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'''CYBER KIDS''' was a nation-wide 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]]. | '''CYBER KIDS''' was a nation-wide 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 in each location. By 1999, the number of children who benefited from the Cyber Kids curriculum exceeded 15,000, which is approximately equal to 20% of the country’s youth population (ages 6-15). | ||
==The "profitable dream" concept== | ==The "profitable dream" concept== | ||
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* ... to re-define the tools, methods and purpose of education, in light of relevant social change. | * ... 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. | 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 and 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== | ==A strong supporter of research and community== |