering access to training materials, tools, and other resources to help professionals implement sustainable practices across industries.

As the LEADING 2030 project concludes, its impact continues to resonate across Europe, driving forward a culture of sustainability and providing essential tools to equip future leaders in making sustainability a core business strategy. The project’s legacy promises to influence how businesses approach sustainability in the years to come, contributing to the broader goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Explore more insights about the LEADING 2030 Project here

CARDET Participates at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On December 5th, Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager and Researcher at CARDET, delivered a key presentation at the “Bridging the Gap Between Higher Education and VET with Industry” Conference, organized by the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes (National Agency for Erasmus+ Cyprus). Held in Limassol from December 3-5, the event brought together leading experts from education, vocational training, and industry to discuss strategies for enhancing workforce development through education and training.

In her presentation, titled “Upskilling and Re-skilling the Workforce: The Role of Universities and Adult Education Providers,” Dr. Aristidou showcased the significant outcomes and impact of CARDET’s ongoing Erasmus+ initiatives that are directly shaping the future of adult education. These projects have proven to be key drivers in addressing the ever-growing demand for skill development in today’s rapidly evolving labor market.

Dr. Aristidou highlighted the following projects:

  • RALExILA: This initiative is instrumental in supporting the development of national registries for adult learning, ensuring that educational programs are accessible and aligned with the needs of adult learners across Europe.
  • PartnerUP:  Focused on enhancing partnerships between educational institutions and industry, PartnerUP promotes pathways for upskilling that are responsive to labor market needs and help bridge the skills gap.
  • ADULTDIGITALUP:  This project is empowering the digital skills of adults in Cyprus, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive in an increasingly digital world.
  • JUST4ALL: Promotes a just transition through inclusive lifelong learning.

The conference provided a key opportunity for CARDET to demonstrate its leadership in adult education and workforce development. By showcasing impactful projects like RALExILA, PartnerUP, JUST4ALL, and ADULTDIGITALUP, CARDET highlighted its role in driving meaningful change and fostering the skills necessary for a dynamic workforce. The event also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between education, vocational training, and industry to create a skilled, adaptable workforce for the future.

Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Health & Wellbeing, Projects & Initiatives, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

The project Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus, funded by the European Commission via the Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, aims to improve the mental health and resilience of young people in Cyprus. It addresses the significant mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately affected young people, particularly those in vulnerable groups. The research activities of the project are coordinated by CARDET.

The project has been submitted to the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and has obtained the necessary approval. The project focuses on developing youth-friendly mental health promotion and prevention services at the municipal level, co-designed with young people to ensure their voices are integral to the process. Key objectives include creating a youth engagement framework, strengthening community-based mental health services, and providing capacity-building for service providers. It also supports the development of a National Mental Health Strategy in Cyprus, aligning with international best practices and fostering a sustainable, inclusive approach to mental health for young people.

Inclusive Hubs Project Publishes Policy Paper on Migrant Inclusion in Schools

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Inclusive Hubs Project, an EU-funded initiative dedicated to transforming schools into welcoming and inclusive spaces for all learners, has released a Policy Paper addressing key challenges and gaps in the inclusion of migrant families within schools and society. The Policy Paper will be shared with policymakers, stakeholders, and authorities across partner countries to foster systemic, impactful changes for migrant inclusion. 

The new Policy Paper from the Inclusive Hubs Project outlines key recommendations to improve migrant integration in schools. Drawing from research with migrants, educators, and local stakeholders (WP2), it identifies barriers such as low language proficiency and early school leaving. Key actions include investing in cultural mediation, providing ongoing professional development for educators, and engaging local communities in supporting migrant families. The project stresses the importance of equipping educators with intercultural skills and ensuring long-term emotional and resilience programs. Furthermore, it encourages the involvement of local stakeholders in decision-making to foster a sense of ownership and maximize the impact of integration plans. For more details, you can read the full policy paper here.

The Inclusive Hubs Project is committed to promoting holistic approaches to teaching and learning, fostering collaboration among school staff, communities, migrant learners, and their families. The aim is to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued, especially those with fewer opportunities, such as migrant students.

Learn more about the Project here.

Successful RALExILA Workshop Advances Adult Learning and Education National Registries

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 28–29, the RALExILA project hosted a hybrid workshop focused on co-designing system requirements and an information model for National Registries for Adult Learning and Education (ALE). The event marked a significant milestone toward aligning ALE registries across Europe with standardized practices and integrating Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

Using a user-centered Design Thinking methodology, the workshop gathered approximately 20 in-person participants, along with an equal number of remote attendees. The diverse group included data modeling experts, project stakeholders, national and regional authorities, ALE providers, ILA specialists, quality assurance and accreditation bodies, and technology and data experts. This collaborative setting enabled the development of comprehensive, user-friendly system requirements tailored to the diverse needs of stakeholders.

The workshop achieved its primary objective as participants jointly defined the main system requirements and information model for ALE registries. Key focus areas included ensuring interoperability with existing European systems and enabling seamless integration of ILAs. Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, attendees co-developed innovative solutions designed to streamline national registry implementation and promote consistent ALE quality across member states.

Key contributors, including Paola Papaphilippou Pittali, Senior Officer at HRDA and ILA lead, joined the workshop alongside other stakeholders, emphasizing the project’s dedication to partnerships and knowledge exchange. The hybrid format enabled broad participation, with experts from various regions actively contributing to its goals.

The successful completion of this workshop represents a major milestone for the RALExILA project. By establishing a shared model for ALE registries, the initiative is poised to improve the quality of Adult Learning and Education across Europe, streamline national implementations, and facilitate ongoing knowledge sharing among practitioners. These advancements support the broader vision of making lifelong learning opportunities more accessible and seamlessly integrated across the continent.

Learn more about the RALExILA Project, here.

RE.MA.C. Concludes School Implementation Phase to Enhance Greek Language Learning for Migrant Students

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The REinventing MAinstream Classrooms (RE.MA.C.) Project has successfully closed its school implementation phase in Fall 2024, focusing on enhancing Greek language acquisition for migrant students through digital innovation. CARDET partnered with twelve teachers of Greek as a second language to bring cutting-edge tools into classrooms, where both migrant and native students benefited from engaging, tech-driven resources.

Teachers utilised digital tools from the RE.MA.C. Repository, including the AI-driven ROBOteacher, Reading Progress, MILAGE+, and Forum. Each tool was chosen to address diverse language needs effectively, fostering interactive learning tailored to multilingual classrooms. Teachers documented their experiences and shared insights through reflective diaries and interviews with CARDET’s team, enabling a thorough evaluation and refinement process based on real classroom interactions and student feedback.

The phase concluded with an event on November 28, 2024, at Frederick University in Limassol, where teachers showcased their successes and shared best practices in technology-enhanced language learning for migrant students. This event highlighted RE.MA.C.’s milestones, celebrating its impact on creating more inclusive and accessible Greek language education.

RE.MA.C. combines a blended learning model with digital tools to promote intercultural language learning, fostering a unified classroom environment where migrant and native students, alongside teachers, collaborate and learn from one another. The project’s mission—to develop learning materials that align with thematic textbook topics—successfully encourages an inclusive school culture, one that values mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds.

For more information on the REMAC Project and its objectives, visit the website here.

LEADING 2030 Pilots Corporate MOOCs to Foster Sustainable Business Practices

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From September to November 2024, the LEADING 2030 partnership successfully piloted the LEADING 2030 Corporate MOOCs, a series of thematic, interactive e-learning courses. Hosted on the LEADING 2030 WebHub, these MOOCs are closely aligned with the LEADING 2030 Practice Principles Framework, empowering leaders and organizations with actionable knowledge to effectively implement sustainable practices.

This launch comes at a pivotal moment, as progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains steady but insufficient. With businesses increasingly recognized as key drivers of sustainability, the need for transformative action is more pressing than ever. The MOOCs address this gap, equipping professionals with essential tools to accelerate corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

The success of the pilot highlights the transformative potential of digital education in driving sustainable practices for businesses and society alike. Professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and impact on the SDGs can access the LEADING 2030 Corporate MOOCs via the LEADING 2030 WebHub, embarking on a journey toward meaningful and lasting change.

As part of its broader objectives, the LEADING 2030 Project aims to embed a culture of sustainability within organizations, strengthen ownership of the SDGs, and foster collaboration at local, regional, and European levels. By offering innovative educational resources in accessible digital formats, the initiative equips vocational education and training (VET) professionals, business consultants, and leaders across sectors with practical tools, including a bespoke, hands-on portfolio to mainstream sustainability into corporate practices. This collaborative approach enhances the reach and effectiveness of the MOOCs, positioning LEADING 2030 as a driving force for sustainable development in a post-pandemic world.

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

UxGE Project Participates in the Pancyprian Red Cross Cyprus Youth Conference

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 16, 2024, CARDET actively participated in the Pancyprian Conference of the Red Cross Cyprus Youth Department at Xenion School in Paralimni, offering an engaging session aimed at empowering young people.

The event provided a dynamic platform for CARDET to introduce the UxGE Project to youth members and volunteer leaders of the Red Cross Cyprus. The presentation highlighted the project’s goals, which focus on sustainability and the pivotal role youth can play in shaping a more sustainable future. CARDET extended an open invitation to participants, encouraging them to join the project’s upcoming activities and contribute to meaningful change.

Following the presentation, attendees participated in an interactive workshop on sustainability. The workshop emphasized the vital role of youth in advancing sustainable development goals, fostering meaningful discussions, and inspiring participants to generate actionable ideas.

This event marked the 4th stakeholder meeting, part of a series designed to showcase the UxGE Project’s core objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and anticipated outcomes. A key highlight was the introduction of the Online Training Course (OTC), the project’s first major deliverable, which equips participants with essential knowledge and skills for sustainable development.

The successful engagement demonstrated the growing impact of the UxGE Project and the passion of Cyprus’s youth to take the lead in building a sustainable future. This partnership highlights the mutual dedication of CARDET and the Red Cross Cyprus Youth Department to promoting education, empowerment, and environmental stewardship among young leaders in Cyprus..

Learn more about the UxGE Project here