In a world increasingly defined by digitalization, the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth organized a great event, in which a diverse group of stakeholders shared their views. The keynote speaker of the event, Professor Eleni Mangina, from University College Dublin, shared her views and work in the area of digital skills, highlighting the strong need for having a shared vision and commitment.
Panelists and discussants included representatives from primary, secondary, and vocational education, Teacher Unions, Cyprus Human Development Authority, and Employer’s Associations. It is true that we have progress to show in the field of digital transformation; at the same time we have more collective work we need to do to ensure we empower all citizens to re-skill and upskill.
The Executive Director of CARDET, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas participated in a panel discussion that focused on the contribution of European programs and initiatives in developing digital skills. One of the key initiatives shared was the project AdultDigitalUP (www.adultdigitalup.eu), which focuses on building the capacity of Adult Educators who work with low skilled adults. The project will empower more than 100 educators through a hybrid training program, which was recently certified by the Cyprus Certification Company.
Additional initiatives shared and discussed include LeaderAI (a higher education project that focuses on integrating AI in higher education and developing the AI literacy of both faculty and learners), and the recently award-winning program RoboGirls, that aims to empower girls in STEAM.
The conference made one thing clear: digital skills are a basic pillar for moving forward. And it is the responsibility for all to engage in such initiatives.
