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Description
The project Code4Rural aims to strengthen digital skills in rural areas in both the Greek Cypriot (G/C) and Turkish Cypriot (T/C) communities, emphasizing on promoting new and improved learning methods.
Although we live in an age of technology, we often encounter digital illiteracy in Cyprus. To combat it, we need to familiarize young G/C and T/C children and adolescents, who live mainly in rural areas, with Robotics, coding, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education and other 21st century skills. The project will recruit, and train mentors related to technology, create educational material for educators and students, implement an online educational platform in addition to physical training sessions, as well as a website that will be used to disseminate and sustain the project and its results.
By providing students the digital skills needed through interactive activities they will be able to advocate for their needs and become the active citizens of the future. Through the organisation of multiplier and bicommunal events and the establishment of a “Projects Fair” the students will interact and join forces for the future.
Summary of project results
The Code4Rural project aimed to address several key challenges, primarily focusing on reducing social and economic disparities in rural areas of Cyprus. The project sought to bridge the digital divide by providing coding education to students in rural schools, where access to technology and digital literacy opportunities are often limited. Additionally, the project aimed to enhance the capacity of educators in these areas to teach coding and integrate digital skills into their curricula. The project also addressed the challenge of engaging diverse and vulnerable groups, including migrant and asylum-seeking children, by fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes collaboration and reduces communication barriers
The Code4Rural project implemented a series of activities to achieve its objectives. It began with the establishment of an online presence through a project website and social media platforms, providing regular updates and a booking platform for workshops. Educational materials, including multilingual teacher and student handbooks, were developed and distributed both online and in printed form. The project acquired robotic kits (BeeBot, mBot, and micro:Bit) to enhance the learning experience. Mentor recruitment and training were conducted, resulting in a pool of 16 trained mentors who led in-school workshops. During the 2023-2024 school year, the project organized workshops in 30 schools, reaching 1,868 students and engaging 136 educators. The project concluded with a final event that showcased its achievements and fostered stakeholder engagement. Dissemination activities included presentations, newsletters, and social media posts to raise awareness and promote the project''s goals.
The Code4Rural project achieved significant results, particularly in promoting digital literacy among students in rural areas of Cyprus. It exceeded its initial target by reaching 1,868 students, providing them with valuable coding skills that can enhance their future career prospects. The project also engaged 136 educators, increasing their capacity to teach digital skills and integrate technology into their teaching practices. The inclusive nature of the workshops helped bridge communication barriers among diverse student groups, including migrants and asylum seekers, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The project established a strong online presence and engaged a wide audience through social media, reaching over 8,500 users. Additionally, the project facilitated the development of new partnerships and collaborations among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), enhancing support for vulnerable groups and promoting active citizenship. The project''s success in reducing social disparities and strengthening bilateral relations was evident through its collaborative efforts and the positive feedback received from participants.