STANDOUTEDU

🚍Our project managers have successfully completed the piloting phase of the COMP+ Diversity & Inclusion (COMP+ D/I) project!

The pilot activities tested innovative training tools designed to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for public transport staff and trainees. Through interactive workshops, immersive VR scenarios, and gamified learning experiences, participants explored the importance of diversity, inclusion, empathy, and understanding in the public transportation sector.

COMP+ D/I aims to equip trainers, staff, and trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive workplaces and better serve diverse communities. The project also develops a methodology for the effective use of XR technologies and gamification in Vocational Education and Training (VET). The valuable feedback gathered during the piloting phase will help us further refine our training materials, the Competence+ Quest game, VR learning scenarios, and accessibility features to maximize their impact. Together, we are building a more inclusive future for public transport education and training.
More on: https://competencepluselearning.eu/
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On 9–10 June, STANDO hosted the second Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) of the JenupaE Project at its premises in Nicosia, Cyprus.

During the meeting, consortium partners discussed the comparative analysis conducted in France and Cyprus.

The partners also reviewed the first draft of the Knowledge Game and the European Personality Test, exchanging valuable feedback and ideas for further development.

In addition, productive discussions focused on upcoming project events and actions, including the consortium’s participation in the ErasmusDays celebrations taking place this October.

A big thank you to all partners for their active contribution and commitment to advancing the project's goals. We look forward to the next steps and exciting activities ahead!

This summer will be unlike any other! ☀️

The experienced trainers of STANDOutEdu are ready to welcome you to our affiliated organization, INNOVAQEU, in beautiful Barcelona for an inspiring season of learning, creativity, and professional growth.

Summer Mobility Trainings

• Teach English Creatively: Pedagogy and Practice for Young Learners
• Eco-Art in Action: Creativity through Sustainability and Upcycling
• Conflict Resolution in School: From Conflict to Connection
• Emotional Intelligence in Education: Developing Healthier and More Joyful Communication with Students

Ready to make this summer meaningful and unforgettable?
Find the confirmed course dates on INNOVAQEU’s website and join us in Barcelona! 💥 https://innovaqeu.com/erasmus-courses/

Beyond the Fields: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis in Agriculture

Farmers across Europe face increasing psychological pressure due to financial instability, climate uncertainty, social isolation, and demanding working conditions. Yet mental health in agriculture remains one of the least discussed occupational challenges. The AgriMental Erasmus+ project explores how these pressures affect agricultural workers in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, and Türkiye, emphasising the necessity of stronger support systems, coaching approaches, and mental health awareness within rural communities.

📊 Key findings from the research:

▪ Farmers experience significantly higher levels of stress and burnout
▪ Social isolation and climate-related anxiety are growing concerns
▪ Mental health support in agriculture remains fragmented and limited
▪ Adult educators and VET professionals can play a key role in promoting resilience and wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is not separate from sustainable agriculture — it is part of it.

📖 Read the full article on Academia.edu:https://www.academia.edu/167196978/Beyond_the_Fields_The_Hidden_Mental_Health_Crisis_in_Agriculture

We are proud to share the publication of our latest article in Academia.edu:
“European Perspective on Sensory Overload and Anxiety in Autism”

This research, developed by the Erasmus+ project Houses4Autism, explores how sensory overload impacts stress and anxiety levels in autistic adults across Europe (Cyprus, Denmark, Italy, North Macedonia, and Ireland).

💥 Key findings:
• A moderate positive correlation (r = .40) between sensory overload and stress/anxiety
• Environmental triggers such as noise and lighting significantly affect wellbeing
• Sensory challenges remain a major barrier to independent living
• Strong need for support strategies focused on mental health and daily living skills

👁️‍🗨️ Read the full article on Academia.edu and join the conversation on inclusive and supportive living environments in Europe:
https://www.academia.edu/165206671/The_Role_of_Sensory_Overload_in_Stress_and_Anxiety_Among_Individuals_with_Autism_A_European_Perspective

🌊What does the future of ocean sustainability in Europe look like? We explored exactly that in Ayia Napa, Cyprus.

We are so proud to have participated in the conference “Riding the Wave: Advancing the EU Ocean Pact through Science, Innovation and Cooperation”!

📍The conference brought together experts, researchers, policymakers, innovators, and organisations from across Europe to discuss the future of ocean sustainability, blue innovation, research, and cooperation.

Through the conference we took the opportunity to strengthen our Project Management and Proposal Writing Departments through strategic discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with experts and organisations from across Europe.

🫆During the event, we also disseminated our Horizon NeuroClima, presenting its objectives and innovative approach to participants and stakeholders. In addition, we actively encouraged attendees to join the piloting phase of the project and contribute to the development of impactful educational and research outcomes.

Take a look at the official event page on LinkedIn to see more highlights and moments from the conference: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridingthewave-cyprus2026/

Last week’s Arts & Environment training in Cyprus was an inspiring journey of creativity, culture, and environmental awareness 🌿🎨

Participants had the opportunity to explore how art can become a powerful tool for environmental preservation through hands-on outdoor activities and immersive cultural experiences across Cyprus.

From the beautiful landscapes of the Troodos mountains at Platania Camping Site, to the traditional streets of Kakopetria village, we connected with nature, local heritage, and artistic expression in meaningful ways.

The training also included a visit to a donkey farm, where participants experienced local traditions by preparing traditional Cypriot bread and olive pies 🫒🥖, highlighting the importance of sustainability, cultural heritage, and community connection.
Our journey concluded by the sea in Ayia Napa, where participants engaged in art-related activities inspired by the coastal environment, reflecting on the relationship between creativity, nature, and environmental responsibility 🌊
A week full of learning, collaboration, creativity, and unforgettable moments!

Want to visit us in Cyprus too? Explore the confirmed dates on our website: https://standoutedu.com/courses/art-environment-erasmus/

🌊✨ Big News for our SEAQUEST project!

We're excited to share the first component of our Educational Toolkit — designed to bring seagrass literacy into primary classrooms across Europe 🌿📚.The SEAQUEST Curriculum for Teachers equips educators with everything they need to teach children about seagrass ecosystems, their importance, and why protecting them matters 🌍💙.

What's inside? 👇

Part 1: Theoretical Framework Key concepts on ocean conservation, seagrass biology, ecosystem services, and the ocean literacy movement.

Part 2: Teacher's Curriculum Practical guidance including aims, pedagogical approaches, competencies, assessment tools, and 7 thematic modules based on SEAQUEST research 🔬🌱.Ready to explore?
🔗 Visit the link to access the full curriculum! https://seaquestproject.eu/2026/03/18/new-release-seaquest-curriculum-for-teachers/

Let's empower the next generation of ocean stewards together! 🌊💚

We proudly attended the HOUSES4AUTISM VR Showcase & Final Conference in Dublin on 24 April 2026.

This inspiring event marked the official closing of the HOUSES4AUTISM project (2023-1-IE01-KA220-ADU–000152794) and brought together government representatives, partners, experts, and advocates committed to advancing inclusive housing for autistic individuals. For us, it was a valuable opportunity to:

✨ Disseminate our project results and share key achievements
🤝 Reconnect with partners and hold our final face-to-face exchanges
💬 Engage with powerful discussions combining professional expertise and lived experience
🕶️ Experience innovative tools like VR that support understanding and inclusion

Beyond the presentations, what truly stood out was the sense of collaboration and shared purpose that defined the entire journey. Closing this project together in person made the experience even more meaningful. As HOUSES4AUTISM comes to an end, we are proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone involved. The impact of this work will continue to inspire more inclusive communities across Europe 💙

Hold tight — when Cyprus gets too hot, where do we go? Barcelona, of course! ☀️🇪🇸

We’re excited to introduce our newest affiliated partner, Innovaqeu. Based in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Innovaqeu delivers Erasmus+ KA1 courses designed around meaningful professional development, international collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences for educators and institutions across Europe.

From creative teaching methodologies and sustainability-focused education to emotional intelligence and conflict resolution in schools, INNOVAQEU’s current courses offer practical, modern approaches that educators can immediately bring back to their classrooms.

🌍 Current course highlights include:
• Teach English Creatively: Pedagogy and Practice for Young Learners
• Eco-Art in Action: Creativity through Sustainability and Upcycling
• Conflict Resolution in School: From Conflict to Connection
• Emotional Intelligence in Education

Have you secured your Erasmus+ funding for this summer?
Maybe it’s time for Barcelona. ✈️

🔗 Learn more: https://innovaqeu.com/