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Author: Veronica Charalambous

VET4Social Impact Project Launches Advisory Group with Promising First Meeting in Palestine

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The VET4Social Impact project has taken a significant step forward with the successful convening of its first Advisory Group meeting in Bethlehem, Palestine. This inaugural session marked a pivotal milestone in the implementation of our initiative, which aims to enhance vocational education and training and drive meaningful social impact across communities.

Hosted by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), the meeting gathered key stakeholders and institutional representatives from the local VET ecosystem. BCCI Project Leader welcomed the participants and underscored the Advisory Group’s vital role in providing strategic direction, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the project remains responsive to local needs.

The session featured a comprehensive presentation of the VET4SI project, including its objectives, targeted beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and its overarching vision of leveraging VET to promote inclusive social development. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing current socio-economic challenges by linking training programs to tangible social benefits.

Participants from a range of institutions – including the Directorate of Tourism and Antiquities, business incubators, vocational training centers, and tourism institutes – expressed strong alignment with the project’s vision. Their feedback highlighted several shared priorities:

  • Bridging existing gaps between vocational training and community impact.
  • Fostering institutional collaboration and knowledge exchange.
  • Ensuring inclusivity, particularly by engaging youth, women, and marginalized populations.
  • Learning from successful case studies to enhance project relevance and scalability.

Throughout the meeting, the Advisory Group demonstrated a clear commitment to co-creation and participatory planning. Members agreed to appoint focal points for ongoing coordination, hold quarterly meetings, and document best practices and lessons learned to guide future actions.

The session concluded with unanimous enthusiasm and optimism about the path ahead. The partners reaffirmed their dedication to building a collaborative, inclusive, and impact-driven VET model. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled soon to refine the implementation roadmap and finalize upcoming activities.

The VET4Social Impact project continues to build momentum, laying a strong foundation for lasting change through partnership, innovation, and community-centered training initiatives.

Stay tuned for more updates on the project! Visit the website of the project here!

REM HERITAGE – Holocaust Education Remembrance Through Intergenerational Exchange

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

REM HERITAGE aims to educate and engage different generations in Holocaust remembrance, countering denial and distortion. The project will create a Youth Ambassadors Network and use workshops, digital storytelling, and awareness campaigns to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust remain relevant.

Young Voices for a Greener Europe: UxGE Mobility in Brussels Brings Youth Together

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A group of dynamic young changemakers from Cyprus recently took part in an inspiring international mobility to Brussels, as part of the United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project, on 7–10 July 2025. Organised within the framework of the UxGE initiative, this unique experience brought together young people from across Europe to present their proposals for a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

Representing CARDET, Senior Project Manager/Researcher Eleonora Chrysanthi and five young participants – including two youth leaders and the three winners of the “United for a Greener, more Inclusive and Sustainable Europe” contest – joined peers from partner countries Ireland, Lithuania, Belgium, and Spain for four days of learning, networking, and discovery.

The primary goal of the mobility was to empower young people by enhancing their key competences and encouraging active engagement in democratic life through policy proposal development. 

The agenda focused on several core objectives:

  • Strengthening the personal and professional competences of participants;
  • Equipping youth with tools and knowledge to create and implement impactful policy proposals;
  • Validating and reinforcing the learning achieved through the proposal development process;
  • Fostering transnational cooperation and peer learning among youth leaders;
  • Providing first-hand exposure to European institutions and their role in youth empowerment.

Throughout the mobility, participants had the opportunity to explore Brussels, present their innovative proposals to their peers, and visit key EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. These visits offered invaluable insights into how the EU operates, the role of youth in policy-making, and the numerous opportunities available for young people to engage at the European level.

The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm, collaboration, and cultural exchange, with young people connecting across borders to share their visions for a better Europe. From formal visits to informal intercultural moments, every activity contributed to building confidence, fostering critical thinking, and strengthening the spirit of European solidarity among the participants.

The mobility concluded on a high note, with participants expressing a deep appreciation for the experience and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the UxGE project’s mission. Their passion and creativity stand as a testament to the importance of youth participation in shaping a sustainable Europe.

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

CARDET Projects GIFTLED & Vol3DEdu Recognised as Good Practices by the European Commission

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

We are delighted to announce that two of CARDET’s recently completed Erasmus+ projects — GIFTLED and Vol3DEdu — have been officially recognised as Good Practices by the European Commission. Both projects achieved outstanding evaluation results, scoring between 85% and 90%, placing them among the top-performing initiatives in their respective fields across Europe.

This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to excellence in educational innovation and our dedication to advancing inclusive, digital, and future-ready learning solutions.

GIFTLED: Empowering Gifted Learners in STEAM Education

The GIFTLED project aimed to revolutionise how we include and support gifted and talented students within STEAM education. Grounded in a “Learning by Design” approach, the project developed an innovative educational method and toolkit to better engage gifted individuals in creative, meaningful, and digitally enhanced learning experiences.

CARDET and its partners developed a rich collection of resources for educators, including:

  • A Digital Handbook
  • An Augmented Reality Case Brochure
  • Toolkit Introduction Videos
  • A Comprehensive Curriculum
  • An Open Digital Platform with access to digital and AR tools

By enhancing the pedagogical and professional competencies of teachers and equipping them with the right tools, GIFTLED has made a significant contribution to promoting equity, talent development, and digital transformation in education.

Learn more about the project: giftled.eu 

Project on EC portal: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2022-1-PL01-KA220-SCH-000087644  

Vol3DEdu: Bringing XR Technologies into the Classroom

The Volumetric 3D Teachers in Educational Reality (Vol3DEdu) project has been at the forefront of integrating extended reality (XR) technologies into education. Responding to the growing demand for engaging, interactive digital learning, this project placed educators in the driver’s seat of innovation.

Vol3DEdu focused on:

  • Boosting digital readiness and resilience in teaching
  • Supporting open and distance learning through XR resources
  • Creating free, open-source XR lesson plans and digital content

The project empowered teachers and institutions with future-oriented tools and methodologies, preparing them to lead within the rapidly evolving digital education landscape.

Learn more about the project: vol3dedu.eu 

Project on EC portal: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/projects/search/details/2022-1-IE02-KA220-HED-000085129 

Being labelled a Good Practice by the European Commission is a significant achievement. It reflects a project’s ability to deliver high-quality results, ensure effective implementation, demonstrate strong innovation with tangible impact, and provide replicable models that can inspire similar initiatives across Europe.

At CARDET, we are proud to see both GIFTLED and Vol3DEdu receive this distinction, affirming the quality, relevance, and lasting value of our work in advancing inclusive and future-ready education.

These successes would not have been possible without the collaboration, creativity, and hard work of all our partners. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved and look forward to the continued impact of these projects across Europe and beyond.

Stay connected with CARDET as we continue working towards inclusive, digital, and transformative education for all.

MILES: CARDET Implements Initial Training Education on Disinformation and Media Literacy for University Students

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of the MILES project, CARDET organized a series of pilot training sessions for university students enrolled in the Social Studies program of the European University of Cyprus. The training introduced students to the interactive platform of MILES designed to strengthen their understanding of media literacy and disinformation.

Students explored the platform’s resources and tools, such as the handbook for teachers, quizzes and lesson plans, gaining practical experience in navigating digital content and critically assessing online information. The training aimed to build students’ capacity to identify and respond to disinformation, while also preparing them to bridge the digital gap between generations—especially between learners and educators.

As part of the training, students followed a structured course designed to build their understanding of disinformation and media literacy. The course began by defining key concepts and explaining the relevance of disinformation in today’s world. It then examined the current media environment and the factors that support the spread of false or misleading content.

Participants explored how disinformation operates, the techniques used to manipulate audiences, and the reasons behind its circulation. The training also offered practical strategies to enhance media and information literacy, helping students critically evaluate content and become more responsible media users. Finally, the course highlighted the importance of collaboration with communities, policymakers, and other stakeholders in addressing the challenges of disinformation.

For more information about the project, visit the official website: MILES Project.

Final Transnational Partners Meeting of the SOOS Project Held in Sedaví, Spain

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On 12 June 2025, the final Transnational Partners Meeting of the SOOS – Sons of Silence project was successfully held at the Sedaví Town Council in Valencia, Spain. Representatives from all partner organisations gathered to review the project’s key achievements and finalise strategic deliverables ahead of its conclusion in August 2025.

The meeting marked the culmination of collaborative efforts under the EU-funded initiative (Project No. 2023-1-ES02-KA220-YOU-000150974), which focuses on addressing the impact of domestic violence on the behavioural development of young people.

Key highlights of the meeting included the presentation and finalisation of two major deliverables:

  • The Skills-Based Guidebook to Prevent Young People’s Victimisation, developed by EXEO LAB
  • The Peer-to-Peer Volunteering Programme, presented by RIGHTCHALLENGE

Partners also discussed the piloting phase of the volunteering programme, the successful coordination of national multiplier events, and the remaining steps toward completing the project. Sessions led by the Municipality of Sedaví, IFESCOOP, CARDET, BERLINK, and other partners addressed essential areas such as impact assessment, risk management, quality assurance, communication, and long-term sustainability strategies.

The productive day concluded with a shared vision among partners to continue advocating for effective youth engagement and protective measures beyond the project’s formal end.

The SOOS project, by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across Europe, has made significant strides in equipping young people and communities with the tools to break the cycle of domestic violence and support peer-led prevention efforts.

Aiming to raise awareness of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence (DV) on youth, the SOOS project highlights the risks associated with experiencing DV, including its potential impact on the physical, emotional, and psychological health of young people. It also seeks to provide resources and support to those affected, while educating the public on preventative measures. Ultimately, the SOOS project aspires to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence in society and to help create safer, healthier environments for young people.

Read more information by visiting the Project’s webpage.

Final Meeting of EGIDEV Project Held in Tenerife

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The final meeting of the EGIDEV project took place on 26–27 June 2025 in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. The event brought together all project partners for a two-day in-person session to mark the concluding phase of the initiative, which is set to officially end on 31 August 2025.

During the meeting, partners presented the results of the national Dissemination Events they organised to promote the EGIDEV educational board game, aimed at enhancing learning through innovative, interactive methods. These events served to engage target audiences and demonstrate the game’s potential as a tool for education and awareness-raising.

In addition to showcasing dissemination activities, the meeting provided an opportunity to review the final tasks and deliverables, ensuring all elements of the project are successfully finalised in the coming weeks.

The EGIDEV consortium remains committed to maximising the impact of the project results and exploring potential future collaborations.

EGIDEV Project aims to facilitate VET students and teachers in learning and teaching the principles of entrepreneurship by gamification in different business development stages. The objective is to develop, implement and provide the VET community with an educational game where learning by playing will allow for better understanding of digital entrepreneurship and challenges.

Learn more about the EGIDEV Initiative here!

TINKER Project Holds Successful Master Training in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The TINKER project marked a significant milestone in its implementation with the successful completion of its Master Training, held on 26–27 June 2025 in Cyprus. The two-day event brought together 25 STEM and adult educators from across the country and was organised by CARDET in collaboration with the University of Nicosia and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute.

The Master Training introduced participants to the TINKER project’s innovative methodology and overarching goals. Through a series of interactive sessions and hands-on workshops, attendees were equipped with the knowledge and practical tools required to support and train fellow educators in applying TINKER’s educational resources within their own teaching environments.

This training forms a crucial part of the project’s capacity-building efforts, ensuring the sustainable transfer of knowledge and practices across the education sector.

Looking ahead, the project will shift its focus to the next phase: teacher training and the rollout of TINKER activities in schools throughout Cyprus. The TINKER project continues to promote inclusive, creative, and learner-centred STEM education by empowering teachers and fostering innovation in classrooms.

TINKER Project aims to revolutionise informatics education in upper primary and lower secondary schools through a comprehensive pedagogical framework. Rooted in authentic learning principles, the project encourages students to engage with real-life tasks, promoting exploration and intentional connections between theoretical knowledge and practical experiences. Additionally, the project aims to address and overturn the severe underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in the field, by adopting a progressive gender-inclusive stance. In particular, it will promote gender-inclusive teaching practices creating positive student-centred environments that celebrate diversity.

Learn more about the project by visiting the project’s website here.

MILES: Shaping Education Policy Through Dialogue

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of Work Package 4 (WP4): Involvement and Awareness Activities for Policy Makers, the MILES partnership has entered an exciting new phase, connecting directly with policymakers, education stakeholders and school communities to raise awareness of the importance of media and information literacy (MIL) and pre-bunking strategies in education.

Over the past few weeks, several partners have successfully launched their first national and international webinars, reaching diverse audiences, including teachers, educational experts, civil society representatives and local authorities. These interactive online events are designed to bridge the gap between educational practice and policy, ensuring that the findings and tools developed in MILES are shared, discussed, reflected upon and acted upon.

The webinars vary in format and language — some are held in English to reach international audiences, while others are tailored to the local context and held in national languages. They all focus on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue by presenting the MILES approach and showcasing key results, such as the training modules and pilot findings, and inviting feedback from individuals who influence or shape educational policy.

The initial webinars have received significant engagement and interest, indicating a growing recognition of the necessity to provide educators and learners with the critical thinking skills required to navigate today’s complex information landscape.

What’s next?

More partners will follow with their own policy-oriented events in the coming months, both online and in person. These efforts will culminate in national multiplier events, where project results and policy recommendations will be shared more broadly.

These webinars play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and wider impact of MILES. It does this by fostering meaningful conversations that can influence the way we teach, think and respond to disinformation in the future.

Keep an eye out for upcoming event dates and highlights from across the partnership!

For more information about the project, visit the official website: MILES Project.

From Ideas to Action: AELIA Webinar Empowers Educators for Sustainable Change

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News. 2 Comments on From Ideas to Action: AELIA Webinar Empowers Educators for Sustainable Change

On 26 June 2025, the webinar titled “Sustainability in Action: Ideas, Experiences & Approaches for Educational Institutions” was successfully held, attracting the participation of 50 individuals from across the education spectrum. The webinar was organised by CARDET in collaboration with the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, and was primarily addressed to educators of all levels, both in formal and non-formal education, as well as adult trainers, students of education faculties, and professionals from educational institutions committed to integrating sustainability into their practice.

The event opened with a presentation of the AELIA Project, with a focus on the educational resources developed within the framework of the European project. Particular emphasis was placed on the MOOC – an open, asynchronous online course designed to support Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This resource aspires to empower both educators and organisations in adopting holistic approaches to sustainability.

Following the introductory session, a series of inspiring presentations highlighted good practices and practical tools from professionals and institutions in the field:

Maria Elia, CARDET Project Manager and Researcher presented the AELIA Project along with selected ESD methodologies featured in the MOOC; Dr. Athena Georgiou-Siippi (KykloIKOdromio) shared initiatives in circular economy and sustainable development targeting both students and teachers; Panagiota Koutsophta (Keep our Sand and Sea Plastic Free) introduced awareness campaigns aimed at reducing plastic use; Stella Chatzichillaios from the Unit for Education for the Environment and Sustainable Development, a public body, facilitated an engaging workshop designed to inspire and support participants in developing and implementing sustainability actions within their educational settings.

The webinar concluded with a hands-on session, inviting participants to brainstorm and record ideas and initiatives tailored to their own institutions. These proposals focused on enhancing day-to-day operations, fostering partnerships, mobilising resources, and systematically embedding sustainability at the pedagogical, organisational, and social levels.

This training initiative aimed to cultivate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for advancing Sustainable Development and to strengthen the role of educators as agents of change within the educational process.

The AELIA Project aims to facilitate the acquisition of skills and competences necessary for the green transition among all citizens. To achieve this goal, the project will employ a comprehensive, multistakeholder, whole-institutional approach that encompasses both formal and non-formal education settings, businesses, civil society, and the public sector. Participants from these diverse sectors will engage in all phases of the project, adhering to a quadruple helix innovation approach. This collaborative endeavor seeks to establish an enabling learning ecosystem, fostering transformative change at institutional, individual, and societal levels.

Find out more about the AELIA Project here.