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CYBER KIDS was a nation-wide social entrepreneurial experiment launched in 1992 in Cyprus by Yiannis Laouris, George Vakanas and Maria Symeonides. The Research and Development of its award winning curriculum was done by the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute. Within the first five years (1992-1997) 26 computer- learning centers were launched with average of 50-150 students enrolled every year in each location. By 1999, the number of children who benefited from the Cyber Kids curriculum in the 36 Branches exceeded 15,000, which is approximately equal to 20% of the country’s youth population (ages 6-15). CYBER KIDS has also contributed against brain drain by employing a total of 186 young scientists between 1991-1999. More importantly, MISnTED Ltd., the owner company had a policy of employing teachers from the public educational system as part-timers as a means of contributing to a large-scale reform from within the system.
The "profitable dream" concept
CYBER KIDS was based on a concept coined by its creators then called the "profitable dream":
- They envisioned that introducing advanced computer technology in the lives of a critical number of young children using an educationally relevant and socially responsible, peace-enhancing curriculum would allow them to promote creativity, imagination, and problem solving abilities, thus “transcending” the country’s educational and political life and move the new generation a decade ahead.
The project was founded on a well-defined vision statement:
- ... to re-define the tools, methods and purpose of education, in light of relevant social change.
The vehicle chosen to disseminate the impact of the project and its vision was the profit-making concept of franchising. During the same period, the organization trained and employed 186 young and talented university graduates, thus combating brain drain while simultaneously spreading the Cyber Kids philosophy and knowledge to many more spheres of social life.
Company structure
CYBER KIDS was an internationally registered trademark of the mother company, MISnTED: Management Information Systems & Technology Development. The three founding members, Yiannis Laouris, George Vakanas and [[Maria Symeonides] donated 30% of their total shares to the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute in order to fund its socially responsible research operations. In addition, the The project was funded by the partners' and by a government loan. In 1996, the Cyprus Development Bank became a partner with 10% in the Cyprus (mother) company and 30% in the Greek subsidiary.
A strong supporter of research and community
Over the years, CYBER KIDS has supported financially and in other ways many of Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute projects and initiatives, including:
External Links
http://www.cyber-kids.net/cyberkidsnet/index.php?title=Main_Page
Related Publications
http://www.mlearn.org.za/CD/papers/Laouris%20&%20Anastasiou.pdf