A shared vision for empowerment
From 24 to 26 June 2025, the city of Nicosia, Cyprus, hosted a remarkable gathering of professionals dedicated to empowering migrant women across Europe. The Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTTA) of the EmpowerHer project, titled “EmpowerHER in Action”, brought together adult educators working directly with migrant women in their local communities. Held at the premises of COMCY – Centre for Competence Development Cyprus, this dynamic three-day training proved to be more than just a milestone in the project’s implementation—it became a vibrant hub of knowledge exchange, skills building, and community formation.
From reflection to action
The LTTA was fully aligned with the EmpowerHer project objectives, as defined in the Erasmus+ initiative: enhancing the skills and competencies of migrant women, strengthening the capacities of adult educators, and building inclusive pathways to employment. The carefully designed agenda focused on both practical tools and inspirational experiences, providing participants with actionable resources they can bring back to their national contexts.
Day 1 – Setting the stage & reflecting on competencies
After a warm welcome and engaging icebreakers facilitated by COMCY, Pistes Solidaires and Wisamar, the participants were introduced to the EmpowerHer project—its vision, structure, and the people behind it. A particular highlight was the hands-on workshop delivered by the Deutsches Institut für Erwachsenenbildung (DIE), which introduced the ProfilPASS system, a self-reflection tool that supports learners in identifying and valuing their own competences. The session helped participants explore how this tool can be effectively used with migrant women to build self-confidence and tailor individualized learning pathways.
The afternoon was devoted to experiencing the EmpowerHer training modules first-hand, led by Pistes Solidaires. These modules, developed through WP2, cover topics such as intercultural communication, soft skills development, and job market readiness. Educators were encouraged to adapt and envision how to integrate them into their national programs.
Day 2 – From passion to profession
The second day included an inspiring field visit to Tochka Ceramics, a studio founded by a migrant woman who successfully transformed her artistic passion into a business. This visit encapsulated the project’s spirit—real stories of empowerment and self-determination. Participants had the chance to hear directly from the founder about her journey, challenges, and triumphs, highlighting the relevance of tailored support for migrant women’s economic integration.
The afternoon sessions returned to the training content, with practical activities and peer exchanges. Partners from OnProject presented the EmpowerHer Web App, guiding participants through its purpose, features, and application in training environments. Interactive feedback rounds provided invaluable insights into how the app can better support adult educators and migrant learners.
Day 3 – Local action plans and looking ahead
The final day was devoted to developing action plans for local implementation. Guided by partners from Pistes Solidaires, participants worked in national groups to outline how they would adapt EmpowerHer materials and tools in their own contexts. These plans will form the foundation of the project’s next phase, where real-life impact will take shape at local level.
Before saying goodbye, participants received certificates and shared their reflections on the experience. The feedback was very positive, emphasizing not only the usefulness of the training but also the deep sense of community built across borders.
A promising path forward
The EmpowerHer LTTA in Cyprus was a success, demonstrating the power of collaborative learning in adult education. It reinforced the project’s central message: when educators are empowered, they become powerful enablers of change for others.
Through mutual learning, practical tools like the ProfilPASS, training program, and Web App, and a shared commitment to inclusion, the LTTA set a strong foundation for the local implementation phase. Educators returned home not only with new knowledge and skills but with renewed motivation to uplift the migrant women they serve.
Stay tuned as EmpowerHer continues to unfold its mission across Europe!
