Applicant Organisation

Active Cypriot Programs and European Learning Into Acceptance, ACPELIA

Email: acpeliacy@gmail.com 

Webpage: www.acpelia.org 
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Acpelia 
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/acpelia_cyprus/ 

Active Cypriot Programs and European Learning Into Acceptance, ACPELIA was founded in 2019 in Limassol Cyprus. Actually, the part of the European Programs of Cultural Association NOSTOS Pissouriou transferred in a new created organization, the ACPELIA, which will continue with the same OID and PIC number (Organization is on rural area of Cyprus with members from all over Cyprus and other Rural areas, our organization is in close cooperation with community councils of these rural areas). All the members of Cultural Association are also members of NGO ACPELIA. Main aim of the Organization is the rescue, preservation and transmission of cultural heritage, sustainability of the environment, discrimination, social and environmental entrepreneurship, social inclusion, elimination of discrimination and racism and the grant to our members of the chance to involve in themes about Environment, Culture, Sports, Racism, Equality, Democracy and Discrimination. Cultural and Sports activities promote social inclusion, human rights and help in the limitation of the discrimination among the generations. In an effort to promote the above-mentioned important values, the association is organizing cultural, informative, educational and interactive activities for youth with the new European Programs department of the association. Those activities include dancing, theater, educational activities with games and action, and other performances where young people are able to learn about humanity issues through Non-Formal Education.

Our organisation is volunteering organisation so we don't have any paid staff but we worked all volunteering, when we have approved projects in themes that we work on them then independentad contracts are done with the suitable youth workers, trainers and project managers so to be able to make all the activities from these contracts. We have more than 50 youth workers, learners and members of the group who are willing to work with our organisation and who are ready for being employed according to the needs of each plan. In the organisation we are working in a lot of themes according to the needs of the area and generally youth workers that are working for our organisation. Such themes are:

Culture and Interculture activities

Main Aim of the Organisation is to rescue, preservation and transmission of cultural heritage, sustainability of the environment and national traditions of Cyprus, as expressed through dancing, singing, music and customs of the Island. Cultural activities promote social inclusion, human rights and help in the limitation of the discrimination among the generations. In an effort to promote the above mentioned important values, the association is organizing cultural, informative, educational and interactive activities for youth with the new European Programs department of the association.

Music, Theater, Drama and Arts

We have a registered as a yoga and meditation teacher from yoga Alliance Institute and has attended various seminar on theatrical techniques such as physical theatre, voice lessons e.t.c. We create groups in our organization with youngsters so to give them education about self-improvement with theater and drama Non formal activities. Our trainers always searching ways to empower people and finding therapy through arts and therefore we are trying to create also groups in drama therapy lessons.

Tourism and tourism programs according to our area

Tourism could play a crucial role in the development of European regions and reduce the negative effects of economic crisis. Services and output created for touristic purposes contribute to the local development by creating new jobs that can compensate the industrial or local downfall, safeguard and enhance the natural and cultural heritage in branches like the artistic one, the branch of local gastronomy or the defense of biodiversity. In recent years, there has been a general evolution of European cultural tourism, from the most traditional forms, based on museums and monuments tours, to more dynamic and participated forms of contemporary culture usage.

Our organization is working in a lot of KA2 programs which has to do with touristic paths for people with problems in vision and generally we are working in these programs for inclusion of people with disabilities and helping people with fewer opportunities.

Research and Science themes

The research in our Science Department has to do with scientific themes such as Environment, Energy, Renewable Energy Sources. In the projects that we are doing this year with cooperation of other organizations (like Akti organization, University of Cyprus (Physics Department) and Anaptixiaki etairia Troodous) with our members they are involved more than 70 youngsters. In these projects our first goals is to make the young people to learn how to learn. With their involvement in these projects they have the opportunity to announce their results in other young people, but also in their community, there area, and in public in general. Getting in contact with the educational system of another country, the teachers will increase their professional and personal experience, which will be a great benefit to our organization. They will guide the youngsters in their activities during the project; so they will improve both their ability to communicate in English and their ability to manipulate computers. The firm communication between them and their students will be beneficial, too. We want through all these action to improve the critical thinking of our youngsters and to make them to participate in European projects showing their work and also giving their ideas.

Logo Design

Creating a logo for "MediaMind: Critical thinking in media literacy development" requires blending the key elements of media literacy, critical thinking, digital security, and youth empowerment. Here's a step-by-step approach to design the logo:

  1. Conceptual Elements:

    • Media Literacy & Digital Security: Symbols like a shield, book, or magnifying glass.
    • Critical Thinking: Brain or light bulb.
    • Youth Empowerment: Abstract figures or symbols representing growth and learning.
    • Connectivity and Information Flow: Network lines or digital icons.
  2. Color Scheme:

    • Blue: Represents trust, security, and intelligence.
    • Green: Symbolizes growth, learning, and safety.
    • White: For clarity and simplicity.
  3. Typography:

    • Modern and clean fonts to represent clarity and forward-thinking.

Now, let's create a logo sketch using these elements and then refine it for a final version.

Logo Sketch

The logo will include:

  • A shield with a brain icon inside to symbolize protection through critical thinking.
  • Network lines across the shield to represent the digital world and connectivity.
  • Abstract figures around the shield to depict youth empowerment and collaboration.
  • The project title "MediaMind" prominently displayed with "Critical thinking in media literacy development" as a tagline.

Here is the conceptual design for the "MediaMind" logo:

  • Shield: Represents protection through media literacy.
  • Brain Network: Simplified as interconnected nodes to symbolize critical thinking and information processing.
  • Network Lines: Show connectivity and the digital environment.
  • Abstract Figures: Depict youth empowerment and collaboration.
  • Title and Subtitle: "MediaMind" with the tagline "Critical thinking in media literacy development."

The design uses blue for trust and security, green for growth and learning, and white for clarity and simplicity. If you need further refinements or a different style, please let me know! ​

Expected Results

In summary, ""MediaMind" stands as a testament to the transformative power of digital literacy in addressing societal challenges, creating a lasting impact on the lives of the participating youth and their communities.

Expected results.

The project aims to enhance media literacy, foster critical thinking, and bolster digital security among youth workers. Recognizing the dual existence of individuals in both the physical and informational realms, the project addresses the opportunities and challenges presented by modern media, including the Internet and social networks.

The digital environment, though rich in possibilities for self-education, creativity, communication, and professional activities, is also fraught with risks, dangers, and its own set of rules. Media literacy is positioned as a crucial skill, comparable to written and computer literacy, to safeguard individuals from the adverse effects of harmful content such as media viruses and disinformation, as well as manipulation of consciousness.

The foundation of "mental immunity" is identified as critical thinking and media literacy, acting as a protective shield against information viruses and guiding individuals in navigating the media sphere responsibly. The metaphorical "umbrella" is introduced as a tool containing the knowledge and skills necessary for modern individuals, including critical thinking, structural and structureless management, immunity to media manipulation, information flow management, media literacy, and media hygiene.

The training course is designed to equip participants with the expertise to distinguish between harmful and useful information, combat the propagation of negative habits, understand the basics of self-regulation, explore external factors influencing worldview, and empower them to create their own information platforms for exchange.

Ultimately, the project seeks to empower individuals to navigate the information space effectively, fostering resilience against harmful content and manipulation while promoting positive engagement with media platforms.

Summary of the project

Project Name KA153YOU: "MediaMind: Critical thinking in media literacy development", MediaMind

Agreement No: 2024-1-CY01-KA153-YOU-000214981Duration: From 1/07/2024 till 30/06/2025, 12 months

Activity: 22 to 30 of March 2025, PDA at Hylatio Tourist Village (www.hylatio.com.cy), Pissouri, Limassol, Cyprus for 36 youthworkers (4 youthworkers from each organization, 9 organisations) and 4 facilitators in activities with Non Formal Educational for self improvement and well-being of youngsters.

Accomodation: Hylatio Tourist Village (www.hylatio.com.cy), Pissouri, Limassol, Cyprus

Applicant Organisation: Active Cypriot Programs and European Learning Into Acceptance, ACPELIA, email: acpeliacy@gmail.com

Coordinators: Nikolas Nikolaou (nicckolas44@gmail.com), Evelina Ablaeva (evelina232305@gmail.com)

Trainers: Evelina Ablaeva, Erma Georgiou, Boghos Avetikian

Topics: Critical Thinking, Fake News, Media literacy, cyber security. 

Objectives

Enhance Media Literacy Skills:

  • Develop participants' ability to navigate and comprehend various forms of media content.
  • Equip individuals with the skills to critically assess information accuracy and reliability.

Promote Critical Thinking:

  • Instill critical thinking algorithms among participants.
  • Foster the ability to analyze and evaluate information independently.

Strengthen Digital Security:

    • Provide practical knowledge on digital security measures, including safe online practices.
    • Raise awareness about potential risks and threats in the digital environment.

Build Mental Immunity:

    • Establish critical thinking and media literacy as the foundation for "mental immunity."
    • Help participants recognize and resist manipulation and misinformation in the media.

Combat Harmful Content and Propaganda:

    • Educate participants on identifying and countering harmful content and propaganda.
    • Develop strategies to combat the spread of negative habits through media platforms.

Facilitate Self-Regulation:

    • Teach the basics of self-regulation to empower individuals in managing their media consumption.
    • Promote responsible and mindful engagement with digital platforms.

Examine External Factors Affecting Worldview:

    • Explore the external factors that can influence individuals' perspectives and worldviews.
    • Encourage participants to critically evaluate the sources and motivations behind information.

Empower Information Exchange Platforms:

    • Guide participants in creating their own information platforms for responsible information exchange.
    • Provide tools and knowledge to contribute positively to the media sphere.

Cultivate Comprehensive Media Hygiene:

    • Integrate media hygiene practices, emphasizing responsible media consumption and interaction.
    • Equip participants with tools to maintain a healthy and balanced relationship with media.

Measure Impact and Effectiveness:

    • Establish metrics to assess the impact of the training course on participants.
    • Continuously evaluate and refine the program based on feedback and outcomes.

These objectives collectively aim to empower youth workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of modern media, fostering a resilient and critically engaged approach to information consumption and dissemination.

Main Idea of the Project 

This project is aimed at improving the level of media literacy, developing critical thinking, and improving the digital security of youth workers. People live not only in the physical world, but also in the world of information. Modern media (Internet, social networks) provides great opportunities in terms of self-education, creativity, communication, and professional activity. But at the same time, this environment is, to put it mildly, unsafe, it has its own laws, rules, its own dangers and risks, its own predators and its own victims. Media literacy is an essential requirement for a modern person, along with the already familiar written and computer literacy, since in the context of the widespread spread of the Internet, only media literacy can protect a person from the negative effects of harmful content (media viruses, disinformation) and manipulation of consciousness. If your body is exposed to a virus or disease in everyday life, then the human psyche is being attacked in the information space.

Critical thinking and Media Literacy are the basis of "mental immunity", which protects against information viruses and helps to interact correctly with the media sphere. You can learn to distinguish harmful information from useful information and protect your psyche with the help of an "umbrella", which contains the knowledge and skills necessary for a modern person: critical thinking, structural and structureless management, immunity to media manipulation, information flow management, media literacy and media hygiene. It is these knowledge and skills that participants will be able to master as part of the training course.

As part of the training course, participants will learn about critical thinking algorithms, learn how to distinguish useful content from harmful one, how to combat the propaganda of bad habits, learn the basics of self-regulation, study external factors affecting the worldview, and create their own information platforms for information exchange.

Relevance to Erasmus + goals is evident, as the project enhances key competencies and skills of young people, fosters intercultural dialogue, promotes active citizenship, increases learning mobility opportunities, encourages enhanced cooperation, and reflects on activism as a powerful democratic practice for young change-makers.

 "MediaMind: Critical thinking in media literacy development" is more than a project; it is a journey towards empowerment, understanding, and unity.

Monthly timetable of the program

Executive Summary:

"MediaMind: Critical thinking in media literacy development" project is aimed at improving the level of media literacy, developing critical thinking, and improving the digital security of youth workers. With a focus on combating discrimination, intolerance, and violence, the project utilizes dynamic and creative workshops, including art, dance, and forum-theater. The initiative seeks to empower participants, foster a sense of European identity, promote social participation to address climate change, and instill discrimination prevention through artistic activities.

Objectives:

The project aims to:

  • To provide learning opportunities in a field of media literacy and critical thinking.
  • To develop professional skills of youth workers in a field of digital learning.
  • To build a community of youth workers that can spread the project's result among their local communities.
  • To create and international digital platforms for implementation of learning outcomes.

Methodology:

As part of the training course, participants will learn about critical thinking algorithms, learn how to distinguish useful content from harmful one, how to combat the propaganda of bad habits, learn the basics of self-regulation, study external factors affecting the worldview, and create their own information platforms for information exchange.

Outcomes:

The result of the project will be developed international digital projects that will become a platform for youth workers to disseminate and exchange information both locally and globally. These platforms will combine the best knowledge and practices gained by the participants during the project.

Relevance to Erasmus+ Goals:

The project aligns with Erasmus+ goals by:

  • Enhancing key competencies and skills of young people.
  • Fostering intercultural dialogue.
  • Promoting active citizenship.
  • Increasing learning mobility opportunities.
  • Encouraging enhanced cooperation.
  • Reflecting on activism as a powerful democratic practice for young change-makers.

Conclusion:

"MediaMind: Critical thinking in media literacy development" is a project that will help young people feel more confident in the information space and not become a victim of fake news and propaganda through teaching the basics of media literacy and critical thinking.

Recommendations:

Based on the success of this project, it is recommended to continue implementing similar initiatives that leverage creative arts for youth empowerment and inclusion. Additionally, documenting and sharing the methodologies and outcomes will contribute to the broader field of youth development and Erasmus+ initiatives.

Program of the youth exchange 

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