Author: Veronica Charalambous

CARDET Represents Cyprus at the EPALE Community Heroes Event in Bologna

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 16/10/2024. 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 16/10/2024. 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 Project Concludes with Final TPM in Bilbao

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 15/10/2024. 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 14/10/2024. 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 10/10/2024. 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 05/10/2024. 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

HEARD Project Hosts Two Engaging Events on Mental Health and COVID-19 Challenges

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 30/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

The HEARD project, dedicated to exploring the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on democratic dialogue, fundamental rights, and women’s experiences, recently organized two impactful events focused on mental health. The first event was held on July 18, followed by a second on September 27. Both events delved into the pandemic’s profound impact on mental well-being, with a particular emphasis on gender perspectives.

Experts and participants examined both the successes and gaps in Cyprus’ mental health response throughout the pandemic. Best practices were shared, while critical shortcomings were addressed, offering a holistic view of the island’s approach to mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.

To drive forward actionable solutions, the events also unveiled a series of forward-thinking policy recommendations, including:

Establishing ethical guidelines for equitable resource allocation during health crises
Creating collaborative networks to share mental health best practices
Ensuring protection for marginalized communities during emergencies
Advocating for universal access to psychological support
Strengthening nationwide mental health support systems
Prioritizing the mental health and professional development of women during pandemics
Integrating mental health initiatives into broader public health policies

These insightful discussions not only reflected on the lessons learned but also provided a roadmap for addressing future health crises. The events highlighted the critical role of mental health support, especially for vulnerable groups, and emphasized the importance of inclusive policies. The HEARD project continues to inspire meaningful conversations, shaping a more resilient and inclusive approach to mental health in times of crisis.

For more information about the HEARD Project, click here.

SHOREWINNER Project Launch Event in Cyprus: Navigating Southern Europe’s Offshore Renewable Energy Future Together

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 27/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

The SHOREWINNER Project, which aims to set up and develop a Southern European offshore wind energy community of practice, was successfully launched in Cyprus on Thursday, 26th of September. The hybrid event took place at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building in Nicosia, titled “Energy for the Future”.

The launch event attracted key members of the academic and business community, as well as government officials, and was co-organised by CCCI, Intercollege, the University of Cyprus, and CARDET. The event focused on the prospects and challenges of wind energy development in Cyprus and Southern Europe.

The event was addressed by CCCI General Secretary, Mr. Marios Tsiakkis, who underscored the importance of offshore wind energy for achieving Cyprus’ sustainable development goals.

Moreover, Intercollege Executive Director, Dr. Nicholas Kythreotis outlined the objectives of the SHOREWINNER Project. He also highlighted the cooperation among five Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus.

Mr. Gerasimos Gerasimou, Energy Service Officer at the Energy Ministry, discussed the prospects and challenges of renewable energy sources in Cyprus.

Mr. Constantinos Panayiotou from the Human Resource Development Authority (ANAD) presented the identified needs in green professions and skills within the Cypriot economy.

A notable contribution came from Mr. Christos Tsingis, Executive Director of the Cyprus Wind Energy Association, who spoke on the development potential of wind energy in the country.

Dr. Andreas Livera, Special Research Scientist at the University of Cyprus, analysed the goals and challenges facing both the photovoltaic and wind energy sectors.

The event concluded with an interactive workshop moderated by Dr. Pavlos Papadopoulos, a special research scientist at the University of Cyprus, allowing participants to exchange views and ideas on emerging opportunities in the field of renewable energy sources.

The Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy (SHOREWINNER) project aims to set up and develop a Community of Practice (CoP) based on the cooperation among five Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) committed to the development of skills, upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, sharing of resources, and achievement of major European goals and priorities. The CoVEs will be created in southern European countries (Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and Cyprus) with a promising offshore energy sector.

Each CoVE will engage national stakeholders to collaboratively provide vocational training aligned with the needs of the local industry. SHOREWINNER will establish a Community of Practice (CoP) to foster collaboration and partnerships among vocational education and training (VET) institutions, higher education institutions, enterprises, research groups, and industry representatives.

More information about the Project can be found here.

UxGE Project Events Inspire Students to Tackle Environmental Challenges

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 27/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

On September 25, 2024, CARDET hosted a dynamic and educational event at Latsia High School as part of the “United for a Green Europe” (UxGE) project, under the Erasmus+ European Youth Together Programme. This event aimed to engage students with the goals of the UxGE project, which focuses on promoting sustainability and environmental awareness across Europe.

During the session, students were introduced to the project’s first major milestone—the “United for a Green Europe” Online Training Course. They were encouraged to explore the course and use its resources to deepen their understanding of pressing environmental issues. A lively “World Café” activity followed, where students discussed critical topics such as extreme weather events, plastic pollution, and overconsumption. Through interactive group discussions, they exchanged ideas about the causes and effects of these global challenges and brainstormed potential solutions. The activity fostered a sense of environmental responsibility and active citizenship, inspiring students to contribute to a more sustainable Europe.

On September 27, CARDET held a second event at Agios Antonios High School in Limassol, where students explored various modules of the Online Training Course, with a special focus on leadership. A fun Kahoot quiz added an interactive element, stimulating engagement and collaboration among the participants.

These two events marked important milestones for the UxGE project, with the September 25 event being the first Multiplier Event, showcasing the Online Training Course. The initiative reflects CARDET’s commitment to cultivating environmentally conscious youth and mobilizing collective action for a sustainable future.

Learn more about the UxGE Project here

INNOVATE Project Partners Meet in Helsinki to Advance SME Innovation Strategies

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 27/09/2024. Posted in Project News.

On September 24-25, 2024, the EU-funded INNOVATE Project convened its TPM4 partners meeting in Helsinki. This key milestone furthered the project’s mission to identify, develop, and promote innovative approaches for enhancing vocational education and training systems, with a focus on the ISO56000 innovation framework.

During the meeting, partners reviewed the progress of tools aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) integrate innovation into their strategic planning. These tools are designed to foster sustainable growth and strengthen competitiveness in today’s dynamic marketplace.

As co-organizers and participants, the INNOVATE team reflected on their achievements and outlined the next steps to finalize and promote these solutions across various sectors. This meeting marks an important advancement in supporting sustainable business practices through innovation, aligning with the broader goals of the European Union.

In conjunction with the meeting, partners explored the various competences and skills that “Innovation Management” encompasses, which include:

Strategic Thinking: Identifying opportunities for innovation and aligning them with organizational goals.
Creativity and Problem Solving: Generating and implementing novel ideas and solutions.
Project Management: Planning, executing, and monitoring innovation initiatives.
Change Management: Facilitating and managing organizational change resulting from innovation.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering cross-functional and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with innovation.
Customer and Market Insight: Understanding customer needs and market trends to drive innovation.
Leadership and Vision: Inspiring and guiding teams towards innovative solutions.
Technological Competence: Leveraging emerging technologies for innovation.
Resource Management: Allocating and managing resources efficiently to support innovation efforts.

Additionally, the partners from the Helsinki Business College arranged an online casting of the Nordic Business Forum, happening live at the College during partners’ attendance. Participants had the opportunity to watch Adam Grant, a world-renowned bestselling author, discuss hidden potential and achievement, providing invaluable insights into personal and organizational innovation.

Find out more about the INNOVATE Project, here.