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Author: Veronica Charalambous

RECOVER – Contribute to the RECOVERy and reintegration of victims of trafficking through sports

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

The RECOVER project aims to facilitate the recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking (VoTs) through sports, enhancing their physical and mental health while fostering social inclusion and empowerment. The project will also build the capacity of sports coaches and trainers to design and implement activities tailored to the needs of VoTs.

  1. Contribute to VoTs’ recovery through sports
  2. Build the capacities of sports trainers and coaches
  3. Enhance access to guides and toolkits for professionals assisting VoTs
  4. Encourage collaboration and networking among professionals
  5. Raise public awareness on the role of physical activity in VoTs’ recovery
Article at Politis for the 20 years of CARDET

CARDET: 20 Years of Innovation and Social Impact through Education

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in 20 years, Media Highlights.

CARDET marks its 20th anniversary this year, celebrating two decades of meaningful contributions to education, innovation, and social progress. Since its founding in 2004, CARDET has grown into the leading independent research and development center in Cyprus and a key player in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Mission and Global Reach

Rooted in the belief that education can transform lives, CARDET develops pioneering solutions that foster inclusion, well-being, and equal opportunities. With a commitment to transparency and collaboration, it has forged strategic partnerships with global leaders such as Microsoft, the European Commission, UNICEF, and Yale School of Public Health. Through its work, CARDET has expanded its footprint to over 40 countries, positively impacting the lives of more than 3 million people.

Driving Change through Innovation

CARDET operates across key sectors including education, digital learning, human rights and social inclusion, health and well-being, and sustainable development and entrepreneurship. It responds to today’s pressing challenges by designing cutting-edge programmes—from implementing artificial intelligence in schools, to virtual reality tools and social inclusion strategies for migrant communities. With over 500 completed projects, the organisation blends research and practical action to shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking society.

Looking Ahead

As it looks to the future, CARDET aims to deepen its presence at the European level, expand its global partnerships, and launch new initiatives that respond to evolving societal challenges—always with a human-centered, forward-thinking approach. Its focus remains clear: to empower individuals and communities through education, innovation, and collaboration.

Article Published in Cyprus Mail

GreenYOU Multiplier Event Engages Students at CASA College

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

In May 2025, CASA College successfully hosted the Multiplier Event for the GreenYOU project, drawing the interest of students eager to explore opportunities related to sustainability and green careers.

The multiplier event introduced participants to the GreenYOU project, outlining its aims, target groups, and the specific needs it addresses. Presenters showcased the key activities carried out during the project and the innovative results produced, offering a comprehensive view of GreenYOU’s impact and potential.

A dedicated session explored the concepts of green skills and green jobs, why they matter, how they align with future employment trends, and their value for young people navigating a shifting labour market.

Attendees also received a hands-on introduction to the GreenYOU e-learning platform, gaining direct access to the project’s digital tools and resources, including MOOCs, augmented reality experiences, escape rooms, and animated learning videos.

GreenYOU is a forward-thinking initiative designed to promote climate action and enhance youth employability during the green transition. Through its free online courses and interactive learning tools, the project equips young individuals with essential competencies to actively engage with climate-related challenges.

In addition to supporting learners directly, GreenYOU has developed a tailored Green Curriculum for youth workers. This resource aims to empower educators and mentors with the knowledge and tools to guide young people in developing green skills, fostering a broader culture of sustainability and action among Europe’s youth.

Read more about the project here!

MOBUILDING Project Launches with Energetic Kick-Off in Valladolid

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The MOBUILDING project officially launched in Valladolid, Spain, with a vibrant transnational partners’ meeting held on April 9–10, 2025. Hosted at the EDUCACYL premises and in parallel with the IV VET Forum of Castilla y León, the two-day event brought together European partners committed to enhancing mobility opportunities for apprentices in the building sector.

The meeting served as a dynamic platform to set the course for the project’s next steps. Partners engaged in insightful discussions and presentations covering key work packages, including identifying mobility barriers, strengthening outreach efforts, supporting host organizations, and upholding project quality standards.

The atmosphere was marked by a strong sense of collaboration and a warm welcome from regional VET authorities. Energized by these exchanges, participants left inspired and aligned in their mission to foster more inclusive and strategic vocational mobility across Europe.

MOBUILDING is now underway – stay tuned as we build new opportunities across borders!

COSERE Project: Highlights from the Inspiring Final Conference “Collegiality at School – A Common Path to Growth”

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On April 10, 2025, the Final Conference of the COSERE Project, titled “Collegiality at School – A Common Path to Growth”, brought together school leaders, teachers, teacher educators, policymakers, and education implementers at the Riga Tourism and Creative Industry Technical School in Riga.

Throughout the day, participants explored the crucial role of collegial support in professional and school development. The morning session featured inspiring keynote speeches by Beāte Krauze-Čebotare, former CEO of Omniva Latvia; Gatis Pastars, Headmaster of Līvāni Secondary School No. 1; and Professor Milan Pol of Masaryk University. Each speaker offered valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and fostering a culture of collegiality within schools.

In the afternoon, attendees participated in hands-on workshops focused on coaching, mentoring, and effective support practices, with expert contributions from organizations across Georgia, Italy, Cyprus, and Ireland. The conference also introduced the COSERE Project Handbook and the new e-Learning Platform and shared important research findings on collegial support in education.

The event was a true celebration of professional growth and collaboration — essential foundations for building resilient schools and societies.

Learn more about this inspiring project here! 

Discover COSERE e-Learning Platform here!

Kick-Off Meeting Launches VET4 Social Impact Project in Rome

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The VET4 Social Impact Project officially launched with its Kick-Off Meeting held in Rome, Italy, from 8–10 April 2025. The three-day event brought together project partners from Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Palestine, and Egypt, setting the foundation for an ambitious three-year initiative aimed at driving lasting socio-economic change through technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

The project, titled “Social Impact and TVET-Business Joined-Up Initiatives for Vulnerable Youth and Women to Boost Local Socio-Economic Development and Social Innovation in Egypt and Palestine”,  is designed to foster socio-economic development and social innovation by strengthening the TVET sectors in both countries. It places strong emphasis on improving employability and entrepreneurial skills, particularly for vulnerable youth and women, who are among the primary beneficiaries.

VET4 Social Impact targets a wide range of stakeholders, including vocational school managers and TVET providers, students and trainers in vocational schools, university actors, business incubation centers (BICs), public key actors, as well as players in the social entrepreneurship sector such as social entrepreneurs and start-up founders. Policy stakeholders and regional networks are also key audiences for the project’s activities, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-level approach.

The project seeks to align TVET systems with evolving market needs while promoting social entrepreneurship as a driver of inclusive growth. By focusing on skills development, entrepreneurial mindsets, and local socio-economic empowerment, VET4 Social Impact aims to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable vocational clusters that can withstand external shocks and create long-term opportunities.

The Kick-Off Meeting in Rome served as the first in-person opportunity for partners to convene, build relationships, and lay the groundwork for the project’s successful implementation. Over the three days, participants discussed project objectives, strategic approaches, roles, and responsibilities, and exchanged knowledge and experiences to strengthen collaboration and ensure a common vision moving forward.

VET4 Social Impact represents a significant step toward transforming technical and vocational education into a catalyst for positive social change, offering new hope and tangible opportunities for young people and women in Egypt and Palestine.

Stay tuned for more updates on the project!

VET4 Social Impact – Social Impact and TVET-Business Joined Up Initiatives for Vulnerable Youth and Women to Boost Local Socio-economic Development and Social Innovation in Egypt and Palestine

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

The project “VET4 Social Impact” aims to foster socio-economic development and social innovation in Egypt and Palestine by improving technical and vocational education and training (TVET), enhancing employability, and empowering vulnerable groups, including youth and women, through entrepreneurial and skills-based opportunities. The project seeks to align TVET provisions with market demands, promote social entrepreneurship, and build resilient, inclusive and sustainable vocational clusters.

Addressing vocational school managers and TVET providers, students and trainers in vocational schools, university actors, business incubation centers (BICs), the project will work towards the following objectives:
• Upskill the capabilities of local TVET key actors to become more competitive, sustainable and efficient
• Enhance innovation in the entrepreneurship and self-employment sector
• Enable the environment for vocational clusters to deliver horizontally integrated and joined-up innovative and effective-proved TVET-business services

ACT4DYS: Enable People with Disabilities and Youth to Act for Sustainable Cities

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Projects & Initiatives, Sustainable Development & Entrepreneurship, Youth, Rights & Inclusion.

ACTDYS is an initiative that will aim to transform urban mobility into a more inclusive and accessible experience for young people, with a focus on people with disabilities and people dependent on alternative transportation means. It will raise awareness around the challenges of urban mobility. At the same time the project will encourage and actively involve youth to help fight against climate change and make cities more sustainable and inclusive.

ACT4DYS will address urban environmental challenges, accessibility and inclusion for youth with disabilities and bridging policy, research, and practise.

To address the above and achieve its objectives the project will raise awareness of sustainable urban development and promote alternative transportation to create greener and more inclusive cities; develop innovative training materials and tools, including simulation-based training for youth workers, to foster disability-inclusive urban development and enhance accessibility in public spaces; and engage stakeholders and create a Policy Paper with recommendations to support inclusive and sustainable urban development.

Official Launch of the AGRITECH Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

With the ambition of revolutionising agricultural education through cutting-edge technologies, the AGRITECH project was officially launched with a kick-off meeting held from April 2nd to 4th, 2025, in Thessaloniki, Greece. Hosted by ELGO-DIMITRA, the three-day event brought together partners from across Europe to lay the foundation and plan the next steps of the project.

AGRITECH aims to bridge critical skills gaps in the agricultural sector by integrating advanced tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum computing into educational frameworks. The project will focus on modern teaching methodologies, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurship, equipping young professionals with the skills needed for the digital transformation of farming.

During the three-day meeting, participants:

  • Presented the project’s goals and team roles
  • Discussed the design of the AGRITECH curriculum and platform
  • Planned communication, outreach, and policy activities
  • Explored ways to ensure quality and effective management
  • Visited experimental farming facilities to witness innovation in action

The kick-off meeting marked a strong start for AGRITECH, fostering collaboration among partners and setting a clear direction for the work ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as the project evolves!