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Supports and promotes educational activities, training courses and mobility projects aimed at young people.

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About us

CESIE ETS is a European center for studies and initiatives based in Palermo, Sicily.

Approach to education

CESIE ETS was founded in 2001 inspired by Danilo Dolci's commitment.

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Our projects are supported by many cooperative networks.

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New funding and cooperation opportunities offered by the European Commission for the period 2021-2027.

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Local Cooperation Department

Promotes inclusive participatory processes and acts to reduce poverty and educational inequality.

International Cooperation Department

Creates opportunities for economic, social, educational and cultural development through joint work with third countries.

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Creating the Future of Sustainable Business: Ecovillage-Inspired Entrepreneurship in Action

Thursday 27 March 2025

Home » Higher Education and Research » Creating the Future of Sustainable Business: Ecovillage-Inspired Entrepreneurship in Action

How can we build more sustainable and future-oriented business models? In a world where entrepreneurship must address environmental, social, and economic challenges, it is essential to equip ourselves with the right tools and knowledge to create innovative and responsible enterprises.

The partners of Ecoprise gathered in Lisbon on 11th-12th March for a transnational project meeting at Iscte – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa. This meeting marked a significant step forward in the development of the Ecoprise MOOC, a comprehensive online course designed to train a new generation of ecopreneurs.

A MOOC for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

The Ecoprise MOOC will feature multiple training modules inspired by Ecovillage Design Education (EDE). These modules will cover key dimensions essential for future sustainable entrepreneurs:

  • Digital Dimension – Exploring how digital tools and platforms can enhance and support sustainable businesses.
  • Environmental Dimension – Addressing ecological sustainability in entrepreneurship, from resource management to regenerative practices.
  • Social and Cultural Dimensions – Emphasising community-driven business models and cultural awareness in social enterprises.
  • Economic and Business Dimension – Providing knowledge on ethical business models, circular economy, and financial sustainability.
  • Practical Unit – Offering hands-on activities and real-world applications of sustainable entrepreneurship principles.

A key feature of this MOOC is its certification through micro-credentials, ensuring that learners gain recognised qualifications upon its completion. The course will enter its pilot phase starting next autumn, allowing aspiring ecopreneurs to test the modules and acquire essential skills for developing sustainable social enterprises.

A Visit to Rizoma: A Model for Social and Sustainable Entrepreneurship

During the meeting, project partners also had the opportunity to visit Rizoma, a community-operated grocery store in Lisbon that embodies the values of social, ecological, and collaborative entrepreneurship. Rizoma functions as a cooperative that prioritises local and sustainable products, fostering an economy based on shared responsibility and ethical consumption.

This visit provided an inspiring real-life example of the kind of social entrepreneurship that Ecoprise aims to promote. By integrating principles of ecovillage design and sustainability, Rizoma represents the potential impact of socially and ecologically responsible business models.

Looking ahead

As the Ecoprise project progresses, the development of the MOOC will continue to incorporate innovative methodologies and best practices to equip learners with the tools they need to build impactful, future-oriented enterprises.

The upcoming pilot phase in Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Greece and Cyprus, will offer valuable insights and refinements before the official launch, ensuring that the program effectively supports the next generation of ecopreneurs.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move closer to shaping a more sustainable and socially responsible future through education and entrepreneurship!

Do you want to stay updated on the latest news about Ecoprise? For more information about the project, contact Simona Palumbo at simona.palumbo@cesie.org or visit the web site of Ecoprise. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the project

ECOPRISE – Future-oriented social entrepreneurship through Ecovillage Design is a project funded by Erasmus+ KA2 Partnerships for Innovation- Alliance 2023.

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For further information

Read more about the project, visit https://ecoprise.eu/ and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Contact Simona Palumbo: simona.palumbo@cesie.org.

Educators against misinformation: the use of social media in learning settings

Educators against misinformation: the use of social media in learning settings

Apr 18, 2025 | ,

In today’s digital age, information flows quickly and incessantly. False or distorted news propagates with surprising speed. Even the world of education is not immune to this challenge and in this complex scenario, the role of the educator becomes crucial.
With the online course ‘Combating disinformation: Social media tools for digital media literacy ’by QYOURSELF, someɜ educators and trainersɜ discussed the conscious use of social media as an educational tool against disinformation. Read more about.

SCIREARLY: key insights for enhancing Early Childhood Education

SCIREARLY: key insights for enhancing Early Childhood Education

Apr 11, 2025 | ,

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is a fundamental pillar for children’s development and the creation of more equitable and inclusive societies. Scientific studies demonstrate that fair and high-quality access to early childhood services has a long-term positive impact on children’s well-being, cognitive skills, and socio-emotional development, contributing to reducing educational inequalities.

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