User:Futuristas/sandbox

CYBER KIDS was a large-scale experiment conducted in Cyprus and seven other countries between 1991 and 2003 with the vision to revolutionize IT education for children. Its founders aspired that it would contribute towards closing economic, educational, digital, and social gaps, accelerating development, and serve as vehicle to bridge the Digital divide

Innovations
KnowledgePacket

Extracurricular Activities

Peace-enhancing curriculum and contributions to peace
Youth Promoting Peace, Virtual Negotiation Technology for peace

History
CYBER KIDS was an internationally registered trademark of MISnTED: Management Information Systems & Technology Development, a company registered in Cyprus. Between 1992-1999 CYBER KIDS reached 15,000 children in Cyprus, i.e., 20% of the country’s youth population (ages 6–15), trained more than 10,000 adults, and contributed against brain drain by employing almost 200 young scientists More than 100,000 children have experienced its curriculum in centers based in Greece, Lebanon, Israel, USA, Egypt, Jordan and India. Its three founding members, Yiannis Laouris, George Vakanas and Maria Symeonides donated 30% of their shares to the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute, which was in charge of developing the curriculum and overseeing the experiment. In addition, MISnTED funded the Institute's research. The project was originally funded by the partners' and by a CY£44,000 government loan. In line with the profitable dream philosophy, all key people were invited to join as partners and all other employees were given bonus shares totalling to a CY£250,000 value. In 1996, the Cyprus Development Bank became partner with 10% in the Cyprus (mother) company and 30% in the Greek subsidiary, investing CY£100,000 and CY£300,000 respectively. It was under the leadership of the Bank, that in 2000 CYBER KIDS merged with 11 other companies to form a public, high-tech company known as CYBER GROUP. . In 2003, the curriculum was given to the public domain.

The contributions of CYBER KIDS were recognized by Cyprus Award for Creativity given by President Mr. Glafkos Clerides and American Ambassador Richard Boucher. Humorously, the American Ambassador stated to President Clerides, "I am glad that Cyprus recognises and honours innovation the way we do", drawing attention to the fact that CYBER KIDS was honoured two years earlier in the USA winning the Silver Medal of INPEX Pittsburgh 95. Other international awards included the Qualidat 1996, Geneva, Switzerland and The Elected of the Year '96, Jerusalem, Israel.