Foundation for the Management of European Programmes (IDEP) Lifelong Learning
The Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes (IDEP) was established by Decision 64.892 of the Council of Ministers, dated 17 January 2007, and registered with the Registrar of Associations and Foundations on 30 March 2007, under registration number 263. The Lifelong Learning Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors appointed by the Council of Ministers. The first Board of Directors was appointed by Decision 62.012 of the Council of Ministers on 7 February 2007. The operating costs of the Lifelong Learning Foundation are covered by funds coming from both the European Commission and the Republic of Cyprus through the General Directorate for Development, Ministry of Finance, which, by Decision 64.597 of the Council of Ministers of 9 November 2006, was designated as the National Authority for the Lifelong Learning Programme.
The main activity of the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes is the management of the funds allocated to Cyprus by the European Commission for the participation of Cypriot beneficiaries in European Programs.
Specifically, the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programmes manages the European Program Erasmus+ in the fields of School Education, Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training, Adult Education, Youth, and Sports. At the same time, it manages the eTwinning action, which promotes online collaboration between schools in Europe.
Additionally, the Foundation manages the European Solidarity Corps program, which offers opportunities for young people to participate in volunteering actions and implement their own solidarity projects for the benefit of communities across Europe.
Finally, the Foundation coordinates the National VET Team of Experts, which supports the improvement and development of vocational education and training in Cyprus, and coordinates Eurodesk, the European network that informs and guides young people about mobility opportunities and encourages active citizenship.
Purpose
The objectives of the Lifelong Learning Foundation include the promotion of the objectives and policies of the European Union in the fields of Education and Training. The promotion of the above objectives is achieved through:
- Providing information to the public on European education/training programmes and related policies
- Grants to schools/institutions/organisations for the mobility of their staff and trainees to other countries for education/training purposes
- Encouraging participation in Lifelong Learning for people of all ages, including people from disadvantaged groups or people with disabilities
- The exchange of good practices in the fields of education/training between the countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme
- Dissemination and exploitation of the results of Erasmus+ activities
