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Author: Veronica Charalambous

Empowering Education for a Sustainable Future: Highlights from the SMILE Project’s Final Conference and Activities

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The Sustainable Mobility in School Education (SMILE) Project recently concluded its pilot activities and final conference at the University of Groningen on October 29-30, 2024. This notable Erasmus+ initiative is dedicated to integrating climate change, sustainable mobility, and STEAM education within European schools.

The final conference, titled “From Awareness to Action: The Role of Education in Building Sustainable Futures,” gathered over 40 participants from across Europe. Together, they explored innovative educational strategies aimed at inspiring students to become agents of change for a sustainable future. The event began with social activities on October 29, fostering networking and collaboration among attendees.

A highlight of the conference was an engaging workshop led by CARDET and INNOVADE, titled “Driving Change: Pathways to Fostering a Culture of Sustainable Mobility.” This session employed educational simulations to teach early secondary school students about sustainable transportation options and their critical role in reducing carbon emissions. Additional presentations included “Sustainability Today & Tomorrow” by RC and I&F, which focused on ongoing and future sustainability initiatives. KMOP and RUG hosted “Green Heroes: Ways to Act for Sustainability,” empowering individuals to take actionable steps toward environmental responsibility. Swati Vartak also led a session on “Fostering Emotional and Intercultural Skills for Sustainable Action,” emphasizing the importance of these skills in promoting sustainable initiatives.

In early October, the SMILE Project launched a series of pilot activities in Cyprus, including workshops at “Apeiteio” Agros High School and Engomi A’ Primary School. These activities engaged 40 students and 30 STEAM educators in testing and deploying SMILE’s latest educational resources, which featured innovative video animations and digital escape rooms centered on crucial themes like climate change and sustainable mobility.

The active participation of primary and secondary school students enhanced their creative and critical thinking skills while encouraging collaboration among peers. The educational resources facilitated lively discussions and reflections on both local and global issues, empowering students to develop informed perspectives on these pressing matters. Educators provided invaluable feedback during the activities, contributing to the refinement of content and delivery methods, ensuring the resources were both engaging and effective.

Throughout its duration, the SMILE project has prioritized enhancing teachers’ abilities to implement activities related to climate change and sustainable mobility, empowering school communities to take meaningful action. This international collaboration, featuring partners from the Netherlands, Greece, Ireland, Portugal, and Cyprus, underscores a shared commitment to fostering a sustainable and climate-resilient future through education.

More information about the SMILE Project can be found here.

Raise the BAR Project Holds Second Transnational Partners Meeting in Romania

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On October 30, 2024, the partners of the EU-funded Raise the BAR Project, which aims to combat racism, discrimination, and inequality in schools, held their second Transnational Partners Meeting (TPM) in Argeș, Romania. The project targets teachers and students aged 10-16, promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality in EU schools, and seeks to develop resources that empower schools and educators to implement effective educational strategies that foster anti-racism, personal development, democratic values, respect for fundamental rights, and critical thinking in students.

The meeting brought together all partner organizations to discuss project updates and future steps. During the meeting, CARDET, alongside Școala Gimnazială Nae A. Ghica, presented WP3 on the “Becoming Anti-Racist Toolkit,” which is being developed to provide practical guidance and resources for promoting inclusive, anti-racist environments in schools. Although both toolkits are still under development, discussions focused on their content and guidelines. Partners also explored ideas for the student toolkit, which aims to cultivate anti-racist behaviors among students, envisioning a future free from racism in school environments.

CARDET and IFESCOOP introduced WP4, titled “Raise the BAR-Creating Synergies for the Future”, which focuses on strategic collaboration and the long-term impact of the project. Additionally, CARDET, IFESCOOP, and Quart de Poblet shared updates on the project’s visual identity and website, and CARDET led discussions on the exploitation strategy and sustainability plan.

Another major agenda item was the upcoming Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) in Greece, scheduled for early next year. This training will equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to implement anti-racism strategies in their schools.

For more information about the Raise the BAR Project, please visit the website here

“Green Up Yourself” Project Launches Piloting Workshop at Agros High School

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

As part of the “Green Up Yourself” Project, a significant milestone was reached on October, 29, 2024 with a successful workshop held at “Apeiteio” Agros High School. This school is deeply involved in promoting environmental awareness, featuring its own recycling facilities, repurposing cooking oil as an alternative fuel source, and maintaining a composter that converts food waste into organic fertilizer. The school will also participate in a sustainability workshop next month. This event marked the launch of the piloting and training workshops under WP4, a crucial phase designed to test and refine the educational content aimed at promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainability among young people in rural areas.

Located in one of the project’s target rural communities, “Apeiteio” Agros High School hosted a day-long workshop where students and youth professionals were introduced to the green skills and entrepreneurial training modules developed by the project. The interactive session provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the learning materials, which focus on fostering sustainable business practices and enhancing employability in line with the European Green Deal.

The workshop also enabled project coordinators to gather real-time feedback from participants, which will be essential for fine-tuning the educational content to better address the socio-cultural needs of rural youth and professionals in each participating country. This feedback is crucial in ensuring that the resources are practical, adaptable, and contribute to the overall success of the “Green Up Yourself” Project.

The Agros High School workshop is one of many similar sessions being held across Europe as part of the project’s broader goal of empowering rural youth. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the “Green Up Yourself” Project aligns with key EU initiatives, including the European Green Deal and the Europe 2020 Strategy, by promoting sustainable entrepreneurial practices to address rural unemployment and foster economic resilience.

By engaging directly with students in rural schools like Agros High School, the project is laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future for Europe’s rural youth. This hands-on piloting phase ensures that the final training materials will be both effective and adaptable across diverse regions of the European Union.

For more information about the “Green Up Yourself” Project, please visit here.

Reinventing Mainstream Classrooms – RE.MA.C.

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

The project is about reinventing the mainstream classroom with resources and good practices that will enhance second language teaching and learning.

Throughout this project, the aim is to tackle the challenges and difficulties (language) mainstream teachers face trying to address students’ diversified needs and interests.

Objectives:

  1. Developing and implementing online interactive material based on the teaching and learning needs of both mainstream language teachers and migrant students using the MILAGE learn+ platform and app.
  2. Train mainstream language teachers in teaching SL in mainstream classrooms using the project’s dynamic online platform and overall educational material.
  3. Developing and implementing intercultural material, and eventually implementing intercultural tools across the curriculum by using the project’s platform and app and overall educational material.
  4. Training mainstream primary teachers using the project’s dynamic online platform and overall educational material in mainstream primary classrooms.

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