Our story of building a multilingual space in Cyprus
Exploring the Forest of Emotions
VIA LIGHT
Project
Project
Erasmus+ project
At Academia Gnosis, we believe that every child is unique, and their linguistic richness is not a barrier but an invaluable gift. This very belief led us to participate in the significant European project VIA LIGHT, which became a true turning point for our Umka Kindergarten in the development of multilingual education in Cyprus. This project, generously supported by the European Commission, is not just a report on paper; it’s a living story about how we built bridges between cultures and languages.
Our story with VIA LIGHT began with the realization of a crucial problem: at that time (2012−2013), multilingual education for children in Cyprus was virtually non-existent and lacked any official support.
We knew that children growing up in a multicultural environment deserved the opportunity to develop in harmony with all their languages and cultural identities.
Thus, the idea was born: our MITRA Society initiated and coordinated the large-scale international VIA LIGHT project.
We knew that children growing up in a multicultural environment deserved the opportunity to develop in harmony with all their languages and cultural identities.
Thus, the idea was born: our MITRA Society initiated and coordinated the large-scale international VIA LIGHT project.
For us, the VIA LIGHT project is not just a completed stage; it is the foundation for further work. Svetlana Mardapitta is convinced that the accumulated experience and knowledge gained during the project are of great importance for the future activities of Academia Gnosis, and the main goal is to make this knowledge an integral part of the Cypriot education system. We continue this journey, inspired by the idea that every child, regardless of their linguistic background, has the right to comprehensive development and a successful future. And we are proud to build this future together!
By interacting with colleagues from different countries, we quickly came to a clear understanding: bilingualism is not just normal, but an incredibly valuable phenomenon in modern European society.
Different native languages are not an obstacle to a child’s development; rather, they are a springboard to new opportunities.
We realized that the key to success lies in creating a special environment where children can communicate freely, grow, and at the same time respect each other’s culture, national identity, and individuality.
Different native languages are not an obstacle to a child’s development; rather, they are a springboard to new opportunities.
We realized that the key to success lies in creating a special environment where children can communicate freely, grow, and at the same time respect each other’s culture, national identity, and individuality.
Our team noted the value of seminars on working with parents and the idea of jointly singing lullabies with mothers. Elena Ioannou recalls how colleagues from Tallinn demonstrated practical lessons and games that allowed teaching children in two languages within a single lesson. These methods were so inspiring that we immediately began to successfully implement them in the daily practice of our kindergarten.
- New Courses: Innovative training courses were tested and partially certified in three universities, six bilingual schools, and 15 kindergartens, involving about 120 participants.
- International Community: One of the most important achievements was the creation of the VIA LIGHT Association — a European Pedagogical Association in support of multilingual education — with its center in Berlin, Germany. This association continues our joint work in the defined directions.
About the Project
Our beginning: the challenge and a bold decision
Uniting continents: shared goals and new allies
Our teachers – the Heart of the project
Our achievements: impressive steps forward
Our journey continues
The VIA LIGHT project became an incredible journey, bringing together educators, parents, and experts from eight countries: Germany, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova, and Russia.
We all came with a common desire — to help children better understand and express their emotions through engaging and culturally diverse experiences. The project’s purpose was to assist teachers and tutors, to increase the qualifications of pedagogical staff, to contribute to the exchange of experience and opinions, and to study and master the latest educational techniques.
We all came with a common desire — to help children better understand and express their emotions through engaging and culturally diverse experiences. The project’s purpose was to assist teachers and tutors, to increase the qualifications of pedagogical staff, to contribute to the exchange of experience and opinions, and to study and master the latest educational techniques.
Our pedagogues, educators, and teachers — all of them became the true driving forces of this project.
They enthusiastically participated in numerous seminars, lectures, and master classes, including interactive formats like "World Café" and "Open Space".
This was not just an exchange of dry information, but a lively dialogue where everyone could share their experiences and absorb the best from colleagues.
They enthusiastically participated in numerous seminars, lectures, and master classes, including interactive formats like "World Café" and "Open Space".
This was not just an exchange of dry information, but a lively dialogue where everyone could share their experiences and absorb the best from colleagues.
Thanks to this multinational collaboration and effort, we gained many like-minded individuals with whom we still maintain warm contacts, and achieved impressive results:
- Recognition and Support: The project attracted the attention of the general public and decision-makers in the field of education, to issues of multilingual upbringing and education. We received moral support from the Ministry of Education of Cyprus, and the University of Cyprus actively participates in our seminars.
- Policy Influence: We regularly communicate with those responsible for education to convey how multilingualism contributes to building a more harmonious and stable society.
Tel.:+357 22 312790
+357 22312174
+357 22312174