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Author: Veronica Charalambous

CARDET Donates Laptops to Students in Need Through INCLUDE-CE Project Pilot at CASA College, Nicosia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 24, 2024, the INCLUDE-CE Project officially launched its pilot phase at CASA College in Nicosia, with 40 participants, focusing on enhancing the digital literacy and employability of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic minorities.

During the pilot session, CARDET donated laptops to 10 students in need to Casa College and Kasa High School, recognizing their academic excellence, active participation, and dedication to their studies. These laptops, repurposed for training, enabled the students to engage in modules focused on digital literacy and employability. Each recipient was honored by Casa College with a personalized speech celebrating their achievements, making it a heartfelt and proud moment for everyone involved.

The INCLUDE-CE pilot highlighted how the circular economy can contribute to a sustainable future by blending skill development with environmental awareness. Most participants, who hail from less developed regions, benefited from tailored training resources designed to improve their readiness for the labor market.

Co-funded by the European Union, the project aims to bridge the digital divide by enhancing the technological skills and resilience of these vulnerable groups. By repurposing second-hand digital devices for educational purposes, the initiative incorporates circular economy principles, promoting both social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Key outputs of the project include the development of an e-learning platform and specialized training resources, both aimed at empowering marginalized communities with equal access to the digital world.

For more information, visit the project’s website here.

Second Regional Network Meeting of the ICC Project Highlights Progress on Intercultural Integration in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 22, 2024, the second Regional Network Meeting of the “Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus” (ICC Project) was held at the Famagusta District Local Authority Organization in Paralimni, following the discussion of the results from the RiNNOVATE Forum. This regional network meeting marked a pivotal moment in the project, offering stakeholders the opportunity to review the work conducted so far and discuss the findings and lessons learned.

Attended by local authorities, stakeholders, and regional network members, the meeting included a comprehensive presentation by the project team, showcasing the progress made in developing inclusive policies for migrant communities and advancing intercultural integration in the Famagusta district. Special attention was given to efforts aimed at improving outreach to individuals, particularly children and families from disadvantaged or migrant backgrounds, who often face socio-economic challenges and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, or belief.

Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on the project’s activities and share their perspectives on developments observed on the ground. Their input, including suggestions for future actions, will play a key role in shaping integration policies in the region. Additionally, the project team facilitated the completion of the Intercultural Cities Index review and a questionnaire monitoring regional integration activities, both essential tools for assessing the project’s impact.

The project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the European Commission, emphasizes the importance of building inclusive communities through structured support and integration policies in Cyprus.

For more information about the project, visit https://icc.cardetprojects.com/ 

PartnerUp – Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement for Upskilling Pathways

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Education, Projects & Initiatives.

Partner UP aims to improve Upskilling Pathways’ implementation to benefit adult learners and increase their participation in lifelong learning opportunities. The project not only targets a key feature of the Recommendation of Upskilling Pathways but also provides a crucial basis for the European Skills Agenda as it overlaps with other sectors and will build on cooperation that are important for different areas of the Skills Agenda.

It is also the basis for the Renewed Agenda for adult learning. The Agenda is the European policy for a comprehensive adult learning concept and strategy for Europe, which needs the basic skills approach of Upskilling Pathways, so close cooperation and alignment with the outcomes of the Partner UP project will make the most of the results.

Partner UP Project Wraps Up with Final TPM in Brussels

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Partner UP Project, an EU initiative aimed at improving Upskilling Pathways for adult learners, held its final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Brussels. The meeting brought together stakeholders from across Europe to discuss strategies for increasing adult participation in lifelong learning and enhancing cooperation under the European Skills Agenda.

The event featured two keynote speeches from leading experts in skills development. Ann Branch, Head of Unit for the European Skills Agenda at DG EMPL (European Commission), emphasized the crucial role of upskilling and reskilling in maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness. Laura Reznikova from the OECD shared key insights from the OECD’s ongoing study on stakeholder cooperation, offering valuable data and recommendations to strengthen collaboration in the adult learning sector.

The Partner UP Project has made significant progress in supporting the European Commission’s Upskilling Pathways Recommendation, which aims to provide adults with access to personalized learning opportunities. The project has fostered collaborations that not only benefit adult learners but also contribute to the broader goals of the European Skills Agenda.

As the meeting concluded, participants reflected on the achievements of the Partner UP Project and the future of upskilling in Europe. The gathering provided an important platform for peer learning, stakeholder engagement, and partnership-building, with key discussions on stakeholder mapping, outreach strategies, and cross-sector cooperation—all essential for the successful implementation of Upskilling Pathways.

Learn more about the Partner UP Project here

CARDET Represents Cyprus at the EPALE Community Heroes Event in Bologna

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On October 15, 2024, CARDET proudly represented Cyprus, particularly the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth, at the prestigious EPALE Community Heroes event in Bologna, Italy. This gathering brought together thought leaders and innovators to explore cutting-edge educational solutions aimed at enhancing learning experiences across Europe.

A standout moment of the event was the keynote address by writer and activist, Jillian C. York. In her thought-provoking talk, “Free Expression in An Increasingly Digitized World”, she examined who makes the rules in the digital world, how to challenge our ideas on how the internet works and transforms. Her keynote speech unpacked the many aspects surrounding freedom of expression, data use, and the role citizens need to play in these processes.

Additionally, CARDET’s representative engaged in an interactive group activity, collaborating with international peers to explore innovative teaching methodologies that can be immediately implemented in educational settings. These activities emphasized the vital roles of creativity, collaboration, and adaptability in the evolving educational landscape.

CARDET remains dedicated to driving initiatives that enhance educational innovation, foster creativity, and promote excellence in learning practices. 

About EPALE: 

EPALE is the official digital platform of the European Commission for Adult Education, providing a communication network between stakeholders in the field at both national and European levels to exchange news, ideas, and information.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, adult learning and education can help address pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges. As Europeans, we recognize that adult learning also contributes to improving social cohesion and promoting active citizenship. This awareness lies at the heart of the European strategies on adult learning and education (ALE), with EPALE playing a crucial role in promoting more and better learning opportunities for all adults.

Coding4Kids Project Wraps Up in Madrid: Empowering Educators with Coding Skills

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the Coding4Kids Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, took place in Madrid, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s journey. The meeting served as a key moment for project partners to reflect on the impact of the project in empowering educators with coding skills to inspire their students.

The project focused on providing educators, regardless of their technical background, with practical tools to introduce coding in the classroom. Among its key achievements are 12 learning modules and 36 lesson plans, designed to make coding accessible for educators at any level. A comprehensive training package was also developed to build educators’ confidence in coding while fostering problem-solving and logical thinking in their students.

As digital skills continue to be in high demand, the Coding4Kids Project directly addresses European priorities by helping close the ICT education gap. By promoting transversal skills, the project prepares future generations to excel in an increasingly digital world.

For more information about the project, visit: https://coding4kids-project.eu 

Educhampions final partner meeting

EduChampions Project Concludes with Final TPM in Bilbao

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 9, 2024, the final Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the EduChampions Project took place in Bilbao, Spain. This meeting marked a significant milestone, as participants reviewed the e-learning platform and its suite of tools designed to empower teachers in effectively integrating online resources into their classrooms. The discussions focused on refining these tools, which have already generated considerable interest among educators across Europe.

Key tasks from the project’s work packages were reviewed during the meeting. WP1 (Project Management) outlined the timeline for completing evaluations and impact assessments by mid-November, while WP2 (Project Sharing) highlighted the upcoming release of the 4th newsletter and updates to dissemination materials by late October. WP3 focused on creating infographics and case studies showcasing educators’ experiences with online tools, and WP4 concentrated on finalizing modules on Pedagogy, Technology, and Entrepreneurship. WP5 emphasized classroom-based examples, with reviews and corrections slated for completion by mid-October.

The meeting also highlighted real-world success stories, with educators sharing how the platform’s tools have transformed teaching practices by fostering innovation and encouraging entrepreneurial thinking. As the EduChampions Project nears its conclusion, the focus now shifts to refining the final resources and preparing them for broad distribution, ensuring a lasting impact on the future of education and digital learning integration.

The EduChampions Project aims to foster edupreneurship and champion innovative, learner-centered pedagogical practices by leveraging the meaningful use of digital resources for learning. The project’s overarching goal is to create conditions that effectively address learner diversity while promoting inclusive and equitable educational approaches. It emphasizes the crucial role educators play in driving and sustaining innovation, expanding opportunities within the VET ecosystem and beyond.

Find out more about the EduChampions Project here.

Planning SEEDS: Advancing Sustainability and Local Economies in Perugia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From October 9 to 11, 2024, the Planning SEEDS Project concluded its three-day Learning Teaching Training Activity (LTTA) at the TAMAT headquarters in Perugia, Italy. The event focused on developing Solidarity Economy Districts (SEEDs) to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Participants engaged in sessions aimed at fostering bottom-up innovation within the social economy. Trainers received a comprehensive manual to enhance their teaching capabilities in virtual and multimodal settings, with a particular emphasis on mediation interactions for skill acquisition. This training was designed to equip them with tools to adapt their methods to various learning environments.

Discussions also centered on developing Local Green Deals (LGDs) and promoting Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs), aligning with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork strategy. These efforts highlight the importance of strengthening local food systems and applying circular economy principles.

Key outcomes of the LTTA included:

  • Development of intergenerational learning methods.
  • Assessment of training materials and tools.
  • Policy recommendations for local administrations.

The event marked a significant step towards advancing a sustainable and inclusive economy, reinforcing the core principles of the Solidarity Economy Districts initiative.

For more information, visit the website’s project here

UxGE Project Showcases Online Training Course at CASA College, Nicosia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 10, 2024, the UxGE Project hosted its third stakeholder meeting at CASA College in Nicosia, Cyprus, successfully presenting its objectives and introducing its Online Training Course (OTC) to 31 participants. The audience primarily consisted of newly inducted students aged 18 and above. This event marked another key milestone in the project’s mission to engage stakeholders, share its vision, and maximize its impact.

The stakeholder meetings are designed to spotlight the UxGE Project’s core objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and expected outcomes. At CASA College, the session focused on showcasing the OTC, the project’s first major deliverable, which aims to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge.

The event began with a detailed presentation of the UxGE Project, emphasizing its importance, the communities it seeks to empower, and the outcomes it strives to achieve. Participants were encouraged to enroll in the OTC, a cornerstone initiative for capacity-building and engagement. The training garnered significant interest, with several attendees seeking further details on how to actively participate.

This third stakeholder meeting builds on the momentum of earlier sessions, ensuring that stakeholders remain informed, motivated, and involved in the UxGE Project. By connecting with young adults at CASA College, the initiative continues to expand its outreach and strengthen its commitment to empowering its target audiences.

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

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