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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Successful Piloting of COSERE e-Learning Platform and CDP Course and Resources Paves the Way for Enhanced Collegiality in Schools

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

Between November and December 2024, the COSERE project held successful piloting sessions for its e-Learning Platform and CDP Course and Resources. These sessions provided CARDET with a valuable opportunity to support educators’ professional development and promote a more collaborative school environment. It marked a significant milestone for COSERE, a project committed to bridging gaps in collegial support among school educators and fostering a spirit of collaboration in their daily practices.

In the months of November and December 2024, pilot sessions were attended by 15 school leaders, vice-principles, subject co-ordinators, mentors, educators, etc., who actively participated in collegial support-based activities. Participants explored the COSERE e-Learning Platform, which features a self-paced micro-learning course on Collegial Support.

The course comprises three modules focused on fostering collaboration and mutual support among school staff, along with six mini-scenarios designed to simulate real-life situations in training. These resources aim to enhance the learning experience and encourage collegiality within schools. Feedback from participants on the training modules and mini-scenarios proved valuable for refining the platform ahead of its official launch.

With the successful completion of these pilot sessions, CARDET is proud to play a leading role in shaping a future where collegiality is central to professional development in education.

Learn more about the project here and stay tuned for the upcoming launch of the e-Learning platform. 

New TINKER Framework Promotes Authentic and Inclusive Informatics Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A new initiative is set to transform informatics education for students aged 10-14 with the launch of the TINKER framework, a comprehensive approach designed to teach and assess informatics in an authentic and gender-inclusive way.

The framework outlines key informatics topics, provides age-appropriate learning outcomes, and integrates authentic learning principles. It also promotes gender-inclusive teaching and assessment practices, ensuring every student feels represented and empowered in their learning journey.

At the heart of TINKER is a robust Toolkit featuring 108 engaging learning scenarios. These carefully crafted scenarios help students develop essential informatics competencies while aligning with the national curricula of each partner country. 

🔹 View the TINKER Framework and Toolkit here.

🔹 Explore the Learning Scenarios here.

By bridging the gap between theory and practice, TINKER not only equips young learners with vital digital skills but also fosters a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. This initiative marks a significant step toward preparing the next generation for the ever-evolving world of technology.

Learn more about the TINKER Project by visiting the website here.

Green Up Yourself Project Empowers Scouts with Green Entrepreneurship Skills

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Saturday, February 22, the 279 Airforce Scout System in Larnaca hosted the final milestone event of the Green Up Yourself project in celebration of International Scout Day. The project aims to enhance entrepreneurship and employability among young people in rural areas across Europe by fostering green skills and entrepreneurial training.

During the event, scout students participated in a debate on key topics such as Green Entrepreneurship, the Green Economy, the Circular Economy, and Ecotourism. Their insightful discussions demonstrated a strong awareness of environmental challenges and highlighted potential solutions for sustainable development in their communities.

Following the debate, students used recycled materials to create unique pieces of art, reinforcing the importance of resourcefulness and sustainable practices. This creative activity aligned with the project’s goal of developing practical green skills that support broader EU priorities, including the European Green Deal, the Europe 2020 Strategy, and the Strong Social Europe for Just Transitions action plan.

The event concluded with team-building activities designed to enhance strategic thinking and collaboration—essential skills for future green entrepreneurs. Equipped with the necessary tools, scouts worked together to overcome challenges, reflecting the collective effort needed to build a more sustainable future.

The success of the event underscored the Green Up Yourself project’s impact in inspiring the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders, ready to drive positive change across Europe.

More information regarding the Green Up Yourself Project can be found here.

GIFTLED Project Concludes, Advancing STEAM Education for Gifted Students

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The GIFTLED Project has successfully concluded, aiming to support gifted students in STEAM education by developing innovative methods and resources for educators. The project introduced digital and augmented reality tools to better engage gifted learners and address their unique educational needs.

GIFTLED provided professional development for teachers through a comprehensive handbook covering giftedness, STEAM education, the “Learning by Design” approach, and the GIFTLED Method. Additionally, an augmented reality case studies brochure was created, illustrating how AR applications can be used in specific learning scenarios.

The project also produced Toolkit Introduction Videos (TIVs) for each digital and augmented reality application used in STEAM disciplines. These videos highlight application features and demonstrate their integration into STEAM education through the “Learning by Design” approach. Furthermore, a curriculum was developed to showcase how the GIFTLED Method can promote the inclusion and education of gifted and talented students in STEAM subjects.

Research shows that gifted students benefit from specialized educational methods that both include them in learning activities and nurture their talents. Experts emphasize that meeting the educational needs of gifted learners can help them excel in school and contribute meaningfully to society. The GIFTLED project addresses this by creating targeted educational methods and resources that empower students to transform their knowledge into creative educational products.

Moreover, training in the “Learning by Design” approach and the toolkit for digital and virtual applications enhances teachers’ pedagogical skills. This equips them to lead teaching activities where students actively build and design their knowledge using digital and augmented reality tools.

The project’s outcomes will continue to support educators and schools in fostering inclusive, dynamic STEAM learning environments.

Learn more about the GIFTLED Project here

Young Minds Matter: Launch Event of the Research Report to Strengthen Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Children and Young People

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Mental Health Services for Young People

Mental health is a critical pillar of well-being, particularly for young people navigating the challenges of today’s world. Recognizing the pressing need for enhanced mental health support in Cyprus, key stakeholders, policymakers, and youth representatives gathered for a pivotal event to launch the research report of the “Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus” project, funded by the European Union.

This event took place on February 20, 2025, at the UNESCO Amphitheatre, University of Nicosia, and was organized by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF, with invaluable support from CARDET and the Cyprus Youth Council. The event underscored the urgent need for improved youth mental health services, focusing on identifying actionable solutions to address existing gaps. It featured high-level discussions, the presentation of key research findings, and a multi-stakeholder panel dedicated to shaping future policy and practice.

The event commenced with an opening address by Mr. Evagoras Tambouris, Director of Nursing Services Administration at the Ministry of Health (MoH), who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mr. Michael Damianos. He outlined the government’s strategic vision for youth mental health in Cyprus. This was followed by a keynote presentation from Mr. Alexandros Tifas, a representative of the Ministry of Health, who elaborated on youth mental health challenges and the strategic goals of the initiative. Additionally, Ms. Oana Dumitrescu, Policy Officer at the European Commission, delivered a keynote address, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to supporting mental health initiatives.

Following these addresses, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, Executive Director of CARDET, and Ms. Anahit Minassian from UNICEF presented the key findings from the research report, “Young Minds Matter: Mental Health Support for Youth and Children in Cyprus.” The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of mental health services for children and young people in Cyprus, highlights existing challenges, and offers targeted policy recommendations for improvement.

A panel discussion titled “Shaping the Future of Youth Mental Health: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Action” followed, moderated by Ms. Diamando Zisimopoulou from the Cyprus Youth Council. The panel featured distinguished experts and policymakers, including:

  • Ms. Poly Gregora, Mental Health Expert by Experience
  • Ms. Maria Miltiadou, Deputy Executive Director of ONEK
  • Ms. Maria Peyioti, House of Youth Representatives
  • Mr. Alexandros Tifas, Ministry of Health
  • Dr. Soulla Ioannou, Representative of the Ministry of Education

The panel explored key challenges in youth mental health, discussed policy recommendations, and emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping mental health strategies.

As concerns over youth mental health continue to grow, this event served as a crucial platform for cross-sector collaboration. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, it aimed to drive meaningful action and ensure that young people’s voices are central to mental health policy development.

The full report is available in English here: https://cardet.org/wp-content/uploads/Report_MentalHealth_200126_en.pdf

You can re-watch the live-streamed event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcTvnr5ls5Y

PartnerUP: Pioneering New Pathways to Lifelong Learning in Europe

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The PartnerUp Project has successfully concluded, delivering innovative strategies to enhance the implementation of Upskilling Pathways and foster lifelong learning opportunities for adults across Europe. This collaborative initiative aligns with the European Union’s 2016 Recommendation on Upskilling Pathways, which addresses the pressing need to equip individuals with foundational literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, alongside broader competencies that lead to secondary qualifications or their equivalent.

In support of the EU’s 2025 target to raise adult education participation to 47%, the project engaged over 1,000 stakeholders, promoting policy recommendations and collaboration to enhance adult learners’ skills, career prospects, and social participation.

Photo: PartnerUP Kick off Meeting in Croatia

The project addressed challenges faced by adults with low basic skills, such as limited job opportunities, poverty, and reduced societal involvement. It developed strategies to increase participation in adult education through stakeholder engagement, peer learning, and comprehensive analyses to identify gaps and opportunities in education.

Key outcomes include the creation of implementation plans and cooperation mechanisms, ensuring long-term impact in the field of adult learning.

Key Activities and Achievements

  1. Stakeholder Analysis Reports
    The project began with in-depth research to identify gaps and opportunities in adult education across partner countries. Over 760 stakeholders were involved in consultations, peer learning activities, and analysis, including policymakers, educators, and community leaders. These reports shed light on the challenges faced by adults with low qualifications and highlighted best practices to support their inclusion in learning opportunities. Effective strategies for reaching and engaging underserved groups were identified, ensuring that no one was left behind.
  2. Development Groups
    A series of consultations from 7 partner EU countries, known as Development Groups, brought together stakeholders from policymaking, education, and community organizations. These discussions fostered trust and collaboration, leading to improved approaches for implementing Upskilling Pathways and ensuring adult learners received the necessary support to advance their skills and qualifications.
  3. Implementation Plans & Road Maps
    Based on insights of the stakeholder analyses and Development Groups from 7 partner countries and the EU level, the project developed strategic roadmaps to establish innovative cooperation mechanisms. These Implementation Plans aim to sustain the impact of project activities, promoting long-term engagement in adult learning and ensuring the continued success of Upskilling Pathways.
  4. Study Visits and Peer Learning Activities
    PartnerUp organized 8 study visits (face-to-face & online) and peer learning sessions, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among partner countries, in which more than 200 participants got engaged. These activities provided valuable insights into effective strategies for engaging adult learners and fostered stronger relationships among stakeholders, promoting shared solutions to common challenges.
  5. The Virtual Map
    A major achievement of the project is the creation of the Virtual Map, an interactive online repository containing project findings, reports, and summaries. Accessible via each partner country’s flag, this tool offers stakeholders and policymakers a wealth of resources to enhance adult learning across Europe. Explore the Virtual Map at partnerup-project.eu/virtual-map/.
Photo: PartnerUP Project Study Visit in Cyprus

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

The success of PartnerUp was made possible through the collaboration of a diverse consortium of organizations across Europe, including:

  • European Association for the Education of Adults (Belgium)
  • CARDET (Cyprus)
  • Latvian Adult Education Association & State Education Development Agency (Latvia)
  • AONTAS (Ireland)
  • European University Continuing Education Network (Belgium)
  • Agency for Vocational Education & Training and Adult Education Institution Dante (Croatia)
  • ASOCIATIA EURO ADULT EDUCATION (Romania)
  • Hellenic Adult Education Association (Greece)
  • FORMA.Azione (Italy)
Photo: PartnerUP Final Conference in Brussels

Through cross-border collaboration and actionable strategies, PartnerUp contributed significantly to the implementation of Upskilling Pathways, reinforcing key priorities of the European Skills Agenda and the Renewed Agenda for Adult Learning. This initiative has laid a solid foundation for inclusive, lifelong learning systems that empower adult learners across Europe.

Discover how PartnerUp is shaping the future of adult education at https://partnerup-project.eu/.

SHOREWINNER Project: Blue Energy Summit & 2nd General Assembly Meeting Advancing Offshore Renewable Energy

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On February 13, 2025, the Blue Energy Summit 2025, a premier event dedicated to offshore renewable energy, successfully brought together over 65 industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and academics at the Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Ancona, Italy. This hybrid event explored the latest advancements and future opportunities in offshore energy development.

This summit marked a significant milestone as the first thematic conference of the EU-funded project SHOREWINNER, reinforcing its role in advancing offshore renewable energy through innovation, collaboration, and policy development.

The summit commenced with an Opening Ceremony led by representatives from UNIVPM and P.PORTO, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and knowledge sharing.

Lorenzo Occhineri from Fastventus Solutions LTD delivered the keynote address, “The Evolution of Offshore Wind Turbines: From 3 MW to 20+ MW – Scaling Up for a Sustainable Future”, emphasizing strategies to enhance offshore energy scalability and sustainability.

Experts provided insights into Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across Europe (Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Portugal), highlighting collaborative efforts to strengthen skill development and drive innovation in offshore energy.

The session featured an in-depth discussion on current trends and future pathways in Offshore Renewable Energy, with leading researchers and industry professionals sharing expertise on sustainable energy solutions.

A crucial industry challenge, workforce development, upskilling, reskilling, and mental health support, was also addressed, emphasizing the need for a resilient and well-prepared workforce to propel the blue energy sector forward.

The Blue Energy Summit 2025 successfully fostered critical discussions, strengthened partnerships, and set a clear agenda for the future of offshore renewable energy. As stakeholders continue to collaborate, the summit’s outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient offshore energy solutions worldwide.

On the following day of the conference, February 14, 2025, the project’s partners held their 2nd General Assembly Meeting, where the CARDET team, as the project’s dissemination leaders, presented the outcomes of the 3rd Meeting of the Communication and Dissemination Committee (CDC), focusing on enhancing outreach and impact strategies for blue energy innovations. During the meeting, partners reviewed Dissemination Actions from March 2024 to February 2025. Key discussions included updates on ongoing initiatives, upcoming tasks and events, a review of the dissemination log, action plans for each partner, and the next meeting schedule, along with miscellaneous agenda items.


For more information regarding the SHOREWINNER Project, please visit the website here.

Webinar Highlights: “PartnerUp & Beyond – Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future”

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Wednesday, 12 February 2025, stakeholders, policymakers, and education professionals convened online for the final webinar of the PartnerUp Project, titled “PartnerUp & Beyond: Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future”. The event highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in addressing Europe’s evolving educational needs in the context of digital transformation and the green transition.

The webinar focused on innovative strategies for lifelong learning and cross-country cooperation, showcasing how collective efforts can create meaningful solutions to skills development challenges. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as an example of successful partnerships that are helping to bridge skills gaps and drive progress across sectors.

The keynote speech, “The Importance of Adult Education in Europe”, was delivered by Ms. Klara Engels-Perenyi, Policy Officer for the Skills Agenda at the European Commission, setting the tone by reaffirming the European Union’s commitment to fostering upskilling and reskilling programs. Speakers highlighted evidence-based approaches to skill development and how the PartnerUp Project aligns with EU priorities to transform education systems. 

Key project results and milestones were presented, showcasing its contribution to closing the skills gap across sectors and improving workforce readiness for future challenges. Within this framework, Ms. Tina Mavrič, Head of Capacity Building at EAEA, delivered a presentation titled “PartnerUp: Empowering Growth Through Upskilling & Reskilling in the EU”.

A dynamic panel discussion focused on the driving forces behind the increasing need for upskilling in Europe, including technological advancements and environmental sustainability goals. Panelists, including Ms. Antonela Marjanušić, Project Manager at Adult Education Institution Dante; Ms. Ruby Cooney, Education Projects Officer at AONTAS; Prof. Alexis Kokkos, President of the Hellenic Adult Education Association; Mr. Didzis Poreiters, Department Director at the State Education Development Agency (VIAA); and moderator Dr. Xanthia Aristidou, Senior Project Manager – Researcher at CARDET, discussed how the PartnerUp Project has addressed these needs, particularly through cross-country collaboration. Panelists shared insights into how collaborative efforts within the PartnerUp Project have resulted in innovative approaches to skill development and training across different sectors and countries.

The webinar also addressed how to ensure inclusivity in upskilling initiatives, with a focus on providing access for marginalized communities, workers with disabilities, and individuals in remote areas. Best practices for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the long-term sustainability of skills programs were shared with participants.

In the closing remarks, speakers reflected on the future of upskilling in Europe, discussing how EU funding and policy frameworks continue to drive innovation and support collaborative projects. The PartnerUp Project was celebrated as a model of successful collaboration, providing valuable lessons for future initiatives aimed at fostering lifelong learning across Europe.

Attendees left with actionable insights on how to continue championing collaboration and lifelong learning, ensuring that educational solutions remain responsive to evolving challenges.

You can watch the full webinar on YouTube here.

Learn more about the PartnerUp Project, here.

New Erasmus+ Project ACT4DYS Launches in Porto to Empower Youth and People with Disabilities for Sustainable Cities

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On February 11, 2025, the kick-off meeting for the Erasmus+ project, ACT4DYS – Empowering People with Disabilities and Youth to Act for Sustainable Cities, took place in Porto, Portugal. Hosted by Proportional Message, the event brought together project partners CARDET (Cyprus), Proportional Message (Portugal), Innovation Training Center – ITC (Spain), Spectrum Research Centre – SRC (Ireland), and the European Disability Forum AISBL (Belgium) for their first in-person collaboration.

The meeting was a success, providing a valuable platform for the partners to align on the project’s vision, target audiences, and strategic approach. Key discussions centered on planning activities and defining the expected outcomes to support youth workers and young people, particularly those with disabilities. The initiative will tackle urban mobility challenges and climate change, with a focus on awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity.

ACT4DYS aims to empower youth to contribute to sustainable and inclusive urban environments, fostering climate action while enhancing the quality of life for individuals who rely on alternative transportation options. Partners expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to this meaningful project, looking forward to driving positive change in communities across Europe.

Stay tuned for more information and activities from this exciting new project!

UxGE Project: Youth Debate Sparks Dialogue on Climate and Sustainability at GC School

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On February 10, 2025, CARDET organized an engaging youth debate at GC School in Nicosia, Cyprus, as part of the UxGE Project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Facilitated by CARDET Researcher and Project Manager Alexandros Ioannou Peletie, the event brought together 20 enthusiastic participants, including high school students and youth leaders, to explore pressing environmental issues through active discussion and reflection.

The activity began with an introduction to the UxGE project, outlining its goals and the upcoming stage of participatory proposals. Participants were guided through theoretical content covering topics such as climate change, ecotourism, and the balance of responsibility between governments, communities, and individuals.

The core of the session featured a dynamic debate, where participants physically positioned themselves along a spectrum of agreement or disagreement in response to provocative statements or questions, such as:

  1. “Climate change is not real!”
  2. “Would you support laws that limit certain personal or community activities (e.g., banning single-use plastics, restricting fishing or farming) for environmental protection?”
  3. “Would you support banning (eco)tourism in areas of endangered species?”
  4. “Do you think technology (e.g., apps, AI, virtual experiences) can enhance ecotourism without harming the environment?”
  5. “Should tourists visiting protected natural areas pay a fee to enter environmentally protected areas (e.g., AKAMAS)?”

This interactive format encouraged open dialogue, allowing participants to express their views, challenge assumptions, and collaboratively reflect on sustainable solutions.

To conclude, participants shared feedback and completed an evaluation questionnaire, with many expressing a newfound awareness of their role in environmental stewardship. The event successfully fostered critical thinking and empowered youth to take an active role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

Learn more about the UxGE Project, by visiting its website here!