In 2014, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) designated 15th July as “World Youth Skills Day”, aiming at highlighting the strategic value of skills essential for young people in their pursuit of employment, decent work, entrepreneurship and social participation. At the same time, it pinpoints the importance of access to affordable and quality education for all, against discrimination or gender inequalities.
The DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) works to ensure the development of those skills that help young people in their effort for personal development and employment, contributing to the formation of inclusive societies and a sustainable future, without discrimination and stereotypes. In this context, the Research Group has been developing educational tools and methodologies through European co-funded projects, where DAISSy-HOU participated as the only Greek entity in international consortia. consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Indicative example is the “RE-START – Reinforcing the circular economy model for START-ups” European project, which was characterized as a good practice of the Erasmus+ Program. It guided students as well as recent graduates of Higher Education Institutions, people with circular business ideas and potential start-ups, to develop a circular startup, or to transform their business idea into a circular one. DAISSy-HOU was responsible for the development of the RE-START Circular Business Plan Toolkit, a platform that includes multiple interactive business support tools. It also contributed to the development of a related Massive Open Online Course as well as a pilot training application in Greece, where, among other things, a Circular Business Plan Competition was held, offering awards for business ideas that received financial prizes, business guidance and training.
Respectively, the “Social Hackademy (#hackAD)” project strengthened the digital skills and abilities of young people (aged 16-29), having disadvantaged backgrounds, by implementing collaborative educational activities based on the Social Hackademy co-creation methodology. Through the project, DAISSy-HOU contributed to the empowerment of these young people, so that they acquire digital skills to find digital solutions to social challenges. At the same time, it improved the capacity of trainers to enhance the digital skills of young people at risk of social and digital exclusion. This was achieved through the creation of Social Hackademy Workshops and the organization of a Social Hackathon, leveraging and upgrading relevant good practice from Italy.
Currently running, a notable example is the “Entrepreneurial and Innovation Proficiency: A Way to Digital Agenda (EPIDA)” European project with DAISSy-HOU playing an active role in all its deliverables. The project aims at improving training opportunities and curricula, as well as strengthening entrepreneurial skills. Through needs assessment, gap analysis, development of innovative tools and a digital-social model of start-ups, it promotes social entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it encourages sustainable business practices by improving support mechanisms and, in addition, strengthens both the participation of young people and the overall social entrepreneurship ecosystem, across Europe.
Similarly, the “Boosting Education Quality and Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Natural Sciences in Ukraine – BOOSTSCIENCE” project, coordinated by the Hellenic Open University (HOU), through the Chemistry Laboratory, the Biology Laboratory and the DAISSy Research Group. The project supports the modernization of Ukrainian Higher Education Institutions through the development of an innovative distance learning module for postgraduate students in Biology and Chemistry. Strengthening higher education in Ukraine is a driving force for the country’s post-war recovery. It is acknowledged that, among other sectors, Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) have great potential as a driving force for economic growth and future innovation. DAISSy-HOU contributes to Ukrainian universities adopting new strategies and high-quality training programs, in accessible digital environments, and ensuring that their graduates acquire modern STEM skills.
DAISSy-HOU, aligned with its vision for an equal society and serving the UN's principles of sustainable development, has been staying committed on developing initiatives over time so as to ensure quality, equal and inclusive education, and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals.
