Author: Veronica Charalambous

Anti-Rumours Workshop Explores Strategies to Combat Stereotypes and Discrimination

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

CARDET, hosted on September 26, at the Famagusta Avenue Garage, an impactful Anti-Rumours workshop. The workshop explored the detrimental effects of rumours in communities and provided participants with practical guidance and tools to challenge misinformation and counter stereotypes that feed discrimination and fuel hate, empowering them to promote a more inclusive, understanding society.

The keynote speaker, Dani de Torres, Director of the Spanish Network of Intercultural Cities (RECI), offered valuable insights into the anti-rumours methodology – a proactive approach, designed to combat stereotypes by challenging misinformation and fostering dialogue. He highlighted how this approach has been successfully applied in various contexts with diverse groups, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals to address stereotypes and promote positive change within their communities.

The workshop was part of the broader Intercultural Cities (ICC) project “Enhancing Structures and Policies for Intercultural Integration in Cyprus”. This initiative is co-funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Commission. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Project Number: Council of Europe 2023-2024.

More information about the ICC project can be found here.

UxGE Project Launches Stakeholder Engagement at Summer Camp in Limassol

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 08/07/2024. Posted in Project News.

On July 8, 2024, the United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project launched its stakeholder engagement series with an inaugural event during a Summer Camp at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol, Cyprus. This marked the first of eight stakeholder meetings to be hosted by each partner organization, designed to introduce the project and develop strategies to amplify its impact.

The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation of the UxGE project, outlining its objectives, target audiences, planned activities, and expected outcomes. A key highlight was the unveiling of the Online Training Course (OTC), the project’s first deliverable. Participants, including team leaders and youth mentors, were encouraged to enroll in the OTC and contribute to advancing the project’s environmental sustainability goals.

As part of the event, UxGE hosted an interactive workshop for young camp participants under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future: Teaching Children the Value of Recycling.” The workshop included a hands-on activity, “Plastic Survivor,” where children examined the environmental impact of plastic waste and brainstormed alternatives to single-use plastics. By crafting innovative items from recycled materials, participants tackled eco-survival challenges with creativity and determination, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Practical tips for adopting eco-friendly habits at home and school were also shared, drawing from insights gained through the UxGE and SMILE projects.

Through initiatives like these, the UxGE consortium aims to engage diverse audiences and foster community-driven efforts to embrace greener lifestyles. By empowering individuals and organizations across Europe, the project strives to build a sustainable future for all.

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

CARDET Hosts First Transnational Coordination Meeting for UxGE Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 24/01/2024. Posted in Project News.

On January 24th, CARDET proudly hosted the first Transnational Coordination Meeting of the UxGE project, which aims to empower youth leaders and young people by enhancing their key competences to create participatory proposals for a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Europe.

Bringing together representatives from six partner organizations: Iniciativa Internacional Joven (Spain), Ayuntamiento de Málaga (Spain), The Rural Hub (Ireland), Asociacija Aktyvistai (Lithuania), Out of the Box International (Belgium), and CARDET (Cyprus), this meeting served as a pivotal opportunity to discuss the project’s work packages, set the framework for upcoming steps and activities, and establish strategies for effective management and communication.

The meeting also provided a platform for the consortium to clarify doubts, exchange ideas, and ensure a shared understanding of the project’s vision and goals. By hosting this event in Nicosia, CARDET reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in youth development initiatives.

Stay tuned for updates as the UxGE project progresses. Visit its official website.

Green It Your Skills event in Cyprus

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 11/12/2023. Posted in Project News.

The “GREEN IT YOUR SKILLS!” event, the fourth in the Green IT Your Work Project, took place from December 4th to 7th in Nicosia, Cyprus, organized by CARDET.

The event brought together 50 participants from 8 European countries to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable practices. On December 5th, participants engaged in presentations and interactive activities on climate change, sustainable fashion, and urban environments, followed by a city tour showcasing businesses with youth-focused sustainability initiatives.

December 6th featured a study visit to local businesses and a youth center in Agros village, where participants learned about sustainable practices and youth involvement in climate action. The event offered a valuable opportunity for youth, including NGO members, to expand their environmental knowledge and sense of responsibility. Gender considerations were integrated throughout the program to ensure inclusivity and balance.

Learn more about the project here!

EGIDEV Project Kicks Off with Inaugural Meeting in Antibes, France

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 23/11/2023. Posted in Project News.

On November 22–23, 2023, the consortium of the Educational Game in Digital Entrepreneurship for VET Students (EGIDEV) project gathered in Antibes, France, for its kick-off meeting. The consortium includes partners from Bulgaria, France, Malta, Spain, Portugal, Türkiye, Romania, and Cyprus.

This two-day event marked the launch of EGIDEV’s mission to create an educational board game designed to foster innovative learning. The meeting focused on building connections, reviewing the project’s objectives, and planning initial activities, including branding and brainstorming ideas for the game’s design.

Key discussions addressed project implementation, financial management, and timelines for upcoming tasks. Partners also shared their expertise in educational game development and explored themes such as EdTech, AI, and Green Tech to inspire the game’s content.

The meeting concluded with plans for Work Package 2, stakeholder engagement strategies, and preparations for future project milestones. The EGIDEV consortium is now poised to embark on its collaborative journey to transform education through creativity and innovation.

EGIDEV aims to enhance entrepreneurship education for VET students while empowering VET organizations and educators to become agents of digital transformation across the EU. By gamifying various stages of business development, the project seeks to facilitate the teaching and learning of entrepreneurship principles. Its goal is to provide the VET community with an engaging and educational tool that deepens understanding of digital entrepreneurship and its challenges through a “learning by playing” approach.

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

SHOREWINNER: Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 25/09/2023. Posted in Projects & Initiatives, Sustainable Development & Entrepreneurship.

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.

Project duration: 4 years (2024 – 2028)

CARDET participated to the third event of the Green It Your Work project, completed in Greece

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 04/09/2023. Posted in Project News.

CARDET participated to the third event of the Green IT Your Work Project, titled “Green practices – Make it real,” was organized by the Municipality of Agia, Greece, from August 29th to September 1st. The event hosted 56 participants from 7 European countries, focusing on green practices and sustainable careers.

On August 30th, participants visited the Joist Environmental Innovation Park in Larissa, where they explored innovative environmental solutions. They also learned from local enterprises like the Hellenic Energy Competence Center and Alpha Wood, which focus on sustainability and energy solutions. The day continued with a visit to the Holy Monastery of the Honorable Forerunner, highlighting organic farming practices.

On August 31st, participants explored environmental tourism, walking the Melivoia-Velika path, and discussed the potential for rural tourism. They also visited the Let’s Learn Youth Centre in Agia, engaging with youth about greener job opportunities in agriculture and tourism. The day ended with a celebration at the Apple Festival and the Religious Feast of Saint Anthony.

The event provided valuable knowledge to youth about positive green practices, encouraging them to pursue green careers in their communities. Gender inclusivity was maintained throughout the event, with 40 women and 16 men participating.

Learn more about the project here!

CARDET participated to the second event of the Green It Your Work project, completed in Spain

Written by Veronica Charalambous on 15/05/2023. Posted in Project News.

CARDET participated to the second event of the Green IT Your Work Project, titled “Green challenges – the future is now,” that took place from May 9th to 12th in Alicante, Spain, organized by the Diputación Provincial de Alicante.

The event hosted 51 participants from 8 European countries, focusing on sustainability and responsible decision-making. On May 10th, participants visited the Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) and explored the Warriors of Xian exhibition. They also learned from local SMEs, including L’Alicantina, La Llum Creativa, and Silvoturismo Mediterráneo, which are dedicated to environmental innovation and social impact. Mr. Jorge Blanco from Diputación de Alicante presented local composting initiatives.

On May 11th, participants visited the Hogar Provincial de Alicante composting plant and learned about the process of organic material reuse. They also visited Casa Tápena in Onil, where environmental education programs for youth are offered, using the natural environment as a learning tool. The event encouraged youth to reflect on their decision-making and its impact on the environment, while promoting gender inclusivity, with 24 women and 27 men attending.

Learn more about the project here!