FWC Information Service

LOCAL CYPRIOT RADIO STATIONS AWARDED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO BILINGUAL BROADCASTING

2012-01-23T09:24:00.001+02:00

Future Worlds Center (FWC) congratulates long-time project partners Radio Astra and Radio Mayis for winning the Kutlu Adalı Press Award in recognition of their bicommunal broadcasting efforts on local radio programmes. The Kutlu Adalı Awards were set up in memory of journalist Kutlu Adalı, who was assassinated in front of his home in 1996. They are awarded every year by the Press Labourer’s Union (Basın-Sen) in recognition of media professionals working towards peace in Cyprus.

“This is a really wonderful achievement”, says Dr. Yiannis Laouris, Director of Future Worlds Center, “it is very gratifying to see the rewarding of efforts that were started years ago to utilise media as an instrumental way in providing a vehicle for all Cypriots who share a vision for the future and that of a unified Cyprus”.

Future Worlds Center, Radio Astra, Radio Pyrgos and Radio Mayis have a long history of working together to encourage positive cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot journalists with an aim to exchange information about the two main communities in Cyprus. “It was the initiative of Future Worlds Center”, continues Laouris, “in partnership with the Management Centre of the Mediterranean, and the radio stations that launched the first and longest running bi-communal radio show called “Talk of the Island” with hosts Kyriakos Pierides and Hasan Kahvecioğlu”.

The initiative was supported by HasNa Inc., a non-profit NGO based in Washington D.C. whose mission has always been to promote cross-cultural understanding and economic empowerment in culturally divided areas of the world and to encourage individuals and communities in such areas to workhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif together toward advancement and peaceful coexistence.

Over more than 5 years, “Talk of the Island” promoted a culture of peace and displayed balanced news reporting about all island communities about local issues and events not typically covered by the current media. The show also provided a forum for open, island-wide dialogue and direct communication about on-going non-political issues.

For more information on the “Talk of the Island”, please visit: http://www.talkoftheisland.org.

INVITATION to an Educational Conference Teaching for a Globalised and Sustainable World

2012-01-18T12:54:00.006+02:00

INVITATION to an Educational Conference Teaching for a Globalised and Sustainable World Global Education and the Millennium Development Goals at the Journalists’ House, 12, RIK Avenue, 2120 Aglantzia on 31 January 2012, from 15:00 – 18:00.

Draft Agenda

Session 1 Introduction to the Conference, Contextualizing Global Education and the MDGs
Session 2 Global Education in Initial Teacher Training – Scottish Experiences
Session 3 A Global Dimension in Cypriot Schools – Teachers and Pupils share their experiences and good practices (interactive)
Session 4 Education for Sustainable Development in the context of the new educational curriculum in Cyprus – Discussion in small groups
Session 5 Panel Discussion: How can education meet the global challenges?
Session 6 MDG-Media Awards, Wrap up, Closing of Conference

For more information and to confirm your participation, please contact Nicolina Markidou at +357 22873820 or nicolina.markidou@gmail.com.

*The conference will be held in English language.

TeachMDGs is cofunded by the European Union
http://TeachMDGs.net

Academic Seminar "Learning to Teach for a Globalised and Sustainable World"

2012-01-18T12:42:00.003+02:00

INVITATION to an Academic Seminar "Learning to Teach for a Globalised and Sustainable World" Initial Teacher Education in the context of Global Education on 30 January 2012, from 09:00 – 13:00 at the EU House, 30 Byron Ave, Nicosia

You are cordially invited to attend the seminar ‘Learning to teach for a Globalized and Sustainable World-Initial Teacher Education in the context of Global Education’ organized by Future Worlds Center in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘TeachMDGs’. The seminar will bring together academics, teacher educators and other Education stakeholders from Scotland and Cyprus, to explore the concept of Global Education in the context of Initial Teacher Education, and identify entry points for the incorporation of the main issues, skills and values of Global Education in the curriculum of teachers'Education.

Distinguished guests at the conference will be:
- Elizabeth Curtis, University of Aberdeen
- Dr Hamish Ross, University of Edinburgh
- Charlotte Dwyer, Scottish Development Education Centre

For more information and to confirm your participation, please contact Nicolina Markidou at +357 22873820 or nicolina.markidou@gmail.com. *The seminar will be held in English language

TeachMDGs is cofunded by the European Union http://TeachMDGs.net

The modern way of learning a foreign language through your mobile phone

2011-11-28T10:05:00.002+02:00

For more information and interviews, please contact Emily Efthivoulou: emily@futureworldscenter.org or +357 22 873 820

MobLang – The modern way of learning a foreign language through your mobile phone

MobLang aims to teach basic conversation language skills using mobile phones. MobLang has received extensive media coverage from local Basque mass media following its official launching in the Basque Country of Spain. The project also launched in Greece, Northern Ireland and Cyprus.

MobLang Partners met in San Sebastian in the Basque country in Spain on the 14-18th October 2011 for the conference ‘Mobile learning as the future of education’. The conference was a huge success that was opened by the Minister of Education of the Basque country and was attended by more than 100 people.

MobLang stands for Mobile Language learning and the core idea is to support people in conflict zones to learn the language of each others’ community. These scientifically validated multimedia courses have been developed by the Language Center of the University of Cyprus and software has been developed for mobile phones running Java. Each course consists of essential vocabulary, phrases, dialogues, and exercises which are reinforced with sound and images

The courses are free of charge and are available for Greek speakers to learn Turkish, Turkish speakers to learn Greek, Greek speakers to learn Albanian, and Spanish speakers to learn Basque. Special versions are also available for Greek speaking nurses to learn Turkish and finally for English speaking children to learn Gaelic.

MobLang promotes intercultural dialogue, especially in former European conflict regions or regions with many minority groups, through promotion of linguistic diversity. Due to language barriers between individuals of different ethnic groups living in the same country, or Europeans visiting other countries for business or pleasure, natural interaction is hindered.

Communication in a foreign language can hold back the development of friendships and closer relationships, thus preventing fruitful intercultural exchange and dialogue. Basic language knowledge of one’s conversational partner is usually appreciated and creates a comforting atmosphere. Today’s Europeans are too busy to attend language classes. Exploiting technology and especially the recently emerging developments as far as mobile learning is concerned could offer a viable alternative. Mobile phones are the optimal learning tools that could enable people to learn anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace.

Short-film “In the name of the Father” wins online competition on the MDGs

2011-11-18T08:42:00.002+02:00

The short film “In the name of the father”, is the winner of the online short film competition that has taken place from 7th to 17th November in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals’, organized by Future Worlds Center( leg. reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute).

The short film has been created by four students of Olympion High School in Paliometocho,- namely Stelios Stylianou, Marilena Odysseos, Lucia Poyiadji, and Virginia Mitsi- under the supervision of the media trainer Ivan Charalambous and their teacher Maria Papoula.

The film ranked first, by gathering 2476 points, among 10 student videos available for online voting during competition.

The thematic of the film focuses on the issue of gender discrimination in the family context, and seeks to uncover the gender dimension of family violence in a vivid and powerful way. In this way, the film aims to raise awareness about MDG 3 and the global responsibility to promote Gender Equality.

To watch the video click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrdn9HcoXKk

All 10 student videos that have taken part in the competition seek to raise awareness about the MDGs by focusing on hot issues of Migration, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability, Global Trade and Active Citizenship as they are experienced in Cyprus.

The films form part of a media campaign aiming at stirring people’s thinking about global issues and the MDGs in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals’. To learn more about the campaign watch the videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVX-dfttUuU, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOMHP0oS1Dk&feature=related

Results can be seen at http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/

For more information about the competition and the project please contact project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com or call 22-873820. You can also visit the project website http://youth4world.com/

Online short- film competition finishes tomorrow 17th November at 5:00 p.m.

2011-11-16T13:42:00.000+02:00

The online film competition that has been running since 7th November finishes tomorrow 17th November at 5:00 p.m.

Today 16th and tomorrow 17th November, you can visit the platform http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/ and vote for the best videos!

The films focus on the hot issues of Migration, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability, Global Trade and Active Citizenship as they are experienced in Cyprus. They aim to stir people’s thinking around these issues and the challenges that they pose.

The short movies have been created by 25 students from 4 secondary schools in Cyprus, in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals. Participating schools are: Olympion Highschool in Paliometocho, Ayios Ioannis Lyceum in Limassol, International School of Paphos and American Academy, Nicosia.

For more information about the competition and the project please contact project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com or call 22-873820. You can also visit the project website http://youth4world.com/

Αύριο 17 Νοεμβρίου τελευταία μέρα για το διαγωνισμό ταινιών μικρού μήκους!

2011-11-16T13:39:00.002+02:00

Ο διαδικτυακός διαγωνισμός ταινιών μικρού μήκους λήγει αύριο 17 Νοεμβρίου στις 5 το απόγευμα.

Επισκεφτείτε σήμερα 16 και αύριο 17 Νοεμβρίου την πλατφόρμα http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/ και ψηφίστε τα καλύτερα βίντεο!

Τα βίντεο περιστρέφονται γύρω από σημαντικά παγκόσμια ζητήματα όπως η Μετανάστευση, η Ισότητα των φύλων, η Περιβαλλοντική αειφορία, το Παγκόσμιο Εμπόριο, η Ενεργή Πολιτότητα και διερευνούν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο τα ζητήματα αυτά εκδηλώνονται στην κυπριακή κοινωνία. Στόχος είναι η ανακίνηση της συζήτησης γύρω από αυτά τα ζητήματα και τις προκλήσεις που παρουσιάζουν.

Οι μικρές αυτές ταινίες έχουν δημιουργηθεί από 25 μαθητές 4 Λυκείων της Κύπρου, στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος MDGs-Media for Development Goals, το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Τα συμμετέχοντα σχολεία είναι: Το Γυμνάσιο-Λύκειο Ολύμπιον στο Παλιομέτοχο, το Λύκειο Αγίου Ιωάννη στη Λεμεσό, το International School of Paphos και το American Academy, στη Λευκωσία.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με το διαγωνισμό και το πρόγραμμα, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε με την υπεύθυνη του προγράμματος στο nicolina.markidou@gmail.com ή να καλείτε στο 22-873820. Μπορείτε επίσης να επισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα του προγράμματος http://youth4world.com/

Online film competition voting still active!

2011-11-11T10:11:00.000+02:00

The online film competition started 7th November and until the 17th, you will have the opportunity to watch 10 short films on the Millennium Development Goals, and vote for the ones you consider the best!

The videos have been created by students of 4 secondary schools in Cyprus, in the framework of the EU-funded project “MDGs- Media for Development Goals”.

Take your time to watch the movies on http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/ and then follow the instructions to vote for your favorite ones.
To get a preview, watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M76RBRMjkfU

‘Discover the digital world together, safely!’

2011-11-08T12:03:00.004+02:00

The Cyprus Safer Internet Center (Cyberethics) in collaboration with World Vision International, would like to announce this year’s Safer Internet Conference with the Safer Internet Day 2012 theme ‘Discover the digital world together, safely!’ on the 17th of November 2011, at 09:30-12:30 am, at the European University of Cyprus.

The conference will be given in English and speakers/experts from Cyprus and World Vision collaborating offices from (Georgia, Armenia, Lebanon, Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza) will present current trends and news from each country related with Internet safety and the technological gap that exists between generations.

The conference will be under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture and Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, MP Representative for the Armenian community in Cyprus will do the welcoming speech.

For more information and interviews, please contact Georgina Siitta Achilleos or Anna Maria Drousiotou (CyberEthics) georgina@cnti.org.cy, annamaria@cnti.org.cy or at 22873820 Or Mandy Yamanis (World Vision) mandy_yamanis@wvi.org or at 22870277.

Some words about the organizers:

Cyberethics: The Cyprus Safer Internet Centre, Cyberethics has been active in Cyprus since 2006. The Center is a consortium made of five partners which are Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (Coordinator), Ministry of Education and Culture – Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, CYTA – Cyprus Telecommunication Authority, The Olive Branch Foundation and the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee for the Protection and Welfare of Children. The Center serves as an Awareness Node along with its Hotline and the Helpline. The centre undertakes various awareness raising activities along with the Hotline and Helpline services it provides. Through out aforementioned Cyberethics project Cyprus Safer Internet Centre, its partners, associated partners and advisory board have generated a widespread network across Europe on Internet Safety issues. Therefore, the Centre can serve as a link between counties other than the EU and the European Union for the good information flow amongst each other mainly on best practices in individual countries.

World Vision: World Vision is a child focused humanitarian organization that is governed as an international partnership. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is currently serving the world’s most vulnerable people in nearly 100 countries through programs related to humanitarian emergency relief, community development, and advocacy. As a child focused organization, World Vision aims to protect all children and their caregivers from abuse and exploitation when using the internet, mobiles and other technologies. The Keeping Children Safe Online project sets a precedence for grassroots education around cyber safety and provides a skill set for successful and fun social media use. The project is expanding further in, Armenia, Georgia, Lebanon and Jerusalem West Bank Gaza with a future aim to involve all World Vision National Offices throughout the globe.

The program is co-funded by the European Commission.

Ο διαδικτυακός διαγωνισμός ταινιών μικρού μήκους ξεκινάει σήμερα 7 Νοεμβρίου!

2011-11-07T09:10:00.001+02:00

Ο διαδικτυακός διαγωνισμός ταινιών μικρού μήκους ξεκινάει σήμερα 7 Νοεμβρίου!

Από σήμερα 7 Νοεμβρίου και μέχρι τις 17 Νοεμβρίου θα έχετε την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσετε 10 φιλμ μικρού μήκους, γύρω από τους Αναπτυξιακούς Στόχους της Χιλιετίας και να ψηφίσετε αυτά που θεωρείτε καλύτερα.

Τα φιλμ δημιουργήθηκαν από μαθητές 4 Λυκείων της Κύπρου στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος MDGs-Media for Development Goals.

Παρακολουθήστε τα φιλμ στην πλατφόρμα http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/ και στη συνέχεια ακολουθήστε τις οδηγίες για να ψηφίσετε τα αγαπημένα σας.

Για να πάρετε μία πρώτη γεύση παρακολουθήστε το φιλμάκι http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl8q9dvs70c

Καλή θέαση!!

Online film competition starts today 7th November!

2011-11-07T09:09:00.002+02:00

The online film competition starts today 7th November!

From today 7th November until the 17th, you will have the opportunity to watch 10 short films on the Millennium Development Goals, and vote for the ones you consider the best!

The videos have been created by students of 4 secondary schools in Cyprus, in the framework of the EU-funded project “MDGs- Media for Development Goals”.

Take your time to watch the movies on http://ekkotek.com/national-competition/ ,and then follow the instructions to vote for your favorite ones.
To get a preview, watch the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M76RBRMjkfU

Enjoy watching the videos!!

MDGs –MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT GOALS Online short- film competition starts this Monday 7th November

2011-11-04T18:48:00.001+02:00

MDGs –MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Online short- film competition starts this Monday 7th November

Nicosia, 4/11/2011: The online film competition announced recently by non-governmental organization Future Worlds Center (leg. Reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute), starts this Monday 7th November!

From 7th to 17th November, the public will have the opportunity to watch 10 short films on the Millennium Development Goals, and vote for the ones they consider to be the best.

The films revolve around the hot issues of Migration, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability, Global Trade and Active Citizenship as they are experienced in Cyprus. They aim to stir people’s thinking around these issues and the challenges that they pose.

The short movies have been created by 25 students from 4 secondary schools in Cyprus, in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals. Participating schools are: Olympion Highschool in Paliometocho, Ayios Ioannis Lyceum in Limassol, International School of Paphos and American Academy, Nicosia.

Take the chance to visit www.fwcis.blogspot.com or http://youth4world.com/ on Monday 7th November and find out how you can access the competition platform, watch the films, and vote for your favourite videos!

You can also visit:
For more information about the competition and the project please contact project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com or call 22-873820. You can also visit the Facebook page:

MDGs-Media for Development Goals-Cyprus

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MDGs-Media-for-Development-Goals-Cyprus/213554818716148?sk=photos#!/pages/MDGs-Media-for-Development-Goals-Cyprus/213554818716148

Ξεκινά τη Δευτέρα 7 Νοεμβρίου διαδικτυακός διαγωνισμός μικρών ταινιών

2011-11-04T10:16:00.001+02:00

Ο διαδικτυακός διαγωνισμός μικρών ταινιών τον οποίο έχει ανακοινώσει πρόσφατα ο οργανισμός Future Worlds ξεκινά αυτή τη Δευτέρα 7 Νοεμβρίου 2011.

Από τις 7 μέχρι τις 17 Νοεμβρίου θα έχετε την ευκαιρία να παρακολουθήσετε 10 μικρά φιλμ γύρω από τους Αναπτυξιακούς Στόχους της Χιλιετίας και να ψηφίσετε αυτά που θεωρείτε καλύτερα.

Τα φιλμ περιστρέφονται γύρω από σημαντικά παγκόσμια ζητήματα όπως η Μετανάστευση, η Ισότητα των φύλων, η Περιβαλλοντική αειφορία, το Παγκόσμιο Εμπόριο, η Ενεργή Πολιτότητα και διερευνούν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο τα ζητήματα αυτά εκδηλώνονται στην κυπριακή κοινωνία. Στόχος είναι η ανακίνηση της συζήτησης γύρω από αυτά τα ζητήματα και τις προκλήσεις που παρουσιάζουν.

Οι μικρές αυτές ταινίες έχουν δημιουργηθεί από 25 μαθητές 4 Λυκείων της Κύπρου, στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος MDGs-Media for Development Goals, το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Τα συμμετέχοντα σχολεία είναι: Το Γυμνάσιο-Λύκειο Ολύμπιον στο Παλιομέτοχο, το Λύκειο Αγίου Ιωάννη στη Λεμεσό, το International School of Paphos και το American Academy, στη Λευκωσία.

Επισκεφτείτε μας ξανά τη Δευτέρα 7 Νοεμβρίου και μάθετε πώς μπορείτε να παρακολουθήσετε τα φιλμ καιhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif να ψηφίσετε τα αγαπημένα σας.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με το διαγωνισμό και το πρόγραμμα, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε με την υπεύθυνη του προγράμματος στο nicolina.markidou@gmail.com ή να καλείτε στο 22-873820. Μπορείτε επίσης να επισκεφτείτε την ιστοσελίδα του προγράμματος http://youth4world.com/

Online short film competition - starts this Monday 7th November!

2011-11-02T16:05:00.003+02:00

The online film competition announced recently by Future Worlds Center, starts this Monday 7th November!

From 7th to 17th November, you will have the opportunity to watch 10 short films on the Millennium Development Goals, and vote for the ones you consider the best!

The films revolve around the hot issues of Migration, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability, Global Trade and Active Citizenship as they are experienced in Cyprus.

They aim to stir people’s thinking around these issues and the challenges that they pose.

The short movies have been created by 25 students from 4 secondary schools in Cyprus, in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals. Participating schools are: Olympion Highschool in Paliometocho, Ayios Ioannis Lyceum in Limassol, International School of Paphos and American Academy, Nicosia.

Take the chance to visit this space on Monday 7th November and find out how you can access the competition platform, watch the movies,and vote for your favourite videos!

For more information about the competition and the project please contact project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com or call 22-873820. You can also visit the project website http://youth4world.com/

ΓΙΑ ΑΜΕΣΗ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΣΗ - ΔΙΑΓΩΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΜΙΚΡΩΝ ΤΑΙΝΙΩΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΖΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΟΠΤΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΜΑΘΗΤΩΝ ΓΥΡΩ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΑ ΖΗΤΗΜΑΤΑ

2011-10-26T16:43:00.003+03:00

ΓΙΑ ΑΜΕΣΗ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΕΥΣΗ
MDGs –MEDIA FOR DEVELOPMENT GOALS
ΔΙΑΓΩΝΙΣΜΟΣ ΜΙΚΡΩΝ ΤΑΙΝΙΩΝ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑΖΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΟΠΤΙΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΜΑΘΗΤΩΝ ΓΥΡΩ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΑ ΖΗΤΗΜΑΤΑ
ΛΕΥΚΩΣΊΑ, 20/10/2011: Ο μη κυβερνητικός οργανισμός Future Worlds Center (leg. Reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute) διοργανώνει διαδικτυακό διαγωνισμό μικρών ταινιών από τις 7 μέχρι τις 17 Νοεμβρίου στα πλαίσια του προγράμματος “MDGs-Media for Development Goals” το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. Στόχος του διαγωνισμού είναι η προώθηση των παγκόσμιων θεμάτων και των Αναπτυξιακών Στόχων της Χιλιετίας στην Κύπρο. Ο διαγωνισμός παρουσιάζει το αποτέλεσμα της δουλειάς 25 μαθητών από τέσσερα σχολεία Μέσης Εκπαίδευσης στην Κύπρο οι οποίοι δημιούργησαν μικρά φιλμ για τη Μετανάστευση, την Περιβαλλοντική Αειφορία, την Ισότητα των Φύλων , το Παγκόσμιο Εμπόριο και την Ενεργή Πολιτότητα, κατά την περσινή σχολική χρονιά 2010-2011.Η ηλεκτρονική πλατφόρμα του διαγωνισμού θα ανακοινωθεί προσεχώς.

Οι υποψήφιες ταινίες έχουν ετοιμαστεί στα πλαίσια ενός προγράμματος εκπαίδευσης για τα Μέσα Επικοινωνίας το οποίο πραγματοποιήθηκε σε τέσσερα σχολεία Μέσης Εκπαίδευσης στην Κύπρο: Το Γυμνάσιο-Λύκειο Ολύμπιον στο Παλιομέτοχο, το Λύκειο Αγίου Ιωάννη στη Λεμεσό, το International School of Paphos και το American Academy, στη Λευκωσία. Κατά τη διάρκεια του προγράμματος αυτού, οι μαθητές που συμμετείχαν εργάστηκαν υπό την επίβλεψη εθελοντών εκπαιδευτών και παρήγαγαν μιντιακό υλικό που παρουσιάζει με άμεσο τρόπο πώς εκδηλώνονται και εκλαμβάνονται τα πιο πάνω ζητήματα στην Κυπριακή κοινωνία. Στις ταινίες γίνεται προσπάθεια να καταγραφούν πολλαπλές φωνές και οπτικές, ώστε να συμβάλουν σε περαιτέρω προβληματισμό γύρω από αυτά τα θέματα.
Ο διαγωνισμός εντάσσεται στα πλαίσια εκστρατείας ευαισθητοποίησης που πραγματοποιούν οι μαθητές των σχολείων που συμμετέχουν στο πρόγραμμα. Στόχος της εκστρατείας είναι η ανάπτυξη της ευαισθητοποίησης γύρω από παγκόσμια ζητήματα που επηρεάζουν και την κυπριακή κοινωνία όπως η αύξηση των μεταναστευτικών ροών, η εγκαθίδρυση των παγκοσμιοποιημένων αγορών, η παγκόσμια ευθύνη για την περιβαλλοντική αειφορία καθώς και η ανάγκη να προωθηθεί η ισότητα των φύλων. Η εκστρατεία στόχο έχει να ανακινήσει τη συζήτηση γύρω από τα πιο πάνω θέματα στην Κύπρο και να τονίσει την ευθύνη των πολιτών ως προς την ανάληψη τεκμηριωμένης δράσης για την αντιμετώπιση αυτών των προκλήσεων σε τοπικό και παγκόσμιο επίπεδο.

Το 2000, ο Οργανισμός Ηνωμένων Εθνών συγκάλεσε τη Σύνοδο Κορυφής της Χιλιετίας που είχε ως στόχο τη δέσμευση όλων των κρατών για την ανάληψη κοινής προσπάθειας με στόχο την αντιμετώπιση των σημαντικών προκλήσεων του πλανήτη: την Ειρήνη, τα Ανθρώπινα Δικαιώματα , τη Δημοκρατία, την ισχυρή διακυβέρνηση, την Περιβαλλοντική Αειφορία, τη μείωση της Φτώχειας, την Ανθρώπινη Αξιοπρέπεια, την Ισότητα και τη Δικαιοσύνη. Η σύνοδος έληξε με την Διακήρυξη της Χιλιετίας η οποία αποτελούνταν από 8 συγκεκριμένους στόχους και υιοθετήθηκε ομόφωνα από 189 κράτη. Για την πραγμάτωση αυτών των στόχων, η κινητοποίηση των πολιτών και των νέων ανθρώπων κρίνεται ιδιαίτερα σημαντική.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες σχετικά με το διαγωνισμό και το πρόγραμμα, μπορείτε να επικοινωνήσετε με την υπεύθυνη του προγράμματος στο nicolina.markidou@gmail.com ή να καλείτε στο 22-873820. Μπορείτε επίσης να επισκεφτείτε τις ιστοσελίδες http://youth4world.com/ or www.fwcis.blogspot.com

FWC ranks second in prestigious Euro-Med Award for the Dialogue between Cultures

2011-10-24T11:27:00.003+03:00

Local Cypriot NGO Future World Center (FWC) ranked second place in the final election
round of the prestigious Euro-Med Award for Dialogue between Cultures and was awarded an Honourable Mention for the highly-esteemed work on intercultural dialogue for the promotion of freedom and citizenship in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Euro-Med Award for the Dialogue between Cultures is a very prestigious award given by the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue Between Cultures an organization operating in 43 countries having over a 3000 organizational members, founded to honor Anna Lindh for her pioneer work.

The nomination was done by Heiner Benking from PNW, a member of the German Anna-Lindh-Network, and co-founder of the Anna-Lindh-Salon. He based his proposal on the following:

1. The high number of structured democratic dialogues implemented by the organization.
2. Notable projects which promote dialogue, such as Act Beyond Borders, Teach MDGs,
Multicultural Cyprus, Moblang, UCYVROK, Civil Society Dialogue, etc.
3. The world-wide initiatives as well as publications and books by members of its Board Aleco Christakis, Yiannis Laouris, Harry Anastasiou, Kerstin Wittig and Romina Laouri.
4. The (i) Philosophy, (ii) Values, (iii) Good Organization, (iv) Focus on peace, (v) Special focus on vulnerable groups and (vi) The promotion of Cyprus as peripheral center.

Mr. Anthos Shekkeris from the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs, which acts as the Head of Anna Lindh National Network in Cyprus, stated that it is the first time that a Cypriot NGO enjoys such recognition. The Cyprus network comprises of 45 organizations.

Dr. Yiannis Laouris, Chair of the Board of Future World Center, expressed his gratitude to the thousands of NGOs across the region that trusted their vote to the Cypriot NGO. He asserted that his team will now have to work even harder to meet the expectations. He also expressed hope that more “structured” dialogue engaging people from all walks of life, takes place among all the various societies living in Cyprus.

COMPETITION FEATURING STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES ON GLOBAL ISSUES

2011-10-19T16:32:00.003+03:00

Future Worlds Center (leg. Reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute) is launching an online short- film competition from 7 -17 November 2011 in the framework of the EU-funded project ‘MDGs-Media for Development Goals’ to further promote global issues and the MDGs in Cyprus.

The competition features the work of 25 students from four secondary schools in Cyprus who created films about Migration, Environmental Sustainability, Gender Equality, Global Trade and Active Citizenship during the school year 2010-2011 as part of the project. Films will be available on an electronic platform which will be shortly announced by the organization.

The films taking part in the competition have been prepared as part of media school program which has taken place in 4 participating secondary schools: Olympion Highschool, Paliometocho, Ayios Ioannis Lyceum in Limassol, International School of Paphos and American Academy, Nicosia. During the school media program, participating students worked under the supervision of volunteer trainers to produce materials which present in a lively way how the above mentioned issues are experienced in Cypriot society. The films strive to capture multiple voices and perspectives as a way of further problematizing these issues.

The competition forms part of a media campaign being implemented by students from Olympion Highschool, Paliometocho, Ayios Ioannis Lyceum in Limassol, International School of Paphos and American Academy, Nicosia. Aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about global issues that are currently influencing Cypriot society such as the rise of migration flow, the establishment of globalized markets, the global responsibility for environmental sustainability, the need to promote gender equality. The campaign seeks to stir discussion about these issues in Cyprus and emphasize citizens’ responsibility of taking informed action to respond to these challenges on local and global level.

In the year 2000, the United Nations convened the so-called Millennium Summit, with the aim of getting all Member States’ commitment towards a global effort addressing the major challenges of our planet, and to strive towards peace, human rights, democracy, strong governance, environmental sustainabilityhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif, poverty reduction and human jdignity, equality and equity. As a result, the summit concluded with a Millennium Declaration, consisting of 8 goals which was unanimously adopted by all 189 countries. In order for these goals to be achieved the mobilization of citizens and young people across the globe is considered crucial.

For more information about the competition and the project please contact project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com or call 22-873820. You can also visit http://youth4world.com/

FWC hosts Torture Rehabilitation Centers for a Symposium in Nicosia with officials in order to promote European collaboration

2011-09-23T11:00:00.002+03:00

"Treatment to vulnerable persons, survivors of torture and other severe violence, needs common EU approach," says Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT)

URVT hosts the Ministry of Interior Asylum Service, UNHCR and Ombudswoman’s Office as well as its European partners from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Romania and France from 09:30 – 13:00 on Wednesday 28 September 2011 at the Classic Hotel for a symposium to discuss ways European Centres for the Rehabilitation of Torture Victims can align their methods of operation to better serve vulnerable groups.

The symposium is part of a European Union funded project in which the URVT is a partner representing Cyprus as the only non-governmental organization on the island which deals with victims of torture. The project is entitled “Promotion and dissemination of good practice in addressing specific needs of vulnerable groups - especially victims of torture and human rights violations - based on a transnational in-depth study and evaluation of working and treatment methods”. The project aims to promote European wide collaboration on a common approach and practice among rehabilitation centres.

The main result of the project will be recommendations for the work with most vulnerable groups of refugees including an inventory of care and treatment methods plus methods of staff care to be published and disseminated to all relevant stakeholders across Europe.

Mobile Learning as the future of education

2011-09-16T16:55:00.010+03:00

The Elhuyar Foundation and CNTI have organised a workshop entitled Mobile Learning: as the future of education. Mobile Learning is a concept that has been making a great impact in recent years. This workshop will be examining the steps forward being made and the new opportunities presenting themselves in this field that is based on mobile phones. So we will be joined by experts from Europe and the Basque Country. In addition to working on the pedagogical perspective and technology, information will be provided on a number of successful projects being run abroad and in the Basque Country.

This seminar is open to anyone interested in teaching and the new technologies.

• Although attendance at the workshop is free of charge, participants are required to register.

• Venue: This workshop will be taking place at the Gipuzkoako Bazkundea (Chamber of Commerce of Gipuzkoa), Tolosa hiribidea, 45. Donostia-San Sebastian.

• Workshop languages: Basque and English (a simultaneous interpretation service between these two languages will be available).

Check out the Moblang website for the full programme plus information on the speakers.

For further information please contact tatjana@cnti.org.cy.

Vacancy - Legal Advisor

2011-08-24T12:49:00.002+03:00

The Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute-Future Worlds Center seeks a Legal Advisor.

Under a project implemented by the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute and funded by UNHCR, which offers free legal advice and representation to asylum seekers and refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Advise asylum seekers (including in detention centers) on the asylum

procedure in Cyprus and provide representation during the administrative asylum process.

- Prepare and submit administrative recourses against negative asylum decisions.

- Counsel and provide representation to refugees and asylum seekers on access to their rights.

Required Qualifications

- Law degree (mandatory)

- Prior experience or post graduate qualification in asylum issues and/or administrative law will be considered an advantage.

- Excellent command of both Greek and English languages.

Applications to be submitted by 14 September 2011 to:

futureworldscenter@gmail.com, www.FutureWorldsCenter.org

International Day in Support of Torture Victims

2011-06-23T13:24:00.006+03:00

On 26 June the ‘International Day in Support of Torture Victims’ is observed worldwide as a remembrance of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Behaviour which came into force on 26 of June, 1987. The Convention against Torture was established, as an international human rights instrument under the scope of the United Nations, in prevention of torture.

Torture continues to take place in 100 countries worldwide. Thousands of people are tortured, everyday somewhere in the world, while many more are affected indirectly. According to International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT) 35% of asylum seekers and refugees worldwide are affected, proving that this is not a trivial problem of a minor group. Torture destroys children, women, men and entire families. It prevents societies from reaching high standards of human, social and economic progress; an unquestionable right for every human being.

More specifically, the consequences for the victims of torture are devastating and reach far beyond the initial pain. The majority of victims suffer from flashbacks, memory loss, severe anxiety and insomnia, all of which are symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additional to that, the humiliation endured by the victims, during this abnormal and ruthless treatment, often results in feelings of guilt, shame and betrayal towards their loved ones. Moreover, not only individuals suffer, but also local societies are heavily affected in the terrifying realization that basic human rights are not guaranteed nor protected.

In Cyprus, the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) operates under the umbrella of the Humanitarian Affairs Unit of the Cypriot Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Future Worlds Center (FWC). URVT is the only treatment center of its kind in Cyprus. It was established in 2006 and it’s currently funded by the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (UNVFVT). It provides multidisciplinary treatment and rehabilitation services in the form of social counseling, psychological support and legal advice for the survivors of torture and their families. URVT is also focused in increasing public awareness about torture and making aware that victims of torture are not a far away issue; instead they live among us in Cyprus, trying to heal their wounds.

As former Secretary-General of the UN Kofi Anan noted: ‘This is a day on which we pay our respects to those who have endured the unimaginable. This is an occasion for the world to speak up against the unspeakable. It is long overdue that a day be dedicated to remembering and supporting the many victims and survivors of torture around the world.’ This is a day, in which we call all the individuals, to join us and thousands of people around the world in speaking against and condemn this global crime against humanity, working toward a world without any kind of torture.

‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’ Article 5, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Παγκόσμια Μέρα Προσφύγων 2011

2011-06-21T13:39:00.002+03:00

Στις 20 Ιουνίου 2011, τιμούμε την Παγκόσμια Μέρα Προσφύγων. Για εκατομμύρια πρόσφυγες ανά την υφήλιο, αυτή η ημερομηνία σημαίνει ακόμα μία μέρα αναζήτησης στοιχειώδους υλικής, κοινωνικής και νομικής προστασίας. Για όλους εμάς, η μέρα αυτή σημαίνει ένα κάλεσμα για δράση, μια ευκαιρία να επικεντρώσουμε τις δυνάμεις μας για τη βελτίωση της ζωής των βίαια εκτοπισμένων ανθρώπων στην Κύπρο, αλλά και παγκόσμια.

Από το 1951, η Υπάτη Αρμοστεία του Ο.Η.Ε. για τους Πρόσφυγες (UNHCR), εργάζεται αδιάκοπα με σκοπό να προστατεύσει αυτή την ευάλωτη ομάδα πληθυσμού. Η προσπάθεια αυτή πραγματοποιείται με διάφορους τρόπους που αφορούν από τη διασφάλιση της ασφάλειας και προστασίας των προσφύγων μακρυά από βίαιη δίωξη, μέχρι την παροχή βοήθειας σε εκείνους που επιθυμούν να επιστρέψουν σπίτι του. Η Υπάτη Αρμοστεία για τους Πρόσφυγες από τη μέρα δημιουργίας της, έχει προσφέρει βοήθεια σε πάνω απο πενήντα εκατομμύρια ανθρώπους. Σήμερα, συνεχίζει αδιάκοπα να παρέχει τις υπηρεσίες της βοηθώντας έτσι περίπου τριάντα εκατομμύρια ανθρώπους που ανήκουν στην συγκεκριμένη ή σχετικές με αυτή πληθυσμιακές ομάδες σε 110 χώρες να ξανακτίσουν την ζωή τους με αξιοπρέπεια.

Στην Κύπρο το Future World Center (FWC) υλοποιεί το πρόγραμμα «Strengthening Asylum for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Cyprus» το οποίο χρηματοδοτείται από την Υπάτη Αρμοστεία για τους Πρόσφυγες (UNHCR). Το συγκεκριμένο πρόγραμμα προσφέρει κοινωνική και νομική αρωγή σε αιτητές ασύλου και άτομα υπό διεθνή προστασία. Κύριος σκοπός του προγράμματος είναι η διασφάλιση πρόσβασης των επωφελούμενων σε μια δίκαιη και αποτελεσματική διαδικασία παροχής ασύλου, όπως επίσης και η διασφάλιση των δικαιωμάτων τους, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη το εθνικό , ευρωπαϊκό αλλά και διεθνές νομικό σύστημα. Ανάμεσα στους στόχους του προγράμματος, περιλαμβάνονται και η ενημέρωση μέσα στην ίδια την κοινότητα των προσφύγων και αιτητών ασύλου, η προώθηση των δικαιωμάτων τους, αλλά επίσης και η υποστήριξη της ενσωμάτωσής τους στην τοπική κοινωνία. Όπως κάθε χρόνο έτσι και φέτος, το FWC στηρίζει τις εκδηλώσεις που διοργανώνονται από την Υπάτη Αρμοστεία προς τιμήν των πρόσφυγων, αγγαλίαζοντας τις προσπάθειες τους για επιβίωση και ανθρώπινη αξιοπρέπεια. Επ’ ευκαιρίας της Παγκόσμιας Μέρας Προσφύγων, η Υπάτη Αρμοστεία σε συνεργασία με τη ομάδα Pool of Trainers του Oργανισμού Nεολαίας Κύπρου και το Συμβούλιο της Ευρώπης, οργανώνει μια Ζωντανή Βιβλιοθήκη, στις 21 Ιουνίου στο Σπίτι της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης, 18:00 – 22:00. προτρέπουμε όλους στην Κύπρο να δώσουν το παρόν τους σε αυτήν την εκδήλωση και να «διαβάσουν» μαζί μας.

Όπως αναφέρει ο Ύπατος Αρμοστής για τους Πρόσφυγες, António Guterres, «Οι πρόσφυγες επιδυκνείουν αξιοζήλευτο κουράγιο και επιμονή προσπαθώντας να ξεπεράσουν τεράστια εμπόδια για να ξανακτίσουν τις ζωές τους. Η αέναη προσπάθεια για διασφάλιση της προστασίας, της οποίας αξίζουν, είναι ένας ευγενής σκοπός επειδή τα δικαιώματα των προσφύγων αποτελούν ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα – και δικαιώματα τα οποία ανήκουν σε όλους.» Αυτή τη μέρα, το Future Worlds Center, καλεί τον καθένα από μας ξεχωριστά να ανταποκριθεί σε αυτό το κάλεσμα και να αναλάβει ρόλο στην προστασία των προσφύγων, εξασφαλίζοντας με αυτόν τον τρόπο αξιοπρέπεια και δικαιοσύνη για όλους.

World Refugee Day 2011

2011-06-17T16:57:00.002+03:00

On Monday 20 June 2011 we celebrate World Refugee Day. For millions of refugees around the world, the day is another spent in urgent need of basic material, social and legal protection. For the rest of us, the day represents a call to action, an opportunity to focus our efforts on improving the lives of forcibly displaced persons, both here in Cyprus and across the globe.

Since 1951, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been working tirelessly in order to protect this particularly vulnerable group. Such work takes many forms, from ensuring that refugees are secure and safe from violent persecution to providing assistance to those wishing to return to their homes. Over 50 million people have received support from UNHCR since its inception. Today, it continues to provide assistance to refugees and populations of concern, helping some 30 million people in over 110 countries restart their lives with dignity.

In Cyprus, Future Worlds Center (FWC) implements the “Strengthening Asylum for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Cyprus” project which is funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide social and legal assistance to asylum seekers and persons under international protection. Its main objective is to ensure that beneficiaries have access to a fair and efficient asylum procedure and their rights based on national, European and International law. The scope of the project also includes raising awareness within the community on refugee and asylum issues, promoting the increase of rights of this population, as well as supporting and encouraging the integration of refugees into the local society. FWC this year also strongly supports the event organised by UNHCR to honour refugees and embrace their efforts for survival and human dignity. Accordingly, on the occasion of this World Refugee Day, UNHCR and the Pool of Trainers of the Council of Europe is organising a Living Library with Refugees, which will take place on 21 June at the House of the European Union, at 6.00-10.00 p.m. we encourage people in Cyprus to come and 'read' with us.

As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, has noted “refugees show incredible courage and perseverance in overcoming enormous odds to rebuild their lives. Ensuring that they get the protection they deserve is a noble cause because refugee rights are human rights – and rights that belong to us all”. On World Refugee Day, Future Worlds Center calls on each individual citizen to rise to the challenge of responsibility and play their part in the protection of refugees, guaranteeing dignity and justice for all.

Moblang now on YouTube

2011-05-31T14:10:00.001+03:00

MobLang now has its channel on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/MobLang. Join us, be our friend, and subscribe to watch our latest radio and TV interviews at 'Symviosi kai Diapolitismikotita' radio program at CyBC on 7 May 2011 and 'Biz/Εμείς' TV program at CyBC on 18 May 2011!

Borderstories. Yesterday’s and Today’s Borders. Intercultural trilateral training course in Berlin, Nicosia and Marseille

2011-05-01T21:21:00.001+03:00

Perceptions of borders influence our society.

This week 25 young multipliers from Cyprus, France and Germany will are in Nicosia for a week-long seminar held at the Cyprus Community Media Centre to explore the stories of and behind borders through the lens of a photo camera.

The seminar is one of a series of 3 seminars. The first was held in Berlin in September 2010. Nicosia is the host city in May 2011 and the final seminar will take place in Marseille 2012. The cities chosen for this project all represent the contexts of different aspects of borders, lines and walls: Berlin as a symbol for the division and reunification of Germany and Europe; Nicosia as the last divided capital city in Europe; and Marseille, a port and immigration city, as a gateway between Europe and Africa.

This particular seminar in Nicosia aims to build on the experiences of the first seminar in Berlin and will encourage participants to explore parallels and connections between the two cities, the way that walls influence social interactions, urban landscapes and narratives. Participants are encouraged to build on the photographic material created during the seminar in Berlin and take it a step further during the weeklong seminar in Nicosia. Furthermore, the seminar will act as a catalyst for the third seminar in Marseille.

The seminar will conclude with a public photo exhibition on Friday 6th May at 18:00hrs, presenting the work produced by the participants. The exhibition will be part of the larger events around the inauguration of the Home for Cooperation in the Buffer Zone opposite Ledra Palace. Everyone is invited to attend.

The seminar receives funding from the German-French Youth Office and the German Embassy in Cyprus. Sponsors include the Cyprus Tourism Organization..

For more information please visit the seminar’s blog at http://borderstories.tumblr.com/

3rd International Facilitators Training School: Structured Dialogic Design (SDD)® Process

2011-04-11T12:24:00.004+03:00

3rd International Facilitators Training School: Structured Dialogic Design (SDD)® Process

Future Worlds Center Press Release
For Immediate Release

For more information, please contact Elicia Reed:
elicia@futureworldscenter.org or +357 22 873 820

Revolutionary international facilitation training school focuses on Co-Laboratories of Democracy and the science of Structured Dialogic Design (SDD)®.

Future Worlds Center of Cyprus in collaboration with the Institute for 21st Century Agoras of California, USA are organizing the third International School for Structured Dialogue, a groundbreaking approach to authentic and disciplined dialogue facilitation.

(Nicosia): Cypriot non-governmental organization, Future Worlds Center, and the U.S. based Institute for 21st Century Agoras, invites all who are interested in becoming active Structured Dialogic Design Facilitators and Mediators to learn more about the science of SDD® at the 3rd International Facilitators Training School in Nicosia, Cyprus from 25-27 July 2011.

Structured Dialogic Design (SDD)® is a truly democratic approach to facilitation and mediation where all participants have an equal opportunity to voice their ideas and opinions. The use of the Cogniscope II software helps to structure these ideas, cluster, and map their mutual interdependencies. Further information about this process can be found on the Institute for 21st Century Agoras website http://www.globalagoras.org/.

The training will include theoretical foundations exploration, practical applications, re-discovering the science of structured dialogue, role-playing, lectures, and virtual lectures (webinars). The school intends to offer 3 credits towards the professional certification program.

Instructors include the Father of Structured Dialogic Design, Dr. Alexander N. Christakis, Professor of Informatics at the University of Piraeus, Greece, Nikitas Assimakopoulos, SDD Facilitator Dr. Yiannis Laouris of Future Worlds Center, Author and SDD expert, Thomas Flanagan, Executive Director of the Institute for 21st Century Agoras Kenneth Bausch, and Marios Michaelides, Senior SDD Facilitator from the Cyprus Government’s Academy.

Participation is for anyone who would like to work towards professional certification and anyone interested in learning more about the Co-laboratory of Democracy approach and the science of SDD®. The fee for the school is 350 Euros, which includes the registration fees and certificate, coffee and snacks, all reading materials on CD, two books discussing the theory and practice of the science of dialogue, access to the SDD® International School website for materials, a limited version of the Cogniscope II software, and the Gala dinner.

To register, please visit: http://www.sddp-international.org
To receive a brochure and registration form email elicia@futureworldscenter.org

ENDS

For Reference on SDD®:

Forty years of research, development, and testing, in a variety of complex situations, both in the private and public sectors, have produced the Structured Dialogic Design Process (SDDP) that engages stakeholders in participative democracy through disciplined dialogue. Workshops using SDD are called Co-Laboratories of Democracy because they enable people to harness their collective wisdom and power to construct the future.

Three decades of research have revealed unshakeable human burdens that undermine successful dialogue. The first two types of burdens include well-documented research into (a) human limitations of cognition, and (b) group pathologies (individual, group, and collective). The third burden relates to (c) the current focus of critical theorists, namely: the impact of power relations.

In a larger context, organizations and societies must be responsive to their stakeholders if they are to sustain their viability and vigor. The movement toward “flat hierarchies” in business recognizes the importance of wisdom that a company possesses everywhere in its chain of command. For example, in the context of the postmodern management paradigm, to increase productivity management gurus urge companies to practice varieties of participative democracy by establishing cross-functional teams that share leadership in order to meet the demands of change more efficiently.

The virtues of participative democracy stem from its openness to all kinds of opinions from all kinds of stakeholders. When people and their positions are respectfully listened to in an activity, they are involved. When decisions are made on an equitable basis, people support those decisions and are likely to work for their implementation.

The principal utility of a participative process would be to enable people to participate in finding solutions to complex problems affecting the quality of their lives independent of their discipline, experience, or educational background. It also would lead to cooperation with the other stakeholders of a particular situation, by excavating the wisdom of the people through structured dialogue.

(http://sddinternationalschool.wikispaces.com/What+is+the+SDD+process%3F)

FWC leads European Consortium that offers free language lessons via mobile phone

2011-04-04T13:42:00.001+03:00

Cypriot non-governmental organisation, Future Worlds Center, invites those who are too busy to attend a language course or those who do not want to attend a traditional language course, to try “MobLang” as a perfect tool to help leahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrn the basics of a new language in a fun way. With a few minutes each day MobLang teaches you the most common phrases. Special exercises help you with the pronunciation while you practice your newly learned words and phrases. MobLang is easy to install on your mobile and simple to use.

MobLang is a project funded by the European Union that provides tools to study a new language through mobile technology. It allows users to get to know the language and deepens their knowledge about other cultures. More information can be found at the MobLang website http://www.moblang.eu/.

The MobLang project is officially entitled “Intercultural Dialogue & Linguistic Diversity via MobLang” and is within the Framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme / Transversal Programme / Key Activity 2: Languages (European Commission, EACEA). The local Cypriot organizations Future Worlds Center and the University of Cyprus Language Centre are teamed up with partners in Europe from Greece, the United Kingdom, and Spain. The consortium offers a variety of languages to learn such as Albanian, Basque, Greek, Irish, and Turkish.

Participation is for anyone who wants to learn some basic language skillshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif via their mobile phone. The cost of the actual course is free for the first 150 people registered. There is no participation fee; however, a donation of €10 will be appreciated to cover costs for a SD card. All those who register after the first 150 are kindly required to donate a higher amount.

The MobLang mobile course is supported further with regular Language Cafés for socializing with individuals who speak the language being learned, watching short movies, and going shopping or to a café to practice vocabulary with native speakers. The duration of the course is 1-2 months (depending on participant’s speed). Participants attend at least once at Language Café in order to receive the program and install it properly on their mobile.

To register, email moblang.register@cnti.org.cy or call (+357) 22-892909.

Cyberethics Carnival Party!

2011-02-23T08:46:00.001+02:00

The Cyprus Safer Internet Center – Cyberethics, invites you to a Carnival Party which has as a general theme “the Internet” (the costumes need to be related to the Internet, i.e. antivirus – doctor etc).

The best costumes will be awarded prizes!

See you all on Saturday 5/3/2011 at 11:30pm at Down Town Retro Club, Limassol.
Entrance fee: 35 euro with Open Bar!!

For more information and reservations, please call at 22873820 (office hours) or at 99806388 (Iliada).

Great Opportunity: Call for Participants from Cyprus for an International Training called "Human Rights Creative"

2011-02-19T22:26:00.003+02:00

Future Worlds Center is a partner in the international multipliers’ training course "Human Rights CREATIVE" from April 4th to 11th 2011 and we are looking for participants from Cyprus! Other participants coming are from England, Netherlands, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland, Italy, Malta and Germany. The deadline is 28 February so act now to be included!

Please find the detailed description below.

If you know anybody (teachers, trainers, social workers, students etc.) who might be interested in participating, please pass this information on and promote the course. It will be a very exciting and very international event.

Training Course "Human Rights CREATIVE“ at International House Sonnenberg / Germany

April 4th to 11th, 2011

About the project

The Training Course ”Human Rights CREATIVE” is organized by the International House Sonnenberg in cooperation with the DARE-network (www.dare-network.eu) and nine partner organizations from different European countries that are active in the field of Human Rights education, and it is mainly financed by the “Youth in Action” Programme of the EU.

During the training course between 30 and 40 multipliers from the nine partner countries that are United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Germany will firstly get a short general introduction into the topic of Human Rights and Human Rights Education (HRE), in order to then get to know a wide range of methods with a creative approach (such as theatre, film, arts etc.) that can be used to work with (international) young people on the topic of Human Rights.

About us

The International House Sonnenberg is an education center offering many different kinds of conferences, seminars and other educational activities for youth, children, adults and families. A huge focus lies on international encounters, political issues and training courses for multipliers.

More information: www.sonnenberg-international.de

In April 2009 we facilitated the course “Methods of Human Rights Education in Youth Work” in cooperation with the DARE-network. You can find the documentation at http://www.dare-network.eu/downloads/DARE_BLUE_LINES_Methodologies_of_Human_Rights_Education.pdf

Target group

The Course addresses young multipliers, aged between 18 and 35, such as youth workers, youth leaders, social workers, teachers, students of educational subjects but also volunteers and all other people working with youth and interested in the topic of Human Rights.

Topics that will be covered in our training course “Human Rights CREATIVE”:

? What are Human Rights and where do they come from?

? The importance and aims of Human Rights Education (HRE)

? A simulation game on a current topic related to Human Rights

? Individual Workshops, held by different international experts, teaching a variety of creative approaches for teaching Human Rights, e.g. theatre methods, artistic methods, video/films, photography, …

? Exchange of experiences and best-practice examples in the field of HRE

? One-day-excursion to visit projects/organizations active in Human Rights Education

? Developing ideas for (joint) practical projects, using creative methods of HRE

Objectives

- to equip international multipliers with a range of creative methods for teaching Human Rights

- to stimulate participants to take an active role in promoting Human Rights

- to arise young people's awareness of topics related to Human Rights

The methodology of the training course

The project is designed as an open learning process based on participants’ exchange of experiences and opinions. The training course follows the approach of non-formal and social education. In addition we will invite international experts to hold workshops on creative methods and to give presentations on the theoretical background of Human Rights (Education).

Working language

English – all participants must be able to actively communicate in English

Prerequisites

We are expecting from participants in our training course “Human Rights CREATIVE” to have:

? previous experiences and knowledge of working with young people

? great interest in the field of Human Rights

? good English communication skills

? willingness to contribute to the program with a presentation on either your organization, a certain project you have been involved with or a good practice example. It should be practical information that the other participants will benefit from!

? willingness to develop a project within the Youth in Action Programme as an outcome of the training course

? willingness to participate throughout the full duration of the Training Course

Financial conditions

The participation fee for each participant will be: 130,- Euros

There is a reduced fee for participants from Eastern European countries: 80,- Euros

The fee includes food and lodging at our beautiful education center as well as program costs during the entire training course.

70% of your travel costs will be reimbursed, if you hand in or show us the original tickets at the training course. Example: If the ticket costs you 200 Euro, then 140 Euro will be reimbursed after the event. (Using the cheapest transport is required: 2nd class train, economy airfare, etc.)

Trainers

Jochen Dallmer, Berlin/Germany, “Young Friends of the Earth Germany”

Samuel Antonio Mejias, London/United Kingdom, Researcher (writing PhD) “Institute of Education, University of London”

Speakers / Workshop facilitators

“Human Rights – origin, vision, reality” – Frank Elbers, Netherlands, Stichting Human Rights Education Associates

“Theatre of Human Rights” – Borislava Daskalova, Bulgaria, Trainer of Forum Theatre

“Children Rights – seen creatively” – Massimo di Rienzo & team, Rome/Italy, Menougualepiu

“Making Human Rights Videos” – Samuel A. Mejias, London/United Kingdom, University of London

“Drumming for Human Rights” – Christine Holtkamp, Trainer of Samba and political action

“Murals – colorful reminders of Human Rights” – Cathy Bird, United Kingdom

“Human Rights in film and sound” – N.N.

Partners involved

? “Partners Bulgaria Foundation”, Bulgaria, www.partnersbg.org

? “Future Worlds Center”, Cyprus, www.futureworldscenter.org

? “European Safer Schools Partnership”, United Kingdom, www.esspd.org

? “Active Citizenship Foundation”, Hungary, www.aktivpolgar.hu

? “Menougualepiù s.r.l.”, Italy, www.menougualepiu.it

? Informal group of multipliers, Malta

? “Human Rights Education Associates”, Netherlands, www.hrea.org

? “Education for the Future”, Poland

Application Procedure

Participation is only possible upon accepted application as the number of places is limited. Please fill the application form that is available to download at www.sonnenberg-international.de > conferences > Human Rights CREATIVE.

Application deadline is 28th of February 2011. Please use the application form only, don’t send additional documents. Selection of participants will be upon their experience and commitment. We seek active people who can use creative methods of Human Rights Education in their youth work. Participation is only possible for the whole programme, not for single days or sessions.

If you are interested in participating, please fill in the attached application form and send it to us by Feb 28th.

Further details on program, location, travel reimbursement and all other technicalities will be given to confirmed participants in March.

For more information about the Training Course, please contact Katja Pötzsch-Martin by e-mail:

k.poetzsch@sonnenberg-international.de or call +49-(0)5582-944-148 / -0

Internationales Haus Sonnenberg
Sonnenberg-Kreis e.V.
Clausthaler Str. 11
37444 St. Andreasberg
Tel.: +49 (0) 5582/ 944 -148
Fax: +49 (0) 5582/ 944 -100

Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign celebrates its achievements

2011-02-16T18:46:00.002+02:00

Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign came to a closure on 15th February 2011 in the magical atmosphere of Chateau Status venue in Nicosia.

People who had participated in the campaign at different stages of its implementation gathered together and had the chance to catch up with each other and renew contacts.

Project coordinators Huseyin Kursat from Youth Center and Nicolina Markidou from Future Worlds Center thanked all participants for their support and involvement in the project and gave out certificates to everyone involved.

Special guests were the music band Babamad who performed live music by combining both electronic and traditional instruments.

Jumpstart participants formed a network of people who act as multipliers for further mobilization of young people in the reconciliation process and the strengthening of collaboration between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot community.

The EU-funded project Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus increased confidence building between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot youth 16-30 years and created opportunities for youth to actively engage in reconciliation activities.

"Jumpstart the Peace" Youth Campaign Intercutural Learning

2011-02-15T11:36:00.002+02:00

On February 11-13, as part of the EU-funded project "Jumpstart the Peace" Youth Campaign, participants traveled to Omodhos and Limassol for a weekend on intercultural learning. The evening kicked off on Friday night with a wine tasting at the Linos Winery. Participants then moved on to a local tavern in Omodhos for dinner, dancing, and music.

The weekend continued with workshops on intercultural learning, film screenings, and discussions. To conclude, participants painted a large canvas with their ideas of what is multiculturalism. Jumpstart the Peace Youth Campaign will finish with a live music event and closing ceremony featuring the group Babamad at Chateau Status on 15 February beginning at 8:30.

Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign bus tour

2011-02-10T18:55:00.003+02:00

On 4-6 February 2011 as part of the Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign bus tour, which is funded by the EU, 25 participants from across the island traveled to Kritou Terra and Akamas. Throughout the weekend participants attended workshops to understand what is meant by a sustainable environment and to learn about the ecosystem and geology of the Akamas peninsula.

Participants hiked through the Avakas Gorge, visited Toxeftra beach, sea caves, and ate lunch in the Latchi harbor. The weekend concluded with a drive through the Limnitis checkpoint. New friendships were formed and participants exchanged e-mails and facebook accounts to stay in touch.

Jumpstart aims to increase confidence building between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot youth, and create new opportunities for youth to jointly engage. This upcoming weekend Jumpstart will offer workshops on intercultural learning in Limassol. During the weekend participants will explore different interpretations of culture through site visits, media trainings and a fun creative art workshop.

For more information please contact Nicolina Markidou, nicolina.markidou@gmail.com, or Adira Zwelling, zwell.a@gmail.com.

Community Cinema Nights

2011-02-10T11:03:00.001+02:00

Community Cinema Nights

Your Choice To Act Community Cinema Nights are a series of six movies, which aims to create a social environment and a forum for discussion where people can interact and socialize while watching thought provoking movies with such subjects as fair trade, humanitarian issues and global imbalances.

Each Community Cinema Night also features a panel discussion about the topics and issues addressed in the film.

“Your Choice to Act“ is a local initiative which aims to raise awareness about how our choices affect global issues.

All Community Cinema Nights take place at the Cyprus Community Media Center.

Reception starts at 18:00, Viewing starts at 18:30

The first chosen movie on the 17th February is "The Dark Side of Chocolate" by the award winning Danish Journalist Miki Mistrati

Is the chocolate we eat produced with the use of child labour trafficked children? Does your favourite chocolate have a bitter taste?

Miki Mistrati investigates the rumours!

Everybody is invited to come to the Cyprus Community Media Center, watch the movie and participate in the following panel discussion!

Free admission!

The movie will be in English without Greek or Turkish subtitles.

It is your choice to act!!

UNHCR's new public awareness project: "A UNHCR tent in the heart of the city"

2011-01-28T13:42:00.002+02:00

UNHCR Representation in Cyprus is pleased to announce the launching of its new public awareness project, entitled "A UNHCR tent in the heart of the city"; and cordially invites you to participate in the activities and events that have been organised so far.

As the title suggests, a series of activities will be organised around a real tent, which will be initially placed in Nicosia, at the Multi functional Center of the Nicosia Municipality (former "Old People's House"). The tent will stay there for the whole month of February and will then be placed at a central location in Larnaca.
School and other groups are encouraged to visit the tent, and for this purpose arrangements for group visits can be made directly with UNHCR. Of course, passers by and any interested individual can visit the tent at any time during the working hours of the Center (from 07.30-14.30 on weekdays and Wednesday afternoons). For more information, you can always contact us.

The campaign, which is placed under the auspices of the Municipalities of Nicosia and Larnaca, and supported by the Ministry of Education and Culture, will be launched at a press conference on Tuesday 01/02 at 11.00 hrs, at the Multifunctional Center of the Nicosia Municipality.

Συνέδριο InetRisks Η συνεργασία γονέων-παιδιών ως μέθοδος αντιμετώπισης των κινδύνων στο Διαδίκτυο (Ταξίδι σε εικονικό κόσμο)

2011-01-24T10:55:00.002+02:00

Συνέδριο InetRisks
Η συνεργασία γονέων-παιδιών ως μέθοδος αντιμετώπισης των κινδύνων στο Διαδίκτυο
(Ταξίδι σε εικονικό κόσμο)

Σύμφωνα με τα αποτελέσματα του ερευνητικού έργου InetRisks στην Κύπρο, οι γονείς και τα παιδιά, μέσα από την εμπειρία του κοινού «παιχνιδιού» κατάφεραν να αλληλο-εκπαιδευτούν σε θέματα δυνατοτήτων και προκλήσεων του διαδικτύου και να αναπτύξουν δεξιότητες αντιμετώπισης πιθανών κινδύνων. Οι γονείς φαίνεται να διεύρυναν τις γνώσεις τους όσον αφορά τις δυνατότητες του διαδικτύου, τους κινδύνους του διαδικτύου, τους τρόπους αντιμετώπισης των επικίνδυνων καταστάσεων και τους τρόπους χρήσης του διαδικτύου από τα παιδιά τους. Επιπρόσθετα, οι γονείς ανακάλυψαν ότι τα παιδιά τους γνωρίζουν πράγματα και έχουν δεξιότητες που δεν ανέμεναν καθώς επεσήμαναν ότι τα παιδιά τους μπορούν να τους διδάξουν πράγματα και δεξιότητες που είναι καινούργια γι’ αυτούς. Οι γονείς συνειδητοποίησαν ότι μπορούν να συνεργαστούν αποτελεσματικά με τα παιδιά τους.

Με την ευκαιρία της ολοκλήρωσης του ερευνητικού έργου InetRisks (Changing Attitudes of Adults (parents) on Internet-Related Risks for Young Adolescents) το οποίο υλοποιήθηκε με χρηματοδότηση του Ιδρύματος Προώθησης Έρευνας προς το Ινστιτούτο Νευροεπιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας, πραγματοποιήθηκε συνέδριο με θέμα «Η συνεργασία γονέων-παιδιών ως μέθοδος αντιμετώπισης των κινδύνων στο Διαδίκτυο (Ταξίδι σε εικονικό κόσμο) » το Σάββατο, 08 Ιανουαρίου 2011. Στόχος του συνεδρίου ήταν η παρουσίαση των αποτελεσμάτων του έργου (διετούς διάρκειας) και η ενημέρωση των γονέων σχετικά με τους κινδύνους του Διαδικτύου, καθώς επίσης και τους τρόπους προστασίας των παιδιών τους κατά τη χρήση του Διαδικτύου.

Μέσα από τα αποτελέσματα διαφαίνεται επίσης η ικανοποίηση που εισέπραξαν οι γονείς για την ευκαιρία που είχαν να περάσουν χρόνο με τα παιδιά τους.

Όπως σημείωσε ο Πρόεδρος της Προσωρινής Επιτροπής του Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου Κύπρου Καθ. Πάνος Ραζής , εξίσου σημαντικές φάνηκαν να είναι οι αλλαγές στις αντιλήψεις και τις στάσεις των γονιών απέναντι στους κινδύνους γενικά, στους κινδύνους του διαδικτύου, στις δυνατότητες του διαδικτύου αλλά και στη χρήση του διαδικτύου από τα παιδιά. Ο επιστημονικός υπεύθυνος του έργου, Δρ. Γιάννης Λαούρης εξήγησε ότι σύμφωνα με τις αρχικές δηλώσεις των γονιών, οι αντιλήψεις και στάσεις τους για τους κινδύνους γενικά κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε αυτούς που παρουσιάζονται συντηρητικοί, σε αυτούς που υπολογίζουν τον κίνδυνο και σε αυτούς που αγνοούν τον κίνδυνο. Κατόπιν, φάνηκε ότι οι στάσεις των γονιών απέναντι στον κίνδυνο διαφοροποιούνται ανάλογα με το είδος του κινδύνου και ανάλογα με την αντίληψη για την ωριμότητα των παιδιών τους ως προς την αντιμετώπιση κινδύνων.

Οι γονείς φαίνεται να είναι ενήμεροι για τους πιο σημαντικούς κινδύνους στο διαδίκτυο. Όπως αναφέρει η κ. Αναστασία Οικονόμου, σχεδόν όλοι οι γονείς αναφέρουν τον εθισμό ως ένα πολύ σημαντικό κίνδυνο του διαδικτύου που προκαλείται κυρίως από την ανωριμότητα των εφήβων και την έλλειψη ικανότητας να βάζουν κάποια όρια. Σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις οι γονείς αναφέρουν τους ίδιους κινδύνους τόσο στην πραγματική ζωή όσο και στη διαδικτυακή (π.χ. κακές παρέες, παραπλάνηση). Σε κάποιες περιπτώσεις οι γονείς δηλώνουν ότι οι κίνδυνοι στην πραγματική ζωή είναι πιο σημαντικοί από ότι στο διαδίκτυο.

Τα σενάρια των δραστηριοτήτων που πραγματοποίησαν από κοινού γονείς και παιδιά είναι διαθέσιμα στην ιστοσελίδα του έργου Inetrisks (www.inetrisks.net), καθώς επίσης και οι παρουσιάσεις, οι ομιλίες καθώς οι συζητήσεις που διεξήχθησαν ανάμεσα στους συμμετέχοντες (παιδιά, γονείς, ομάδα έργου) και τους παρευρισκόμενους στο συνέδριο.

Το έργο InetRisks χρηματοδοτήθηκε από το Ίδρυμα Προώθησης Έρευνας και συντονίστηκε από το Ινστιτούτο Νευροεπιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας. Περισσότερες πληροφορίες για το έργο μπορείτε να βρείτε στην ιστοσελίδα του έργου www.inetrisks.net
Τέλος
Σημειώσεις προς τους συντάκτες
Για περαιτέρω πληροφορίες σχετικά με τα αποτελέσματα του έργου InetRisks παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε με τη συντονίστρια του προγράμματος Έλενα Αριστοδήμου – elena@cnti.org.cy

Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται περισσότερη βοήθεια για να εμποδίσουν τους διαδικτυακούς κινδύνους, αναφέρει Ευρωπαϊκή διαδικτυακή έρευνα

2011-01-24T10:52:00.002+02:00

Τα παιδιά χρειάζονται περισσότερη βοήθεια για να εμποδίσουν τους διαδικτυακούς κινδύνους, αναφέρει Ευρωπαϊκή διαδικτυακή έρευνα

Μια καινούργια έρευνα που διεξήχθη για το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο αναφέρει ότι οι εταιρείες διαδικτύου πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερους τρόπους στα παιδιά έτσι ώστε να μπορούν να εμποδίζουν, να φιλτράρουν και να καταγγέλλουν ανησυχητικό διαδικτυακό περιεχόμενο και επαφές.

Όπως αναφέρει η έρευνα, παιδιά και γονείς, νιώθουν εξασφαλισμένοι όταν τους δίνονται εργαλεία για να λάβουν μέτρα ενάντια στους διαδικτυακούς κινδύνους όπως η παρενόχληση, το ερωτικό περιεχόμενο και οι παρεμβατικοί ξένοι. Παρόλα αυτά, δε χρησιμοποιούν συχνά τις επιλογές που έχουν διαθέσιμες (συμπεριλαμβανομένων και των συμβουλών για διαδικτυακή ασφάλεια ή τα λεγόμενα ‘κουμπιά πανικού’ που διατίθενται σε ιστοσελίδες κοινωνικής δικτύωσης) αλλά και η βιομηχανία θα μπορούσε να κάνει περισσότερα για να προωθήσει τη χρήση τους.

Περισσότερα από 25,000 παιδιά από όλη την Ευρώπη (καθώς και ένας από τους γονείς τους) συμμετείχαν στην έρευνα, EU Kids Online, η οποία συντονίζεται από το London School of Economics and Political Science και χρηματοδοτείται από το Ευρωπαϊκό Συμβούλιο και το ‘Safer Internet Programme’ (Πρόγραμμα Ασφαλούς Διαδικτύου). Στην Κύπρο την έρευνα συντονίζει το Ινστιτούτο Νευροεπιστημών και Τεχνολογίας Κύπρου (www.cnti.org.cy).

Η έρευνα αποκάλυψε ότι ενώ το 70% των γονιών μιλούν στα παιδιά τους σχετικά με το τι κάνουν αυτά στο διαδίκτυο και περισσότεροι από τους μισούς προσφέρουν πρακτικές συμβουλές και υποστήριξη, σχετικά λίγοι χρησιμοποιούν τεχνικά μέσα για να τους βοηθήσουν. Μόνο το 28% επιλέγει να εμποδίσει ή να φιλτράρει ιστοσελίδες και το μόνο το 24% παρακολουθεί τις ιστοσελίδες που επισκέπτονται τα παιδιά του.

Η έρευνα δείχνει ότι, τα περισσότερα παιδιά δεν ενοχλούνται απ’ ότι αντιμετωπίζουν στο διαδίκτυο – μόνο το 12% αναφέρουν ότι ενοχλήθηκαν. Και ενώ τα παιδιά λένε ότι η παρενόχληση είναι σχετικά ασυνήθιστη, μόνο ένας στους 20 ανέφερε ότι του συνέβηκε, τα παιδιά που είχαν παρενοχληθεί στο διαδίκτυο ήταν αυτά που έδειξαν να έχουν ενοχληθεί περισσότερο.

Το 23% των παιδιών είδαν ερωτικές ή πορνογραφικές εικόνες τον τελευταίο χρόνο μέσα από όλα τα μέσα ενημέρωσης και επικοινωνίας, με το διαδίκτυο να είναι τώρα τόσο κοινή πηγή όσο η τηλεόραση, οι ταινίες και τα βίντεο. Ενώ αυτό είναι πιο συχνό σε μεγαλύτερους έφηβους, τα μικρότερα παιδιά δήλωσαν ότι ενοχλούνται περισσότερο όταν βλέπουν ερωτικές εικόνες. Τα παιδιά τώρα χρησιμοποιούν το διαδίκτυο σε όλο και μικρότερες ηλικίες – με μέσο όρο την ηλικία των 7 ετών στη Δανία και Σουηδία και των 8 ετών σε πολλές άλλες βόρειες Ευρωπαϊκές χώρες.

Η Sonia Livingstone, καθηγήτρια στα ΜΜΕ και επικοινωνίας στο LSE και υπεύθυνη του προγράμματος EU Kids Online, αναφέρει: ‘Οι γονείς και η διαδικτυακή βιομηχανία έχουν κάνει κάποια πρώτα βήματα για να κάνουν το διαδίκτυο πιο ασφαλές για τα παιδιά αλλά μπορούν και οι δύο να κάνουν πολύ περισσότερα'.

‘Η έρευνα μας δείχνει ότι τα παιδιά δέχονται την εμπλοκή των γονιών τους για τους κινδύνους όταν βρίσκονται στο διαδίκτυο αλλά ότι υπάρχουν πολύ λίγα τεχνικά εργαλεία για να τους βοηθήσουν με το να εμποδίζουν επαφές, να φιλτράρουν ανεπιθύμητο περιεχόμενο ή να καταγγείλουν προβλήματα όταν αυτά συμβαίνουν. Ακόμα και όταν αυτά τα εργαλεία υπάρχουν, υποψιαζόμαστε ότι η ενημέρωση για την ύπαρξη και χρήση τους είναι λίγη. Συνιστούμε στη βιομηχανία να δημιουργήσει περισσότερα εργαλεία, να κάνει περισσότερα για να ενημερώσει γονείς και παιδιά και να τα κάνει ευκολότερα στη χρήση τους.’

Τα στοιχεία για την Κύπρο

- Η Κύπρος βρίσκεται στις πρώτες θέσεις στην Ευρώπη όσον αφορά τη χρήση του κινητού τηλεφώνου για πρόσβαση στο διαδίκτυο (39%) και την πρόσβαση από το υπνοδωμάτιο (62%).

- Στην Κύπρο ένα πολύ μεγάλο ποσοστό (63%) παιδιών ανέφεραν ότι υπάρχουν πράγματα στο διαδίκτυο τα οποία ενοχλούν τους συνομήλικους τους ενώ για τον εαυτό τους μόνο το 9% δήλωσε ότι ενοχλήθηκε από το περιεχόμενο αυτό.

- Το 73% των παιδιών ηλικίας 9-16 ετών έχουν προφίλ σε πλατφόρμα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, τοποθετώντας την Κύπρο στις πρώτες 5 της Ευρώπης.

- Το 91% των γονιών των οποίων το παιδί έχει λάβει προσβλητικά ή επιζήμια/επιβλαβή μηνύματα στο διαδίκτυο, λένε ότι το παιδί τους δεν έχει λάβει ποτέ τέτοιο μήνυμα, κάτι που καταδεικνύει ότι η γονική άγνοια πιθανόν να αποτελεί από μόνη της ένα είδος κινδύνου.

- Το 82% των γονιών των οποίων το παιδί συνάντησε δια ζώσης κάποιον που ήξερε μόνο μέσω διαδικτύου, λένε ότι το παιδί τους δεν είχε ποτέ τέτοια εμπειρία.

- Στην Κύπρο 27% των παιδιών δήλωσαν ότι θα επιθυμούσαν περισσότερη γονική συμμετοχή σχετικά με αυτά που κάνουν στο διαδίκτυο, γεγονός που κατατάσσει την Κύπρο στις πρώτες θέσεις στην Ευρώπη. Παράλληλα οι γονείς δήλωσαν ότι θα έπρεπε να κάνουν περισσότερα (79%) σχετικά με τη χρήση του διαδικτύου από τα παιδιά τους και αυτό κατατάσσει την Κύπρο στην πρώτη θέση σε όλη την Ευρώπη.

Εν κατακλείδι, η έρευνα αποκαλύπτει ότι τα παιδιά στην Κύπρο αξιοποιούν πολύ την τεχνολογία, αλλά όπως δήλωσε η επιστημονική εκπρόσωπος του Ινστιτούτου Νευροεπιστημών και Τεχνολογίας Κύπρου, Έλενα Αριστοδήμου, «ιδιαίτερα ανησυχητικό σε τοπικό επίπεδο φαίνεται το γεγονός ότι η πλειοψηφία των γονιών δεν γνωρίζει τους κινδύνους με τους οποίους βρέθηκε αντιμέτωπο το παιδί τους. Επομένως, ιδιαίτερη έμφαση χρειάζονται οι προσεγγίσεις των γονιών προς τα παιδιά τους έτσι ώστε να γνωρίζουν τι τους συμβαίνει και να μπορούν να τα στηρίζουν όταν αυτά το χρειάζονται. Τα παιδιά ίσως να φοβούνται να μοιραστούν με τους γονείς τους τα διάφορα περιστατικά που βίωσαν λόγω τυχόν απαγορεύσεων και περιορισμών που μπορεί να επιβληθούν. Γι’ αυτό το λόγο είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντικός ο τρόπος προσέγγισης των παιδιών από τους γονείς, αφού στόχος δεν είναι οι απαγορεύσεις και οι επιπλήξεις, αλλά η σωστή και ασφαλής χρήση του διαδικτύου».

Η έρευνα επίσης συνιστά την στοχοθέτηση των πόρων και την καθοδήγηση για την ασφάλεια στις πιο μικρές ηλικίες που τώρα βρίσκονται στο διαδίκτυο, όπως επίσης και τη δημιουργία περισσότερου θετικού περιεχομένου που να στοχεύει περισσότερο τα παιδιά. Ωστόσο, οι συγγραφείς επίσης επισημαίνουν ότι τα παιδιά πρέπει να ενθαρρύνονται να παίρνουν ευθύνη για την δική τους διαδικτυακή ασφάλεια όσο γίνεται, και ότι νεαρά άτομα που έχουν ελλείψεις σε ψηφιακές δεξιότητες θα πρέπει να εκπαιδευτούν και να υποστηριχθούν για να διευρύνουν τις ευκαιρίες τους.

Οι ερευνητές εξέτασαν την διαδικτυακή εμπειρία των παιδιών σε 25 Ευρωπαϊκές χώρες και η έκθεση παρουσιάζει όλα τα ευρήματα αλλά και τις συστάσεις πολιτικής από την ομάδα του έργου. Τα αρχικά πορίσματα της έρευνας παρουσιάστηκαν στο Safer Internet Forum τον Νοέμβριο του 2010.

Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και το ολοκληρωμένο αντίγραφο της έκθεσης δείτε το:
www.eukidsonline.net

Τέλος

Σημειώσεις προς τους συντάκτες

1. Tο πρόγραμμα EU Kids Online στοχεύει στην ενίσχυση της γνώσης για τις εμπειρίες και πρακτικές των Ευρωπαίων παιδιών και γονιών σχετικά με την επικίνδυνη αλλά και ασφαλή χρήση του διαδικτύου καθώς και τις καινούργιες διαδικτυακές τεχνολογίες, έτσι ώστε να ενημερώνει την προώθηση ενός ασφαλούς διαδικτυακού περιβάλλοντος για τα παιδιά.

2. Οι χώρες που περιλαμβάνονται στο EU Kids Online είναι: Αυστρία, Βέλγιο, Βουλγαρία, Κύπρος, Τσεχία, Δανία, Εσθονία, Φιλανδία, Γαλλία, Γερμανία, Ελλάδα, Ουγγαρία, Ιρλανδία, Ιταλία, Λιθουανία, Ολλανδία, Νορβηγία, Πολωνία, Πορτογαλία, Ρουμανία, Σλοβενία, Ισπανία, Σουηδία, Τουρκία και Αγγλία.

3. Στην Κύπρο την έρευνα συντονίζει το Ινστιτούτο Νευροεπιστήμης και Τεχνολογίας Κύπρου.

Η ιστοσελίδα του δικτύου EU Kids Online είναι: http://www.eukidsonline.net/
Για περαιτέρω πληροφορίες σχετικά με τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας παρακαλώ επικοινωνήστε με τη συντονίστρια του προγράμματος στην Κύπρο: Έλενα Αριστοδήμου – elena@cnti.org.cy

Το πρόγραμμα συγχρηματοδοτείται από την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

JOB OPENING - Project Coordinator in Global Education Unit

2011-01-20T14:08:00.002+02:00

Project Coordinator in Global Education Unit

Duties and Responsibilities

* General project management
* Organization and execution of all project activities and events
* Preparation of EC reports
* Project proposal writing

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience in Civil Society
* Candidate must be fluent in Turkish and English
* University background in social science would be preferable

Prospective candidates will be evaluated against general criteria representing the Center’s culture namely:

* Ethics, fairness and respect for diversity

* Credibility & resourcefulness

* International orientation

* Ambition & continuous improvement

* Leadership; team player; multi-tasking

* Innovative thinking and attitude

Please send your CVs to:

fwcglobaleducation@gmail.com or to Fax 22873821

Apply until 14 February 2011

Success of New Years party for the children of refugees and asylum seekers

2011-01-19T13:35:00.002+02:00

We are happy to announce that the party organized for the children of asylum seekers and refugees here in Cyprus, on Saturday 15 January, 2011 at Acropolis park in Nicosia was a huge success.

More than 50 children attended and had a fantastic time. The excitement and joy they felt was magical. The smiles on their faces as well as the smiles on their parents’ faces were so special to everyone.

We would like to thank the following people and companies for their kind and generous contributions. Without their help, we would not have been able to offer to these children, who have been subjected to extreme conditions in their lives, a few hours of fun.

• The Honourable Mayor of Strovolos Mr Savvas Eliofotos for the “Spilies”
• Get Fresh for their generous donation of sandwiches and jelly & fruit pots
• Pizza Hut for their generous donation of pizzas
• Zorbas Bakeries for their generous donation of snacks
• John’s Box of Surprises for the Bouncy Castles
• Everyone who responded to our request for gifts
• Friends and volunteers of the organization who helped out during the event

Dr. Laouris speaks on Deutche Welle about the technology gap between children and parents

2011-01-05T11:58:00.002+02:00

On Tuesday, December 2, 2010, the findings of a Europe-wide study on young people and the internet were released in Berlin. The results were released on a conference organized by the State Media Authority of Rhineland-Palatinate in collaboration with several other organizations including the German Safer Internet Center.
More than 23,000 children and young people between the ages of 9 and 16 were interviewed across 25 European countries by trained psychologists in the context of a pan-European project known as EUKIDSONLINE. The Cyprus Neuroscience & Technology Institute participates in this venture since 2007.

Dr. Laouris, Director of the Cyprus Safer Internet Center and Representative of the EUKIDS network in Cyprus, presented preliminary results of a study that is using the data from these 23,000 questionnaires and which showed that kids experimenting with their selves online are at more risk of being bullied and bullying others on the internet. The study has used completed in collaboration with Dr. Lucian Kirwil from the Institute for Social Studies in Poland.

On an interview conducted by Mrs. Cinnamon Nippard, an Australian journalist working for Deutsche Welle, Dr. Laouris suggested that parents should let their children become their teachers when it comes to technology. This approach would not only facilitate the closing of the technological gap that exists between children and parents, but it will also give them the opportunity to spend some quality time with their kids.
The interview is available at:
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6310295,00.html (08.12.2010)

The audio part of the interview is available on line (15.12.2010):
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6326194,00.html (Laouris interview at minute 4).
The New Media Lab of the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute is currently implementing another research project, which supports very similar conclusions. Inetrisks (available at www.inetRisks.net), funded by the Research Promotion Foundation, has demonstrated that the attitudes of parents as to what constitutes a risk on the internet, change dramatically when they participate in a 6 month-long program that engages them in spending time together with their children in various technology platforms.

Christmas gifts for the children of refugees, Χριστουγεννιάτικα δώρα για τα παιδιά των προσφύγων, Mülteci Çocuklar için Noel Hediyeleri

2010-12-17T14:16:00.002+02:00

Christmas gifts for the children of refugees

Future Worlds Centre in cooperation and with the support of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Cyprus, UNHCR, offers free legal advice to refugees and asylum seekers.

This Christmas FWC is organising a gift collection as a means to support the families of refugees and asylum seekers in Cyprus. For this purpose, we kindly request that all gifts are wrapped and the age and gender for which they are intended is written on, ages 0-14.

This Christmas let us all give some joy to the children of these families by offering them a gift.

For information please contact us Tel 22 873820, Fax: 22 873821. We are open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Our offices are situated at 5 Promitheos str. 5th floor, 1065 Lefkosia

Χριστουγεννιάτικα δώρα για τα παιδιά των προσφύγων

Ο οργανισμός Future Worlds Centre σε συνεργασία και με τη στήριξη της Ύπατης Αρμοστείας των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για τους Πρόσφυγες στην Κύπρο UNHCR στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος παροχής δωρεάν νομικής στήριξης σε πρόσφυγες και αιτητές ασύλου ευαισθητοποιείται και προσφέρει στα παιδία των αιτητών.

Αυτά τα Χριστούγεννα ας δώσουμε λίγη χαρά στα παιδιά των οικογενειών αυτών προσφέροντας τους ένα δώρο.

Παρακαλούμε όπως τα δώρα που προσφέρετε να είναι τυλιγμένα και να φέρουν την ηλικία και το φύλο για το οποίο προορίζονται (από 0-14).

Για πληροφορίες παρακαλούμε όπως επικοινωνήσετε μαζί μας στο τηλ: 22 873820 φαξ 22 873821. Είμαστε ανοιχτοί Δευτέρα μέχρι Παρασκευή από 9πμ – 5μμ. Τα γραφεία μας στεγάζονται στην οδό Προμηθέως 5, 5ος όροφος, 1065 Λευκωσία.

Σας ευχαριστούμε

Mülteci Çocuklar için Noel Hediyeleri

Future Worlds Center, UNHCR ile birlikte mültecilere ve sığınma isteğinde bulunan şahıslara ücretsiz yasal danışmanlık vermektedir.

Bu noel, FWC hediye toplayarak bu ailelere ve çocuklarına destek olma kararı almıştır. Sizlerde eğer FWC’nin bu etkinliğine katılmak isterseniz, hediyelerinizi sarılmış, yaş grubu (0-14) ve cinsiyeti hediyenin üzerine yazılmış şekilde bize teslim edebilirsiniz.

Gelin bu noel bu ailelerin çocuklarına küçük bir hediye ile neşe katalım.

Daha fazla bilgi için 22 873820 telefon numarasından veyaz 22873821 faks numarasından bize ulaşabilirsiniz. Pazartesi-Cuma gunleri 9.00 – 17.00 saatleri açığız. Ofisimiz 5
Promitheos sokağı’nda 5. kat lefkoşa adresindedir.

Teşekkürler

Wipe Out Hate. It’s time to stand up against any form of fascism or racial discrimination

2010-11-09T14:17:00.000+02:00

The 9 November is the International Day against Fascism and Anti-Semitism. It is the day on which people commemorate the ‘Crystal Night’, a series of attacks against Jewish homes, shops, towns and villages which took place on 9 November 1938 and resulted in the death of 91 Jews and 30,000 Jewish men taken to concentration camps.

Sadly although history has taught us many lessons since, racism and fascism continue to exist in our society today. Racism and fascism may take many different forms – from open attacks to hate speech to institutionalized racism. Individuals or organized groups inflict fear upon the targeted community, which is their greatest power and by taken control of public spaces they marginalize communities and minorities, isolating them and weakening them.

In memory of the International Day Against Fascism and Anti-Semitism, Future Worlds Center is especially concerned about recent developments in Cyprus as we have been witnessing a rise of racist and fascist tendencies which recently are materializing into acts of violence. Last Friday we witnessed an unprecedented racial attack against refugees, immigrants and antiracist supporters by fascist groups, which acted under the tolerance of the police and in the presence of political figures. This shocking instance of physical violence, efforts of political coverage and impunity needs to alert us all. Future Worlds Center thinks it is time for each and every one of us to stand up against any form of fascism or racial discrimination and to take a step forward to constructively support our increasingly culturally diverse society for the good of all of us. It is time to wipe out the hate and to ensure the voices of vulnerable groups are not being pushed away from the public spaces in the name of nationalism.

Cyprus is a country deeply hurt by nationalistic and racist violence and the duty of creating a peaceful society, free of hatred and violence for all is the duty of all.

-------------
For more information about the International Campaign against Fascism and Anti-Semitism, please visit: www.unitedagainstracism.org.

Your Choice to Act!

2010-11-04T23:07:00.004+02:00

Life is about choices. You choose to study, you choose where to live, you choose what to eat, you choose what to buy, you choose where to go for holiday. Throughout your life,`you choose`, which means your choice is your life,and it is what the world has become. You can also chose to act with your everyday choices,and prevent global issues such as hunger, poverty, discrimination, diseases, child labour, and environmental crises.

Visit our new blog, on which we will post articles related to the choices that we have - and that we should think about more often: http://your-choice-to-act.blogspot.com.

Cost of `buying cheap` - Do you know what you pay for?
It feels very good when we find a good deal for groceries, or clothing. In Cyprus, especially lately with the number of choices we have for supermarkets, including all the local and international brands and chains, we can easily find real cheap deals which are good quality. This means you can buy more, and enjoy more!

We feel mesmerized, and so much carried away with the offers we are given, as if it’s a theater and we are the leading actor in this huge grocery store. Everything is for us. All we need to do is `buy and enjoy`. However unfortunately most of the time, we don’t think about what we really pay for. Is it really cheap, good quality shirts or chocolate? Or is it the critical working conditions, child labor, and sweatshops these huge discount supermarkets trade with or set up in Global South to produce and offer these cheap offers for us? What do we really pay for?
- to read more please visit the Your-Choice-To-Act Blog.

National Seminar on Global Education: we need a common vision!

2010-10-27T10:18:00.004+03:00

On 22 and 23 October, the National Seminar on Global Education brough together the key stakeholders in the field and assess the state of art of global/development education in Cyprus and raise public awareness on the basis of the EU strategy “European Consensus on Development Education” as well as the Council of Europe’s current process towards adopting a recommendation on global education. The aim of the seminar was to prepare the basis for a future national global/development education strategy and respective plan of action.
The seminar included introductory speeches related to the topic, interactive workshops that offered practical tools for the participants, as well as a structured dialogue workshop during with the participants discussed and identified the main challenges to promoting Global Education in Cyprus - namely the lack of a common vision, the lack of political will, and the lack of planning, coordination and joint strategies.

The seminar brought together approximately 50 participants such as teachers, representatives from ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives from non-governmental organisations dealing with global/development education at national, regional and local level, as well as foreign experts from the European Multi-Stakeholder Group on Development Education and the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.

This seminar was organised by the Cyprus NGO Platform “The Development”, in which FWC holds the position of the secretary and the Representative to the Development Awareness Raising and Education Forum of CONCORD, in partnership with the North South Center of the Council of Europe and the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture. The activity took place in co-operation and with the support of the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and the European Commission.

A report of the outcomes of the seminar will be available shortly. For more information, please contact the NGDO Platform or the FWC representative in the platform.

Development Education and Awareness Raising: FWC participates in EU conference in Brussels

2010-10-27T10:16:00.004+03:00

FWC Head of Global Education Unit, Ms. Kerstin Wittig, participated in the European Conference "Development Education and Awareness Raising", organised by the European Commission and held in Brussels on 11 & 12 October 2010 with the purpose to engage European Union stakeholders in discussing and developing proposals that lead to improvements in the Euroepan Commission's support for Development Education and Awareness Raising (DEAR)
The conference brought together 100 invited individuals and representatives of governments, organisations and networks with an interest in Development Education and Awareness Raising from within and outside the European Union and its member states, including from:

European Parliament;
government departments in the EU member states;
networks and organisations of Non-State Actors and Local Authorities;
international networks and organisations active within in the European Union;
European Commission Directorates;
academics and Development Education and Awareness Raising practitioners

The conference programme included a variety of working groups that elaborated specific proposals, based on the European Commission's DEAR Study Interim Report. Emphasis was put on the necessity for increased Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue, for more cooperation and complementarity among the different stakeholders, and for a political commitment to DEAR.
For more information about the DEAR Study and discussions, please click here or contact Kerstin Wittig.

TeachMDGs First Project Newsletter published

2010-10-27T10:15:00.003+03:00

The TeachMDGs project has issued its first newsletter! This newsletter aims to inform you about the EU-funded TeachMDGs-project and keep you up to date with its activities and publications.

How can you and your school participate in the project?
Are you interested in Global Education and the Millennium Development Goals? Are you a teacher? A student? A teacher trainer? Get involved in our activities, be part of our team!
We are looking for motivated and active teachers, teacher trainers, university students who are studying to become teachers, pupils, NGO members who are experienced in the topic of the MDGs, as well as other interested and active citizens! There are plenty of ways to be part of the project, either in the phase of developing teaching resources, in becoming a trainer, in bringing a global perspective to your school or your classroom, in participating in trainings, in establishing school partnerships… we are also open to new ideas about how to promote MDGs in the school environment!

You can download the newsletter from the TeachMDGs.net website by clicking here.
For more information about the project, please contact the project coordinator Kerstin Wittig.

Linking Trade and International Development - Training for Cypriot NGOs

2010-10-27T10:14:00.004+03:00

The “Trade & Development” training, which was held in the context of the MeDevNet project, brought together 15 participants from various NGOs across Cyprus to explore how trade in linked to international development, what role Corporate Social Responsibility plays and how we as citizens and NGOs can contirbute to greater global justice in trade and trade-related areas. THe training hosted the international expert Dr. Petra Kreinecker, from the Network Social Responsibility in Vienna, Austria, and Mrs. Petra Daniel who is a senior instructor of Social Sciences, School of Social Sciences and Humanities European University Cyprus.
For more information about future trainings and about the project, please visit the MeDevNet.org website or contact the project coordinator Selen Mesutoğlu.

Borderstories: Cypriot, French and German Youth explore borders and walls in Berlin

2010-10-27T10:12:00.004+03:00

How do we perceive borders? How do they influence our view of the other side, of the life behind the line, behind the wall? How does the fall of a wall or the shifting of a border influence our society? How do the borders and barriers in our minds influence our social actions and interactions? How can experiences around borders of one society be related to other societies?
These are some of the questions that more than 20 participants from Cyprus, France and Germany discussed and explored during a week-long intercultural training course in Berlin (18-25 September 2010). The training was the first in a series of 3 training courses, which are organised by Future Worlds Center, Lichtschliff e.V. (Berlin) and Une Terre Culturelle (Marseille), and which are sponsored by the Franco-German Youth Office.
The training focused on non-formal intercultural learning methodologies with a special emphasis on photography - in small, mixed groups, the participants created their own concept of how to approach borders through the photographic lense. The week-long training culminated in an Photographic exhibition.
The next training will take place in Nicosia from 30 April until 7 May 2011.
For more information, please visit the Borderstories Blog or contact the FWC coordinator.

The Millennium Development Goals In The Context Of Development Cooperation Projects

2010-10-27T10:11:00.005+03:00

The MeDevNet Project has been working on improving the capacity of Development NGOs and the synergies between NGDOs and local authorities with the trainings and activities it has been organizing so far. The “Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Context of Development Cooperation Projects” training took place on 27 and 28 July, and introduced the participants to the MDGs, to development theories, EU Development Policies, as well as to good practices in development cooperation projects. The trainers of the training were key experts of Development. At the training, where also EU representatives attended as trainers, participants had the chance to interact with other NGOs who have the same interest, and got more involved in the Development Issues.
For more information about the project, please visit the www.MeDevNet.org website or contact the project coordinator, Ms. Selen Mesutoglu.

FWC volunteers participate in media trainings in Turin

2010-10-27T10:09:00.005+03:00

Two active volunteers from FWC participated in media trainings held in Turin from 12-16 July, organized by the polish organization Salesian Missionary and Voluntary Service in the framework of the EU-funded project MDGs-Media for Development goals.
Ivan Charalambous and Jacob Ketuma took part in the workshops along with participants from Poland and Czech Republic which are the partner countries of the project.
The training which lasted for 5 days (from 12th to 16th July) was intended to equip the youth with the technical skills required for creating multimedia materials on Development issues. The participants attended workshops on film and radio production. They explored different ways of shooting and had the chance to practice them with the help of experienced trainers. They learnt about the construction of a documentary and explored the practical aspect of putting all the different elements (video, music text) together. They also had the chance to explore how a story is created and how a documentary can be constructed with the voice recorder and other relevant equipment.
Both volunteers will utilize the knowledge and skills gained during school trainings expected to be implemented this Auntumn in the framework of the project. In the upcoming workshops, the youth leaders will act as trainers to upper secondary school students with the aim of empowering them to create media materials on the MDGs.
For more information contact the project coordinator at nicolina.markidou@gmail.com

FWC supports Community Media in Cyprus

2010-09-02T17:44:00.002+03:00

As Future Worlds Center is a founding consortium member of the Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) we are proud to notify our friends that CCMC is launching their new website! Please click here to visit the website for yourself and see all the great work CCMC is doing for all communities in Cyprus.

CYPRUS’ FIRST INTERCOMMUNAL COMMUNITY MEDIA WEBSITE LAUNCHED 1 SEPTEMBER

(Nicosia, 31/08/10): Cyprus’ first intercommunal community media website is being launched 1 September 2010 by the Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC), showcasing dynamic new content representing civil society organisations from all communities of the island.

The CCMC, which works in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT) in Cyprus, has launched its site at www.cypruscommunitymedia.org and it contains videos, photo galleries, articles, and community media-based news. The material features the work and activities of CCMC consortium members, a group of 25 organisations drawn from a broad range of civil society organisations throughout Cyprus – including the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Content includes short films covering issues such as human rights, health, youth, women, reconciliation, cultural events, development education and more. There is also a large resource section with links to community media organisations, public broadcasters and radio stations around the world, helping to forge better connections between civil society in Cyprus and global networks.

The site also features a community calendar, giving activists and civil society organisations the opportunity to upload their events and share it with a wider community, as well as information and booking form facilities for CCMC’s extensive schedule of training workshops.

“This new website will give people the opportunity to see a showcase of the work our members do throughout Cyprus,’ said CCMC consortium member İlke Dağlı. “Community media is a fairly new concept here, and we hope to use all available avenues to equip people with the information, resources, tools and equipment to make creative media. Cypruscommunitymedia.org is one of those avenues and we hope it will flourish into a community-led, discussion driven site.”

The English language version of the website is being launched on 1 September 2010 followed by versions in Greek and Turkish on 7 September 2010.

About CCMC:

The Cyprus Community Media Centre opened its doors in late 2009, aiming to encourage community media in Cyprus and support local organisations and groups in communicating their message to the public. The Centre does this through training, support, equipment, creating videos, holding public events, and offering tailored advice. CCMC is located in the heart of Nicosia’s buffer zone, in the grounds of the Ledra Palace, making it as inclusive and available as possible to all communities of the island.

FWC selected by European Commission for a 3-year peace project in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

2010-07-26T16:41:00.004+03:00

“This is a great honour for Cyprus and for peace builders in the region to be recognised for their efforts and expertise”, says Future Worlds Center, as it facilitates a structured dialogue workshop in Cyprus from 26–30 July to empower civil society actors from Israel and the Palestinian territories

Cypriot non-governmental organisation Future Worlds Center (FWC) based in Nicosia, Cyprus has been awarded a contract from the European Commission for a 3-year EU project entitled, “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders”. The project aims to empower civil society actors, youth, and local authorities in Israel and the Palestinian territories through a comprehensive set of structured dialogue workshops, civil society trainings, as well as multi-communal public debates, round tables and conferences.

With the assistance of partners, the Palestinian Dialogue Center (PDC) in the Palestinian Territories and the Association for Progressive Education in Honor of Meir Yaari (YAARI) in Israel, Future Worlds Center will be utilising the strategies that have proved most effective from their years of experience in conflict resolution work in Cyprus. Through the use of the science of Structured Dialogic Design (SDD) and capacity building trainings for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the partners will work together to contribute positively to civil society in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

From 26 July to 30 July, a group of Palestinians and Israelis will be in Larnaca, Cyprus to participate in a series of SDD workshops facilitated by Dr. Aleco Christakis, father of the science and Dr. Yiannis Laouris, president of the board of Future Worlds Center. Laouris says the aim is to empower these stakeholders to “act in a more coherent manner for jointly agreed upon aims, enhancing the enforcement of equal standards, participation of women and youth, thus strengthening democratic processes and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts”.

Laouris explains that the reason Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) process was chosen is “that it facilitates the peaceful conciliation and management of group interests and promotes solutions on divisive matters or controversial areas by actively engaging civil society actors to collaborate on jointly developed community action projects to foster mutual understanding”. “With SDD,” continues Laouris, “the participants can create joint, strategic action plans to promote greater cohesion in working on democratic participation and representation of underrepresented groups in civil society”.

Moreover, the project, “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders” (EuropeAid/127237/C/ACT/Multi) aims to enhance the capacity within CSOs to act within their community, and on a national as well as a trans-national level.

Notes:

Future Worlds Center (FWC) is “building inter-linked socio-techno-cultural worlds through science and dialogue”. Our mission is to explore and utilize the evolution of information and communication technologies to strengthen the process of peace-building and civic education, and to disseminate and promote the principles of Human Rights, Tolerance and Diversity.

Formed in 1991, Future Worlds Center has a long history of activities and projects that promote peace and reconciliation in Cyprus. FWC supports and empowers democratic peace-oriented civil society initiatives and is the European leader in using the Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) process.

For more information about “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders” (EuropeAid/127237/C/ACT/Multi) go to (http://www.actbeyondborders.net/)

For more information on Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) process:

http://globalagoras.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structured_dialogic_design

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialogue

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Society_Dialogue_project_in_Cyprus

OPEN TRAINING: The Millennium Development Goals in the context of Development Cooperation Projects

2010-07-22T19:26:00.002+03:00

Date: 27, 28 July 2010
Venue: CCMC, Nicosia

Come and Join us at the first series of MEDEVNET Trainings on “ The MDGs in the Content of Development Cooperation Projects” at Cyprus Community Media Center where key experts of Development, EU representatives will enlighten you about how you can be more involved in Development Projects. Also, You will have the chance to interact with other NGOs who has the similar interest that you have, and get more involved in the Development Issues.

For information and for RSVP your attendance, please email to Selen Mesutoglu. We look forward seeing you all at the training session!!

TeachMDGs - First Internal Workshop a success

2010-07-22T19:25:00.006+03:00

The EU-funded project TeachMDGs has just successfully completed its first internal workshop, which was held in Tallinn, Estonia from 8-11 July 2010. The workshop brought together members of the project team, teachers and teacher trainers from Cyprus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Lithuania and Scotland. Throughout the four days, the group explored the Millennium Development Goals and the global and local issues around them, and jointly developed a set of goals for Teaching Resources that are to be developed within the 3-year project. The workshop managed to conclude with a detailed framework of recommendations and learning objectives for a comprehensive set of resource materials. These materials are now being developed by the 5 partner organisations, in close collaboration with teachers, teacher trainers and educational authorities in order to ensure their compatibility with local school curricula, as well as in close collaboration with diaspora communities from Cameroon and Afghanistan.

For more information about the project, please visit the website at TeachMDGs.net or contact the Project Coordinator. You can also link to us on facebook.

FWC selected by European Commission for a 3-year peace project in Israel and the Palestinian Territories

2010-07-20T22:04:00.003+03:00

“This is a great honour for Cyprus and for peace builders in the region to be recognised for their efforts and expertise”, says Future Worlds Center, as it facilitates a structured dialogue workshop in Cyprus from 26–30 July to empower civil society actors from Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Future Worlds Center based in Nicosia, Cyprus has been awarded a contract from the European Commission for a 3-year EU project entitled, “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders”. The project aims to empower civil society actors, youth, and local authorities in Israel and the Palestinian territories through a comprehensive set of structured dialogue workshops, civil society trainings, as well as multi-communal public debates, round tables and conferences.

With the assistance of partners, the Palestinian Dialogue Center (PDC) in the Palestinian Territories and the Association for Progressive Education in Honor of Meir Yaari (YAARI) in Israel, Future Worlds Center will be utilising the strategies that have proved most effective from their years of experience in conflict resolution work in Cyprus. Through the use of the science of Structured Dialogic Design (SDD) and capacity building trainings for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the partners will work together to contribute positively to civil society in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

From 26 July to 30 July 2010, a group of Palestinians and Israelis will be in Larnaca, Cyprus to participate in a series of SDD workshops facilitated by Dr. Aleco Christakis, father of the science and Dr. Yiannis Laouris, president of the board of Future Worlds Center. Laouris says the aim is to empower these stakeholders to “act in a more coherent manner for jointly agreed upon aims, enhancing the enforcement of equal standards, participation of women and youth, thus strengthening democratic processes and promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts”.

Laouris explains that the reason Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) process was chosen is “that it facilitates the peaceful conciliation and management of group interests and promotes solutions on divisive matters or controversial areas by actively engaging civil society actors to collaborate on jointly developed community action projects to foster mutual understanding”. “With SDD,” continues Laouris, “the participants can create joint, strategic action plans to promote greater cohesion in working on democratic participation and representation of underrepresented groups in civil society”.

Moreover, the project, “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders” (EuropeAid/127237/C/ACT/Multi) aims to enhance the capacity within CSOs to act within their community, and on a national as well as a trans-national level.

For more information about “Human Rights and Reconciliation – Civil Society Acts Beyond Borders” (EuropeAid/127237/C/ACT/Multi) go to (http://www.actbeyondborders.net/)

For more information on Structured Democratic Dialogue (SDD) process:

http://globalagoras.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structured_dialogic_design

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialogue

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Society_Dialogue_project_in_Cyprus

FWC 2008 Annual Report

2010-07-15T11:09:00.004+03:00

Please click here to view and or download our 2008 Annual Report.

Declaration of Solidarity to the Refugees

2010-06-30T13:23:00.003+03:00

On the 19 June 2010, Vicky Germanakou, coordinator of the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT), had the opportunity to be one of the signatories of the Declaration of Solidarity to the Refugees. The event was organized on the occasion of the World Refugee Day by the Opinion Action Services Ltd and the University of Cyprus with the participation of the Minister of Interior and the Asylum Service. The signing of the Declaration signified a further step to the commitment taken on by the Government of Cyprus, along with the involved society groups, in ensuring to the protection and well-being of asylum seekers and refugees in Cyprus. In this respect, the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture, which operates since 2006 under the Humanitarian Unit of the Future Worlds Center, ensures to provide rehabilitation services to asylum seekers and refugees who are victims of torture and trafficking, assisting them and their families, to re-build their lives and harmoniously integrate into the local society.

For more information about URVT and its services please visit: www.urtv.org

CyberEthics invited to POGO Women’s Organisation Seminar

2010-06-28T12:07:00.000+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, was invited as a guest speaker and panellist at the POGO Women’s Organisation Seminar with the subject “Sexual Molestation of Minors: Prevention Policies”. The seminar included guest speakers from local child protection and welfare societies and the social services, and was initiated by an introduction by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Mrs. Sotiroulla Charalambous.

A detailed expose of the nature and extent of sexual molestation in Cypriot society was the presented, upon which Lawrence presented the work of CyberEthics as a node responsible for generating awareness on issues such as online grooming and sexual exploitation, as well as the role of the Safer Internet Helplines and Hotlines. An extensive discussion with the audience then ensued, with the event lasting a total of 3 hours, 2 hours over the initial estimate.

For more information about internet safety, as well as CyberEthics and its services, please visit www.CyberEthics.info.

CyberEthics at the IZ' Primary School of Limassol

2010-06-09T13:53:00.001+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, presented the work of CyberEthics as well as the basics of Internet safety to a group of pupils of the IZ' Primary School in Limasso. The 80 pupils who attended the presentation, which ran for two hours, showed great interest and shared their opinions and concerns with their school-mates and the coordinator of the Helpline. The children and teachers expressed the necessity for a similar presentation to be given to their parents in order to get them 'up-to-date' with technology in the same manner that their children are.

CyberEthics at the MedSchool, Larnaca

2010-05-31T10:28:00.001+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline gave a presentation about Internet safety to an audience of concerned parents and educators at the MedSchool in Larnaca, Cyprus. The lecture resulted in a lengthly discussion about how to keep children safe, the legal concerns of Internet activities, as well as examples of legislative actions taken by other EU nations. The event lasted for about two hours, one hour over the estimated time-span, indicating the high level of interest on behalf of the parents and school representatives.

Join our Online Survey about Development Issues!

2010-05-20T18:45:00.006+03:00

Are you working with a civil society organisation or a local authority in Cyprus, Greece or Malta? Are you interested in development issues? Then please take 10 minutes of your time to complete the online survey for the Mediterranean Development Network!
The survey is part of the EU funded project "Capacity and Synergy building among Development NGOs and Local Authorities in Greece, Cyprus and Malta for Development".

The overall objective of the project is to enhance cooperation of NGDO platforms and Local Authorities in the three countries, Greece, Cyprus and Malta in order to become efficient agents of development and to participate in the planning of and the debate over EU development policy.

Throughout the durtion of the project, we will offer a set of trainings and workshops on topics related to development issues and policies, an international Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Programme for CSOs, a study visit to EU institutions in Brussels, and an international Partnership Fair. For more details about the project and its activities, please check the project website at www.MeDevNet.org.

The project is implemented by the Development Education Centre European Perpective (Greece) in partnership with Future Worlds Center in Cyprus, KOPIN (Malta), the Valetta Local Council (Malta) and the Local Union of Municipalities & Town Councils of Attica (GREECE).

For further information, please contact the project coordinator.

FWC represented at The European Network of Rehabilitation Centres for Survivors of Torture Conference

2010-05-19T21:43:00.003+03:00

The European Network of Rehabilitation Centres for Survivors of Torture is holding its annual conference from 18 - 21 May in Copenhagen, Denmark. For the first time in its history an NGO from Cyprus has been invited to attend. FWC, which operates the only rehabiitation for victims of torture in Cyprus, is that NGO.

Rehabilitation Centres for Survivors of Torture from around Europe are represented at the conference and many themes will be discussed. This year’s theme is “Right to health and rehabilitation” and RCT together with OASIS is hosting the conference.

The overall theme of the conference is the rights based aspects of health and rehabilitation; how does this issue play out in terms of policy and practice? What are the health professional and political perspectives on the issue? What obligations do States have vis a vis the health of torture survivors? To what degree have States met these obligations?

About the network
Within the boundaries of the Council of Europe about 100 centres and programmes provide assistance to victims of human rights violations, either asylum seekers and refugees in host countries, or victims of past or current regimes.

Considering the political developments in Europe and in particular the fall of the Soviet regime, the enlargement of the European Union and the development of a common EU asylum system, there was a strong need for more cooperation and a sharing of experiences and expertise between the regional organisations providing support to victims of torture and also the appeal of facing new international challenges together.

Therefore, in 2003, the organisations created an informal network: The European Network of Rehabilitation Centres for Survivors of Torture.

The network presents three levels of activities:

* Large networking conferences
* Workshops and groups focusing on specific issues
* A clinical discussion group
* Ongoing dialogue and coordination through use of internet

Participants include psychotherapists, doctors, psychologists, social workers, lawyers and administrators.

CyberEthics on NTV's noon news programme

2010-05-19T21:41:00.000+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades of CyberEthics and coordinator of the Safer Internet Helpline was hosted by Dimitris Souglis on NTV's noon news programme. The two discussed the recent events in Cyprus regarding Internet related crimes and how the public has reacted to them, as well as the perceived causes of the increase in such events. Lawrence then explained to the viewers how to keep themselves and their children safe by changing some simple things in the way that they behave online (you can find out more at www.cyberethics.info). The issue received considerable attention as indicated by the fact that the number of people dialing in to address their concerns on the issue was so high that it was not possible to address each caller individually. That being said, CyberEthics and its associates have been invited back and will soon be featured more extensively on NTV.

Panel Discussion on the Millennium Development Goals and the role of the Cypriot Society – more collaborative efforts needed to achieve the MDGs

2010-05-05T13:43:00.002+03:00

A panel discussion addressing the role of Cyprus to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals was successfully held Monday, 3rd May at the European University Cyprus with the participation of high-level guests from the European Parliament, Cyprus government, NGO members, academics and university students.

The discussion was opened by Dr. Kostas Gouliamos, Vice-Rector Research and External Relations, and moderated by Mrs. Petra Daniel, Senior Instructor at the Department of Social and Behaviour Sciences of European University.

Mrs. Frances-Galatia Lanitou-Williams, Head of Department of Development and Humanitarian Aid of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cypriot MEP Ms. Antigoni Papadopoulou, Dr. Petros Stathopoulos, Professor of Social Work from School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the European University Cyprus and Ms. Kerstin Wittig, Head of the Global Education Unit at Future Worlds Center were members of the panel who discussed about the contribution of Cyprus towards the Millennium Development Goals, the role of the Cypriot Official Development Assistance, Cyprus’ participation in international efforts especially with regards to gender related poverty alleviation, as well as the role of civil society and the educational sector in contributing to the commitments of the MDGs and a globally responsible society.

Guest speakers celebrated Cyprus’ contribution as a donor within the European Union, but agreed that further initiatives should be taken to raise awareness on global responsibility of citizens and ensure sustainability of actions in this area. Panelists pointed out the important role that Media and Education play towards achieving these aims and stressed the necessity of establishing further collaboration between different stakeholders involved in the MDGs.

The discussion was attended by a variety of university students, educators, diplomats and civil society representatives from different backgrounds who contributed by raising their own questions and offering their comments. The event is expected to contribute to a stronger cooperation between governmental bodies, civil society and academia in actions promoting the MDGs in Cypriot society. The event was jointly organized by Future Worlds Center and the European University Cyprus in the framework of the EU-funded project “TeachMDGs” which is currently being implemented by Future Worlds Center.

This event is supported by the EU funded project ‘TeachMDGs’. The main aim of the project is to increase awareness and public support for the Millennium Development Goals through actively engaging teacher training institutes, teachers and pupils in developing local oriented teaching resources about the MDGs with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa and promote these through comprehensive teacher trainings. TeachMDGs is coordinated by Future Worlds Center in partnership with Lithuania, Estonia, Bulgaria and Scotland. The views expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of Future Worlds Center and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.

Safer Internet presentation at Ayia Fyla Lyceum

2010-05-05T13:39:00.001+03:00

On the 14th of April 2010, members of the Cyberethics team, Dr. Yiannis Laouris and Mrs. Georgina Shitta together with the Head of the Cyber Crime unit of the Police Mr. Markos Nikolettis, had the opportunity to give a presentation to the students of the Ayia Fyla Lyceum, in Limassol. Around 250 students were present, who eagerly participated in the discussions after the presentations were over and in fact had many valid points and questions regarding Internet use and their own perceptions about how to use the Internet properly.

Cyberethics Parent’s Association presentation in Limassol Primary

2010-05-05T13:34:00.002+03:00

After being invited by the Parents’ Association of the 10th Primary School Xalkoutsa in Limassol, Mrs. Georgina Shitta, Cyberethics coordinator, Mr. Panikos Iakovou from CYTA and Savvas Simaiou from the Cyber crime unit of the Police, gave a presentation regarding Internet safety on the 28th of April 2010.

The teachers, parents and their children listened on as the presenters explained how to keep themselves and their children safe while surfing online. This generated much discussion at the end of the presentations since most people consider the Internet to be a source of danger rather than as a source of knowledge and democratic expression, which the parents agreed with and wanted to become more informed about how to keep their children’s Internet use productive rather than harmful.

The school’s officials extended their gratitude for the presentation and want to organize such a presentation again to the pupils of the school.

Safer Internet Day 2010 Conferences

2010-05-05T13:28:00.002+03:00

On February 9th, Safer Internet Day 2010, the Cyprus Safer Internet Center organized a conference in Nicosia to celebrate the day. First presenter at this event was Mrs. Goula Frangkou, delegate of the office of Commissioner for personal data collection, which discussed about personal data, laws, rights and obligations. Second presenter was Dr. Michael Vafopoulos, coordinator of the post-graduate program in Web science at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki that discussed about social networks, options and opportunities in real life. Following Dr. Vafopoulos was Mr. Nikos Vasilakos, reporter and counselor for www, representing Internet Now! and president of the Association of Hellenic Internet Users. After the presentations followed a discussion between the presenters, the audience and a panel of six students (2 from the Cyprus children parliament) coordinated by Mr. Yiannis Laouris that led to a very interesting and productive discussion. In detail the children that took part in the panel discussion were: Christos Dimitrof (B’ Technical school Limassol), Stefania Charalambous (Gymnasium Kokkinochorion), George Charalambous ( Lyceum Dasoupolis), Dimitra Katechaki (Gymnasium Faneromenis Larnaca), Anthoulla Fella (President of the Children’s Parliament) and Tasos Stylianou (Children’s Parliament member).

On February 10th an English speaking Safer Internet Day conference took place at the CYTA amphitheatre. First speaker was Dr. Michael Vafopoulos, coordinator of the post-graduate program in Web science at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki that discussed about social networks, options and opportunities in real life. Following Dr. Vafopoulos was Mr. Michalis Kitromilides from the office of Commissioner for personal data collection, which discussed about personal data, laws, rights and obligations. After the presentations followed a discussion between the presenters, the audience and the children’s panel coordinated by Mr. Yiannis Laouris that led to a very interesting and productive discussion. In detail the children that took part in the panel discussion were: Charalambos Mouzouris (GC School), Melissa Soukiouroglou (GC School), Rania Kouros (English school), Maria Kountouri (Pascal English school), Savvas Kourtis (American Academy Larnaca), Nicholas-Stafenos Helas (Children’s Parliament member) and Fay Wonepfer (Children’s Parliament member).

CyberEthics meet with the pupils of the Aradippou Primary School

2010-05-03T13:03:00.004+03:00

Georgina Siitta, coordinator of the CyberEthics Internet Awareness Center, and Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, were invited by the Aradippou Primary School in order to give a presentation about various issues regarding Internet safety and ethical behaviour. About 70 children listened on as Lawrence and Georgina explained the benefits and hazards of the Internet, and how the children themselves can learn to behave safely and responsibly while interacting online. The children were excited by the subject matter and had alot to say about their own usage of the Internet and their own concerns or experiences while online. The concluding comment was that in the case of the children, it is their responsibility to behave sensibly and respectfully while on the Internet, and also to be willing to act as teachers for their parents some times in order to get their parents better acquainted with their own children's changing world and social attitudes.

CyberEthics at Radio Pafos 93.7FM

2010-04-27T13:30:00.001+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, was invited to discuss safer Internet issues on the Radio Pafos program 'Προχωράμε Μαζί', hosted by Olga Ioannou. The two discussed the importance of understanding the Internet as a beneficial tool which however can contain hidden hazards for the inexperienced. With this in mind, the program focused on the responsibility of the parents to become educated in ICT in order to be capable of giving proper advice and guidance to their children, as well as avoiding hazards themselves. The discussion attracted the attention of the audience who called in and asked questions and also challenged the position that parents can make a difference when it comes to a child's behaviour on the Internet. As a concluding remark, Lawrence stated that parents should not turn a blind-eye to their children's activities on the Internet, but should not spy on their children either. With that in mind, a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding should be developed in order for the youngsters to feel comfortable discussing these issues with their parents, not only because they feel that it is acceptable but also because they need to feel that their parents are also knowledgable in the subject.

Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline coordinator at Aradippou Primary School

2010-04-27T13:29:00.001+03:00

After being invited by the Parents’ Association of the Aradippou Primary School, Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, gave a presentation regarding Internet safety.

The parents listened on as Lawrence explained how to keep their children safe but also how to give them enough liberty in order to not be suppressive. This view generated much discussion since most people consider the Internet to be a source of danger rather than as a source of knowledge and democratic expression, which the parents agreed with and wanted to become more informed about how to keep their children’s Internet use productive rather than harmful.

The school’s officials extended their gratitude for the presentation and have already invited Lawrence back in order to give the same presentation directly to the pupils of the school.

Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline coordinator at Lykeio Kykkou B’

2010-04-27T13:28:00.003+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades, the coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, had the opportunity to give a presentation to the students of the Lykeio Kykkou B’, in Nicosia, Cyprus. A total of about 70 students were present, who eagerly participated in the discussion and in fact had many valid points and questions regarding Internet use and their own perceptions about how to use the Internet properly. Due to the student’s requests, Lawrence focused the discussion on how to stay protected from phishing scams, keeping one’s personal details safe, and how to make sure that a student can stay safe while on Social Networking Sites.

CyberEthics at “Elefthero Vima” on CyBC Radio 1

2010-04-27T13:28:00.002+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades, coordinator of the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline, and Yiannis Laouris, director of the CyberEthics Awareness Node, were the guest speakers at the CyBC Radio 1 discussion show “Elefthero Vima”.

Yiannis and Lawrence were given the opportunity to inform the public about the role of CyberEthics in regards to Internet safety in Cyprus and how its role has evolved over the years into including a Helpline, Hotline, and also running relevant research projects on Internet use and video game addiction. The discussion also covered popular issues such as the use of Instant Messenger programs and their dangers, how to protect one’s computer from viruses, to how to use Social Networking Sites safely. The discussion ran from 7:25 until 8:25pm.

CyberEthics at CyBC-1’s early morning programme, “Epta Deka”

2010-04-27T13:27:00.000+03:00

Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline coordinator, Lawrence Kalogreades, and the director of the CyberEthics Awareness Node, Yiannis Laouris, were invited to the CyBC-1 early morning program “Epta Deka” on Tuesday the 20th of April.

Yiannis and Lawrence discussed with their hosts the activities of the CyberEthics project as a whole, the role of the national Helpline and Hotline in dealing with Internet related dangers and distress, and how parents can best inform their children as well as themselves about how to stay safe and most of all productive while on the Internet.

Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline coordinator at the Youth Board Multimedia Center in Paphos

2010-04-27T13:26:00.000+03:00

Lawrence Kalogreades gave an hour long presentation to a group of children, teenagers, and parents at the Youth Board Multimedia Center in Paphos on Saturday the 17th of April, 2010. Lawrence explained to his audience his role of being the coordinator of the Cyprus Internet Helpline, as well as how CyberEthics can help them with advice and guidance on how to stay safe on the Internet.

Associates of Paphos TV were also present, who filmed the presentation and also interviewed Lawrence in order to highlight the importance of CyberEthics’ work in keeping the youth of today safe.

Interested in learning Turkish or Greek with your mobile phone?

2010-04-23T15:55:00.012+03:00

Are you interested in learning Turkish or Greek with your mobile phone? If yes, then the project entitled 'Intercultural Dialogue & Linguistic Diversity via MobLang’ – a EU funded project with partner organizations from Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Basque Country, Greece and the UK is just for you!

Specifically, we aim at teaching basic language skills, such as survival phrases, short dialogues, numbers etc through the use of mobile phones.

In Cyprus, we will teach basic Greek to Turkish Cypriots and basic Turkish to Greek Cypriots, respectively. We hope to help bridge the gap and therefore reinforce dialogue between both communities through the acquisition of basic conversational language skills.

At the moment we are in the process of designing the language curricula. And here is where we need your input! In order to find out what you want and how exactly you want to learn a language, we developed a short online survey for your input. We appreciate if you take 5-10 minutes of your time to answer the few questions that will guide us in our curricula development. We need your opinion in order to create a language course that you will want to use in a few months time for free!

The survey is available in English, Greek and Turkish. Please click on the link below to chose your preferred language:

Turkish: http://www.unipark.de/uc/MobLang_Cyprus_Tr/
Greek: http://www.unipark.de/uc/MobLang_Cyprus_Gr/
English: http://www.unipark.de/uc/MobLang_Cyprus_Eng/

Thank you very much for your support!

For more information on the project please refer to our website: www.moblang.eu

Launching Event of the “MDGs - Media for Development Goals” Project

2010-04-22T10:48:00.004+03:00

Future Words Center and the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, European University Cyprus hosted University students from Cyprus at the Launching Event of the “MDGs - Media for Development Goals” Project on 21 April 2010 at the Amphitheatre Delta, European University Cyprus.

The project aims to involve Student Youth in the development of multimedia tools to promote Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

During the Launch Event University students had an opportunity to learn more about the scope of the project and about how they can become involved. There are multiple trainings focused on using new media as an innovative tool for the promotion of development issues. The trainings will take place in Italy, Peru, Kenya and Poland in summer 2010. Two University students from Cyprus will be selected to participate in the trainings on behalf of the project and then become multipliers of the knowledge they have gained.

Petra Daniel, Senior Instructor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, European University Cyprus opened the Launch Event.

Students then had the opportunity to hear from Kongnso L. Cyrille, Sec. General of the International Students Association (ISAC) who inspired the youth leaders with his speech “How do the MDGs relate to youth leaders in Cyprus?”.

Nicolina Markidou, Global Education Unit, Future Worlds Center then gave a presentation of the “MDGs - Media for Development Goals” Project which was followed by a question and answer session.

For more information about the project and to obtain an application form please click here

Future Worlds Center, a Cypriot Non-Governmental Organisation based in Nicosia is a partner in the project: “MDGs - Media for Development Goals” (contract no. DCI-NSA ED/2009/202-170) that is being coordinating with two other European countries (Poland, Czech Republic).

“The project MDGs – Media for Development Goals is funded by the European Union. The contents of this publication is the sole responsibility of Future Worlds Center and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union."

FWC coordinates Cyprus' first European conference on Development Education

2010-04-08T17:37:00.005+03:00

Future Worlds Center, welcomed teachers and NGO leaders to Cyprus for the island’s first European conference on Development Education. Participants from Cyprus, Scotland, Ireland, Bulgaria, France, Poland, England, Slovenia and Lithuania have started to gather for 3 days in Limassol to discuss opportunities and challenges faced integrating a global perspective into schools across Europe. A representative of the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus opened the conference with an address to the participants Thursday morning. Educational authorities from the Lithuanian Ministry of Education and the General Teaching Council of Scotland will also address the attendees.

Interactive workshops for participants will be conducted in parallel over the entirety of the conference as well as a Structured Dialogue with relevant educational stakeholders. These will help participants exchange experiences, learn what is happening in other EU member states and create new links among teachers Europe-wide.

“Global Education is very important for Cyprus and teachers here are very responsive”, said Kerstin Wittig Future World Center’s head of Global Education and Coordinator of the project “Accessing Development Education” who is hosting the European conference in Cyprus.

“Development Education is still a fairly new concept in new member states and the European Commission promotes the idea by supporting NGOs who work in this area. The Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus has been very supportive of these activities and the project itself”, she said

The EU funded project “Accessing Development Education” has been active for the last two years and engages educators and schools in Development Education activities and equips them with relevant training and materials, thus making them promoters and multipliers of national campaigns and initiatives that aim to create awareness about development issues and global interdependencies.

The project is coordinated by Future Worlds Center (Cyprus) and implemented in partnership with Scotdec (Scotland), Youth Career and Advising Centre (Lithuania), KADE (Ireland) and C.E.G.A. (Bulgaria). The conference will run from Thursday 8 April to Saturday 10 April at the Navarria Hotel in Limassol.

FWC at 3rd COST International Training School

2010-04-07T11:13:00.001+03:00

"Dr Yiannis Laouris and Lawrence Kalogreades attended the 3rd COST International Training School on Toward Autonomous, Adaptive, and Context-Aware Multimodal Interfaces: Theoretical and Practical Issues, which took place in Caserta, Italy. The training school took place on the 15-19th of March, 2010.

Lawrence Kalogreades documented the work he is doing in collaboration with Dr Antonis Loizou at the CNTI/FWC Neuroscience Lab through his presentation entitled "The effects of violent gaming on psycho-physiological and electrophysiological measures of stress". An abstract of the presentation follows:

The primary aim of this study is to investigate whether experienced video‐game players demonstrate fewer physiological stress markers (i.e., elevated heart‐rate, respiration, blood pressure, ventilation, and forehead muscle conductivity) in comparison to inexperienced gamers. With the aid of the Nexus 10 biofeedback recording hardware, the physiological responses, as well as integrated brain wave activity of the subjects will be recorded while playing violent and non‐violent video games. This psychophysiological multimodal data profile will be correlated with their Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory personality profiles as well as the type of game being played."

FWC hosts Conflict Resolution Students from USA

2010-03-26T14:37:00.002+02:00

In continuance of FWC's long collaboration with graduate students interested in Peace Building FWC hosted a student group from American University in Washington D.C. Eleftherios A. Michael, Cyprus native and Assistant Professor and Academic Director at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Program from American University in Washington D.C. (http://observer.american.edu/washingtonsemester/peacecr/index.cfm) was in Cyprus again this year with 25 students for a study visit about bi-communal activities and activists from the 19th to the 27th of March 2010.

The students met with political leaders island-wide and also heard from civil society groups currently coordinating bi-communal projects in Cyprus. FWC presented it's "Jumpstart" project, and students also heard about the "Cyprus Network for Youth Development" of which FWC is a member and also from the Cyprus Community Media Centre (CCMC) staff about all the exciting trainings and productions happening. FWC is a member of the Management Committee of CCMC.

FWC attends Concord's "How to translate advocacy into media"

2010-03-19T13:26:00.003+02:00

FWC media expert Larry Fergeson participated in the 4th Communication meeting of Concord in Brussels from 15-16 March 2010. CONCORD is the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development. Its 18 international networks and 24 national associations from the European Member States represent more than 1600 European NGOs vis-à-vis the European Institutions. The main objective of the Confederation is to enhance the impact of European development NGOs vis-à-vis the European Institutions by combining expertise and accountability.

This meeting deepened the 2009 training that provided the first information on “how to improve your relations with the media”.

This meeting helped to translate an advocacy strategy into media messages based on the Aid Watch case study. The meeting also gave members a chance to practice skills and prepare the 2010 Aid Watch campaign.

Local reggae/dub sound system supports families of refugees and asylum seekers

2010-03-10T17:28:00.003+02:00

On March 6, 2010 an event called "ROOTS REGGAE AND DUBS" took place at Tritos Pantheon featuring Roots Crew Soundsystem + selector Dubu and mc Kippa. Not only was it a great night of music but the organisers also were socially progressive and responsible to their local community! They donated 1 Euro from each ticket to support families of refugees and asylum seekers in need in Cyprus.

Please click here for more info on the organisers!

We very much appreciate all the people who made this event happen and thank them for thinking of those most in need in our local community!

Latest Jumpstart training a great success

2010-03-10T17:19:00.003+02:00

A three-day training on Campaigning and Public Relations took place during the weekend 5-7 March at L.A. Resort in Lapta/Lapithos, as part of the project
“Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign”, implemented by Youth Center Union and FWC.
The training brought together 18 youth, aged 18-30 from all across Cyprus aiming at providing them with skills and knowledge on how to organize successful events and activities in the framework of the “Jumpstart Youth Peace Campaign”.

During the training, participants attended sessions dealing with the idea of “space” and had the chance to critically explore propaganda and media manipulation mechanisms. They then focus on Campaigning and investigated Public Relations methods which they could utilize during the organization of their own activities. At a later stage, participants formed groups and set out to come up with concrete action plans for activities in the areas of Environment, Human Rights and Leisure.

Apart from the sessions, participants went out together and took walks to the nearby village. These activities helped young people develop stronger bonds and strengthened the dynamic of the group.

Participants of each action team will meet regularly together so as to organize their activities and monitor their own actions, under the coordination of Youth Center and Future Worlds Center.

Please click here to read an article about the training in Kathimerini newspaper.

FWC presents Cyberethics at Levent College

2010-03-10T17:13:00.002+02:00

FWC associates Selen Mesutoglu and Lawrence Kalogreades presented CyberEthics information to students at Levent College in north Cyprus. Click here to read more about the event printed in Kibris Newspaper.

Limassol teachers participate in Global Education Training

2010-03-10T00:10:00.004+02:00

A training for teachers aiming at equipping teachers of Primary and Secondary Education with skills on how to incorporate Global/ Development Education in class was successfully implemented by FWC at Pedagogical Institute in Limassol on 1st and 4th March 2010 as part of the E.U.–funded project “Accessing Development Education”.

26 teachers from all across Limassol participated in the interactive workshops which were conducted by experienced teachers who have been active in the field of Global/ Development Education and have taken part in capacity-building activities as part of the E.U.-funded project “Accessing Development Education”

During the training, teachers explored the main issues, skills and attitudes promoted by Development Education by the use of interactive participatory methods which also form part of Development Education methodology. Furthermore, they also discussed different ways of incorporating the global dimension in their lessons in class.

Teachers showed great interest in the activities and found the sessions quite useful for their teaching. Some of them said that they felt motivated enough to implement some of the activities they had learnt about in class.
Future Worlds Center promised to keep in touch with the participant teachers and provide material and further information regarding the European Conference of Development Education expected to take part from 8-10 April in Limassol as part of the project.

FWC represented at Anna Lindh Foundation Forum 2010

2010-03-05T18:51:00.004+02:00

The activities of the Anna Lindh Foundation Forum 2010 were officially inaugurated at the Intercultural Fair, one of the key sections of the Forum's Medina.

The Anna Lindh Forum is a major civil society gathering for the promotion of intercultural action across the Mediterranean region. Taking place in Barcelona the Forum brought together for the very first time over 500 civil society and NGO representatives from the 43 Union for the Mediterranean countries to debate and create action in favour of dialogue, mutual understanding and peace.

The fair gathered 128 organisations, like FWC, in the Euro-Med region who are active in Intercultural Dialogue. The fair had an open space feel with areas of specialisation highlighting the different organisation's work in education, youth, peace, co-existence, migrants and diversity.

For more information click here.

FWC Brochures in 3 Languages

2010-02-23T15:28:00.006+02:00

The Future Worlds Center Brochure is now available in English, Greek and Turkish.

Please click here for English

Please click here for Greek

Please click here for Turkish

Jumpstart Youth Campaign Training on Public Relations and Campaigning

2010-02-23T09:57:00.002+02:00

Youth Center Union and Future Worlds Center are jointly organizing a training on Campaigning and Public Relations (PR) as part of the E.U. funded project ‘”Jumpstart - Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus” for the weekend 5-7 March, at L.A Resort hotel in Lapta/Lapithos.

The training will include sessions on Campaigning and Ethics, Public Relations and formation and work with specific action teams.

Eligible applicants to the training are young people island-wide, aged 18-30 who would like to get actively involved in peace-building activities relating to the areas of Human Rights (Youth/Gender issues), Environment (ecology, urban planning) and Entertainment (music, dance performances, workshops). These small-scale projects will be implemented during a Peace Bus tour around the island, expected to take place over several weekends from May - July 2010.

The Campaigning and PR training will engage 15 people from each community. Participation criteria will include willingness and availability to contribute to further activities as well as previous experience in youth projects.

The actions within the Jumpstart - Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus aim to increase confidence-building and co-operation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Youth (18-30).

“Jumpstart - Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus” project is implemented by Youth Center Union (Genclik Merkezi Birligi), a Turkish Cypriot organization, which is the main applicant, and Future Worlds Center (legally reg. Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute) which is the partner organization for the Greek Cypriot Community. The project is funded with support from the European Union.

Note: *Accommodation and food are covered by the Jumpstart - Youth Peace Campaign in Cyprus project. Transportation from Nicosia will be provided by bus.

Participation form:
If you wish to participate in the upcoming training, please fill in the attached form and send it back to Jumpstart co-ordinators at:
nicolina.markidou@gmail.com and huseyin.kursat@gmail.com by Friday 26th February.

Cypriot Youth ready to plan their own joint Events

2010-02-21T22:33:00.002+02:00

15 Youth Leaders from across Cyprus took part in the second workshop on Event Management, organized by Mediation Association and Future Worlds Center on Saturday (20 February 2010) as part of the Youth Activism project. During the workshop, the young leaders learned techniques for creative planning of events, discussed the Event Management Cycle, budget planning and monitoring mechanisms. Moreover, the youth leaders took on the challenge to design and plan their own events, transforming the theory into practice. A next planning meeting has already been arranged to follow up on the inital event ideas - a multi-cultural concert within the framework of the European Campaign Against Racism!
For more information and updates on the event, please contact Kerstin Wittig.

Students of American Academy build links with Romania to promote MDGs

2010-02-19T11:59:00.002+02:00

A group of students of the American Academy in Nicosia will visit their new partner organisation in Transylvania, Romania next October in order to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Within the context of the EU-funded project Youth Ambassadors for Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the American Academy in Nicosia, with the strong support and guidance of Senior Teacher Mrs. Eva Argyrou and Headmaster Mr. Gianfranco Onestis has organised a series of workshops for their year 10 and year 11 students, and has created a link to a community centre in Transylvania, which will now link up the Cypriot school to local partner schools. In partnership, the Cypriot and Romanian youth will then act as young ambassadors for the MDGs and work with orphanages and nursery schools in poorer areas of Romania.
The core group of students and two of the teachers supporting this project got together in a workshop yesterday to explore nursery education in Cyprus, to learn about Romania and to plan the next actions. The students will develop posters and leaflets to inform their parents and other students about the new MDG-Partnership and to promote the exchange visits.
For more information, please contact Kerstin Wittig.

FWC to hold MDG Round Table Discussions at European University Cyprus

2010-02-16T15:26:00.003+02:00

FWC is organising MDG Round Table Discussions at European University Cyprus to take place on 17 and 24 Feb from 18:00-21:00. These events are taking place as part of the EU funded project entitled "Youth Ambassadors for the Millienum Development Goals (MDG)", ONG-ED/2007/136-678.

Future Worlds Center, based in Nicosia, Cyprus is an implementing partner organisation in this project along with NGOs from Poland, Greece, Hungary and Czech Republic.

The overall goal of the MDG Round Table Discussions at European University Cyprus will be to organise open discussions on MDGs and the current development situation. Future Worlds Center will provide knowledge, materials, expertise, as well as to moderate the discussion. The aim of the round tables in the end will be the creation and ratification of a "Students Declaration for MDGs". Going forward, Future Worlds Center will collect student signatures on the Declaration at Universities in order to gain additional support.

We gratefully acknowledge the help of Petra Daniel, Senior Instructor, Department of Social and Behavioral Studies and Maria Christodoulou, Events Officer for all of their help in making these events happen.

CyberEthics Team part of the working group organized by the European Commission

2010-02-14T14:01:00.001+02:00

Antonis Loizou, coordinator of the Hotline SafenetCY, and Tatjana Taraszow, Educational Material Developer of CyberEthics, were invited as experts to the working group for improving the current methodology for project assessment

The Directorate General Information Society and Media of the European Commission launched the working group 'Developing Indicators for Safer Internet Projects 2009-2013' in order to improve the current methodology for project assessment. The first workshop took place on the 25th of January 2010 in Luxembourg. The working group consists of the INHOPE/INSAFE coordinators and two members from each of the networks (awareness centres, hotlines and helplines).

Two members of the CyberEthics team are among the eight experts: Antonis Loizou, coordinator of the SafenetCy hotline and Tatjana Taraszow, Educational Material Developer.

Following issues were discussed during the first workshop:

* Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes and Indicators of the current projects of INHOPE, INSAFE and Helplines
* Effectiveness and consistency of the use of current assessment and measurement tools
* Indicators for (a) self-assessment and (b) project assessment
* Development of SMART indicators and impact measurements for INHOPE, INSAFE and Helplines - for self-assessment and project assessment as well as for comparison at European level

The second workhop of this working group is planned for mid March 2010.

Safer Internet Day 9 February 2010

2010-01-13T14:35:00.005+02:00

Safer Internet Day 2010 is coming up on February 9th. The Cyprus Safer Internet Center - Cyberethics, like every year is celebrating this day with many awareness events during that week. The theme of this year's Safer Internet Day is "Think before you post", since data protection is one of our main concerns we encourage Internet users to be extra careful on what they publish or upload online.

For more information please contact Georgina Shitta at georgina@cnti.org.cy.

Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline - Our operators can now help you via online chat

2010-01-04T13:38:00.002+02:00

The Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline has now implemented an online chat applet on its website which allows you to chat with our operators. The applet functions in a manner similar to many popular chat applications like Skype or MSN Messenger. We would like to stress that all messages sent by users via the applet are entirely safe and anonymous.

The Helpline's 7000-0-116 telephone line and the online chat operate between 8pm and 9pm every day.

You can find out more about the Cyprus Safer Internet Helpline and our services at www.helpline.cyberethics.info.

CNTI/FWC to host SDDP seminars, February 25-26, 2010

2010-01-04T13:30:00.003+02:00

CNTI/FWC, in collaboration with the Institute for 21st Century Agoras, is organizing a series of seminars which will focus on the methodology of Structured Dialogic Design. During these seminars, we will be reviewing the results of the project "Διάγνωση Αναγκών Μάθησης και Ανάπτυξης στους Οργανισμούς Τοπικής Αυτοδιοίκησης της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας" and also the experiences of the facilitators and participants. The goal of this part of the seminars will be to exchange ideas and establish good practices. Please bear in mind the the seminars will be predominantly in Greek language.

Presentations will also be given by Aleco Christakis, Yiannis Laouris, and Paul Hays.

If you wish to partcipate for one day only, the registration costs are €100. For both days, €150. These costs include meals and printed material.

If you wish to learn more about SDDP, please go to http://sddinternationalschool.wikispaces.com/

If you wish to participate, please contact Lawrence Kalogreades at lawrence@cnti.org.cy / fax +357 22 873821.

FWC “Make it Happen”: Friendly Football Match in Larnaca for Youth Ambassadors for MDGs

2009-12-21T10:32:00.002+02:00

In the context of the European Union funded project called “Youth Ambassadors for the Millennium Development Goals”; Cypriot NGO Future Worlds Center sponsored young people in a ‘Make it Happen’ Football encounter in Larnaca on Saturday 19 December 2009. Football encounters are a fun and educational way to bring youth from Cyprus together so they can discuss ways Cypriot youth can work to achieve the MDGs among youths.

Over a period of two years, the project aims to raise awareness about the Millennium Development Goals both among young people and the public at large in Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary and Cyprus. The project will focus on:
• Raising awareness about the Millennium Development Goals and the interdependence between the EU and developing world;
• Involving young citizens in actions related to development education;
• Introducing a Global Dimension into civic activities already taking place in the four participating countries.

More information and Materials about the MDGs are available on the http://cy.youth4world.com/ website.

Future Worlds Center’s 4th annual Holiday Gift Collection

2009-12-17T18:06:00.001+02:00

In the Spirit of giving and the joy it brings, Future Worlds Center (FWC) is organising its 4th annual Holiday gift collection to support the families of refugees and asylum seekers in Cyprus. This Holiday season let us all give some joy to the children of these families by making sure they receive a gift to let them know they are valued and loved.

All gifts should be wrapped and the age and gender of the child for which the present is intended (ages 0-14) is indicated on the outside of the gift.

For further information please contact FWC at tel: 22 873820 or fax: 22 873821.

FWC offices are open Monday to Friday, 900-1700 and are situated at 5 Promitheos street, 1st floor, office 4 in Nicosia.

Future Worlds Center coordinates the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (URVT) which offers free social and psychological support to victims of torture and their families. FWC is also the implementing partner of “Strengthening Asylum in Cyprus” a project funded by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Cyprus. This project offers free legal advice and social support to refugees and asylum seekers.

Event Management Workshop on 12 December at the Goethe Centre

2009-12-08T13:15:00.005+02:00

As part of the Youth Leader Programme of the 'Youth Activism' project, Future Worlds Center, Mediation Association and the Environmental Study Centre will organise a Workshop on Event Management, targeted at young leaders and active youth from all parts of the island.
The workshop will be held at the Goethe Centre in Nicosia from 9am until 4pm, lunch and coffee will be provided for the participants.
The Youth Activism project is implemented by the Cyprus Network for Youth Development and receives funding from UNDP-ACT. For more information about the network, please visit www.multiculturalcyprus.org. For more information on the Event Management Workshop, contact Thomael.

FWC wins another award for Project Management

2009-11-27T16:09:00.003+02:00

Future Worlds Center (leg. reg Cyprus Neuroscience & Technology Institute (CNTI) was honored at an Awards ceremony for their Grundtvig project: STELLLA - The Stimulation of E-Learning in Life-Long Learning for Adults - the encouragement of electronic learning in the life long learning of adults. It was hosted by the Institution of Management of European Programs of For life Learning on 26 November 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Nicosia.

The program STELLLA is the result of collaboration of 6 European countries, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, that received financing from the Institution of Management of European Programs Life Long Learning 2006-2009. More concretely, the program falls under the unit Grundtvig.

The success of the program is owed to the irreproachable collaboration of partners, to the high specification technology that was used for the transaction of activities, and to the devotion of partners as well as the separate attribute of each European organism in specific subjects.

The results were amongst other things, the promotion of electronic learning of adults learners and teachers in the all involved countries with various ways as an example the videoconferences, the modern and asynchronous communication via electronic platform, the use of `of Second life' (Second Life) and Facebook. Other results were the distribution of electronic learning with booklets and video clips in YouTube, the web page, posters and briefing in the printed mass media.

FWC was actively involved in the all activities in collaboration with the [TEPAK]. In May 2007 FWC hosted the partners in Nicosia where they had also the chance to learn about our society and culture. During the program FWC had the possibility of visiting the cities and the countries of other partners, as an example Pamplona of Spain, Rostock of Germany, [Marsala] of Sicily and [Olstyn] of Poland.

The success of program STELLLA led the partners to their collaboration to program STELLLA2.0. In this proposal were added still 4 partners, France, Finland, Lithuania and Greece.

If you have any further queries you can visit the web page STELLLA at the address: www.stellla.eu.

FWC Orientation Manual

2009-11-27T13:06:00.003+02:00

Please click Here for latest version of the FWC Orientation Manual.

Future Worlds Center supports the Global Education Week

2009-11-16T11:01:00.008+02:00

Future Worlds Center supports the Global Education Week between 14 and 22 November 2009, being celebrated across the 47 member states of the Council of Europe.
The Global Education Week encourages pupils and teachers as well as youth groups to explore educational activities for global citizenship. This year's theme is closely related to the Millennium Development Goals: "FOOD FOR ALL". Schools, teachers, students and all other active youth are invited to participate in the campaign with their activities and raise awareness about global issues and how they interrelate with our life.
Future Worlds Center, through its Global Education Unit, strongly supports the Global Education Week, and will visit different schools and offer workshops to teachers to support their engagement in Global Education. Future Worlds Center will also be present at the bi-communal fair of the International Children's Film Festival on Saturday, providing information and interactive exercises to youth about the Millennium Development Goals.
For more information about the Global Education Week, please visit the North-South Centre website. For more information about Global Education activities at Future Worlds Center, please click here.

Deryneia makes Global Connections

2009-11-16T11:01:00.007+02:00

25 teachers from primary schools and a nursery school participated in a 2-day interactive training workshop on Global Development Education at the 3rd Elementary School in Deryneia on the 6th and 12th November. The training took place in the framework of the 'Accessing Development Education' project. Under the slogan 'Global Connections - Local Citizens Making Global Connections through Education', the project aims to engage educators and schools in Global Development Education activities and equip them with relevant training and materials, thus making them promoters and multipliers of national campaigns that aim to create awareness about Development and about global interdependencies.

The training in Deryneia was carried out by the team of facilitators, who had participated in the Training of Trainers in Edinburgh/ Scotland in June this year, implemented under the same project. The two days introduced teachers to the concept of the global citizen, to the skills, knowledge, understanding, values and attitudes associated with global citizenship and offered a variety or practical activities and exersices that can easily be incorporated into different lessons to include a global perspective in the classroom.
More similar trainings are planned for teachers in Agros and in Limassol. For more information, please contact the project coordinator.