ConnectingDOTS

ConnectingDOTS is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation established in Nicosia, Cyprus as a response to COVID-19 pandemic that has exacerbated social isolation and loneliness and highlighted the need to rebuild health and mental resilience and address the digital and green transformation challenges that lie ahead. ConnectingDOTS acts as a social collaboration platform among citizens in Cyprus and across Europe, with the aim to bring real, lasting social change for the benefit of human welfare. Our mission is to motivate and empower people to play a vital role in their own development and well-being as well as in that of their communities, especially in view of the digital and green transformation. We believe that social development is about improving the well-being of every individual in society and removing all the barriers so they can reach their full potential and navigate toward their dreams and aspirations with confidence and dignity. Our vision is to build resilient communities across Europe where citizens from different social and ethnic groups, regardless their age: -share the same values of equality, diversity acceptance, social inclusion, -are actively involved in various areas of public life (education, labor market, health and housing etc.) -are committed to lifelong learning and self-development -are environmentally aware and engaged to the sustainable development -are creative and appreciate art (Cinema, Literature, Theatre, Photography, Music, Visual Arts etc.) -are aware of EU values and have positive attitude towards them The organisation utilises innovative participatory methods and other creative tools to facilitate the active involvement of people in social transformation. Our team of social workers is passionate and committed to social change. AREAS OF WORK: -Environment - Sustainable development ConnectingDOTS is an eco-friendly organisation that wishes to cultivate environmental awareness to all citizens starting from young people and promote environmental education, so that trainees become real agents of change through conservation of natural resources and energy, proper waste management and carbon footprint reduction, food sustainability and eco-friendly transportation methods. ConnectingDOTS team organises environmental awareness activities, encouraging the participants to rethink about their lifestyles and become part of the International and European efforts to combat climate change (European Green Deal, Sustainable Goals 2030), explore consumption and recycling habits, and develop home gardening and horticulture skills. -Employability ConnectingDOTS focuses on promoting equal access for young people to education and training, in order to help them develop and acquire skills, abilities and knowledge that meet the needs of the modern labour market, in view of the green and digital transition. More specifically, we provide young people, through various activities, guidance on how to prepare their CV, on how to present themselves, but also support on acquiring targeted competences such as social entrepreneurial skills or green entrepreneurial skills and education. Furthermore, we promote career orientation for people with disabilities or fewer opportunities. -Cultural education At ConnectingDOTS we believe that by preserving and promoting our culture and customs, we build more resilient societies and solid social identity. Through various activities we welcome people from different social and ethnic backgrounds to explore Cypriot culture and customs lost in time. We also encourage people of all ages to engage in arts (music, poetry, drawing, dance, sculpture, pottery etc) by offering them opportunities for artistic creation. The arts are a way to express ourselves and talk about what is important to us, about how we see the world and how we address complicated issues. It is well documented that people who participate in arts are more likely to be in good health, go on to further education and become volunteers. -Inter-generational learning One of our primary aims is to reduce the generation gap by promoting cooperation between generations and intergenerational learning. The exchange of knowledge and experiences between generations, through mutually beneficial activities (especially face-to-face and digital interventions), contributes to the elimination of negative stereotypes about aging, while reducing the risk of social exclusion and isolation among elderly people. We also promote active ageing, such as the ability to engage in physical activity, the continuous participation in social and economic life, with the goal of improving the quality of life for people 50+. -Social Inclusion We strongly believe in multiculturalism and diversity and the equality of all citizens regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. In this respect, we are committed to promoting gender equality, in particular women's equal access to education (e.g. STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), healthcare, decent work and entrepreneurship, as well as their equal representation in political decision-making processes. Furthermore, we promote dialogue and cooperation between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, with the aim to build bridges between the two communities, we help refugees to find a voice and to better integrate in the Cypriot society and work towards eliminating social exclusion and discrimination of other vulnerable groups (such as people with disabilities and mental disabilities) by helping them acquire equal opportunities to access the labour market, education, and public affairs. -Digital transformation At ConnectingDOTS we promote the development of digital skills for all citizens, regardless of age and gender, with a particular focus on vulnerable social groups (e.g. people with disabilities, elderly people) as well as on groups at risk of being excluded from the labour market (e.g. NEETs – young people aged 15 to 24 who abstain from any education, training and employment process). -European values & mobility We encourage the development of a common European consciousness, based on mutual respect and the acceptance of multiculturalism, but also based on the European values such as Freedom, Human Dignity, Democracy and Equality, promoting at the same time constructive cooperation between EU Member States in this direction and mobility, especially for young people. -Well-being, health & sports We also aim at promoting sports and physical activity as well as mental health. We encourage and support people to keep fit and stay healthy, both mentally and physically, through various activities such as motivational speeches and interactive outdoor explorations. us now for MUTUAL COOPERATION and COLLABORATION! Email: