EDUmom : Training for People on Parental Leave: Skills Development and Employability

Parental leave is crucial for families, providing time to bond with their new child. However, it can also raise questions about career progression and employability. Many fear falling behind in skills or losing touch with professional networks. The good news? This time away can also be an opportunity for growth. Understanding Parental LeaveParental leave allows employees to care for their children without jeopardising their job. While a break from work is vital, staying connected to career development is equally important. Types of Parental LeaveThere are several kinds of parental leave, depending on your situation: Each type varies in duration and financial support depending on local laws and workplace policies. Legal Rights and ProtectionsParents are often protected by laws that enforce job security during and after leave. In many places, employers can’t terminate or treat an employee unfairly for taking this time off. Some countries also mandate paid leave policies. Understanding your legal rights helps ensure you aren’t disadvantaged professionally for prioritising family time. Check with your HR department or government resources for specific laws in your region. Skills Development During Parental LeaveTaking a break doesn’t mean hitting pause on personal development. With the right tools, you can stay sharp or even learn something new. Online Learning PlatformsOnline courses are a convenient way to learn new skills during parental leave. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare cover everything from coding to project management. Many courses are self-paced, making it easy to fit them around a baby’s unpredictable schedule. This approach isn’t just about learning for a job—it can be fun and fulfilling to challenge yourself as well. Networking OpportunitiesWho says networking has to stop while you’re on leave? Social media platforms like LinkedIn allow you to stay connected with your industry. Join relevant groups, connect with peers, and engage with posts to maintain visibility. Local community groups are also great resources. Some cater specifically to parents, offering a mix of support and career connections. Volunteering and Part-Time WorkConsider small commitments like volunteer work or freelance gigs. Volunteer positions enable you to enhance old skills—or gain new ones—while making a difference. Freelance opportunities add flexibility and help sustain your professional reputation while earning extra income. Enhancing Employability Post-Parental LeaveReturning to work can feel intimidating after time away. However, rejoining the workforce with renewed confidence and improved credentials could make the transition easier.. Updating Resumes and LinkedIn ProfilesShowcase everything you’ve achieved during your leave. List any online courses you completed, volunteer roles, or freelance projects. Highlight transferable skills gained from parenting, like time management or problem-solving. Your LinkedIn profile is just as important as your resume. A polished, up-to-date profile makes you easier for recruiters to find. Interview Preparation TechniquesRe-entering the interview process after a break might seem overwhelming. Start by preparing clear, confident answers about your time off. Practice articulating how you stayed proactive and updated during your leave. Mock interview sessions with a trusted friend can help, too. The Role of Employers in Supporting Parental LeaveEmployers play a big role in ensuring parental leave doesn’t impact long-term careers. By offering thoughtful policies and programs, they can foster a supportive workplace environment. Flexible Work ArrangementsFlexibility is key for parents returning after leave. Part-time schedules, remote work, or job sharing let employees transition back gradually. This approach lowers stress and boosts productivity. Training Programs for Returning EmployeesDedicated training programs can be a game-changer for parents reentering the workforce. These programs can focus on reskilling, technology updates, or industry developments employees may have missed. Such support reflects a genuine investment in their career growth. Parental leave is a balance of family care and career stability. While it’s essential to focus on your growing family, this time can also be used wisely for skill-building and planning. From online courses to networking, small actions can prepare you for a confident return to work. Employers have a responsibility to foster inclusivity for parents. But it’s just as important for individuals to explore opportunities and invest in themselves. Parental leave doesn’t have to be a career gap—it can be a career boost. Find out more about our EDUmom project onWebsite | Facebook | Instagram
Time2Act@SD : Announcing Our New Game: A World of Portals and Mini-Games Awaits!

We’re beyond excited to finally lift the curtain on our latest project! After months of hard work, creativity, and passion, our game is beginning to take shape. Explore Our Planet, Make It Better, One Portal at a Time At the heart of our game is an immersive hub, where three mysterious world portals stand waiting for you to step through. Each portal leads to a unique world, each with its own challenges, landscapes, and secrets. But that’s just the beginning! Three Worlds, Three Mini-Games, Infinite Fun What makes our game truly special? Inside each world, you’ll find a thrilling mini-game that will test your skills, reflexes, and strategy. Whether you’re piloting a spaceship like our very own Carrier CGE01, solving puzzles in treacherous environments, or battling foes in action-packed arenas, every world offers something different. What to Expect Join the Adventure This is just the beginning. As we continue to polish and refine the game, we’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes looks, gameplay trailers, and details about the different worlds and mini-games you’ll explore. Get ready to step through the portals and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Follow us on social media for the latest updates and to be the first to know when the game is available. Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website
Employment Opportunities and Skill Development: Optimising Parental Leave

Time spent connecting with your newborn and acclimating to new family dynamics is invaluable during parental leave. It may also present a chance for you to make investments in your career and personal development, though. It may seem impossible to juggle the demands of a new infant with professional goals, but you may make great progress if you take the appropriate approach. These are some suggestions for improving job prospects and developing skills while on parental leave. Online Courses and CertificationsLearning new skills from home is now easier than ever thanks to the growth of online learning platforms. Think about the following choices: Professional Development and NetworkingDuring parental leave, it’s critical to maintain a connection with your professional network and industry trends. Here’s how to stay up to date: Consulting and FreelancingThink about consulting or freelancing while on leave if you have the time. You can make additional money and maintain your professional engagement by doing this. Individual Initiatives and Business VenturesInvestigating personal pursuits or business endeavors might be a terrific use of parental vacation time. Community Involvement and VolunteeringGaining new skills and giving back to the community can both be achieved through volunteering. Self-Growth and Self-CareLastly, throughout this time, don’t undervalue the significance of personal development and self-care. Parental leave is a special period of time that can bring rewards and challenges. You can return to work with new credentials, a renewed outlook, and better job chances if you use this time wisely to further your skills and career. There are many ways to take care of oneself at this unique period, including volunteering, self-care, networking, freelancing, personal projects, and online learning. Seize the chance and observe how it improves your personal and professional lives.
A Project on Distance Education for Sustainable Development

✨ Project Update: As we near the culmination of our impactful initiative, “Empowering Disadvantaged Women via Distance Education for Sustainable Development,” we’re thrilled to share a progress report on the journey so far. Final Stages of Work Packages: Our dedicated team is diligently wrapping up the final stages of the project’s Work Packages. These comprehensive modules are designed to equip and empower disadvantaged women with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development. Multilingual Material Completion: In a bid to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, project materials have been successfully translated into the languages of our esteemed partners. This step enhances the reach and impact of the initiative across diverse communities. Finalization and Pilot Testing Underway: The project’s materials are currently undergoing finalization, and the crucial pilot testing phase is well underway. This meticulous process ensures the effectiveness and adaptability of the educational resources before they reach our target audience. Multiplier Events on the Horizon: Excitement is building as our partners gear up for Multiplier Events. These events will serve as vibrant platforms to disseminate the project’s outcomes and insights. Each partnering country will host its event, creating a powerful ripple effect of knowledge and empowerment. Next Steps: As we approach the project’s completion, our focus turns to the impactful dissemination of our findings. We anticipate the multiplier events to be not only celebratory but also instrumental in fostering sustainable development within the communities we serve. Stay tuned for more updates as we pave the way for a future where education transcends boundaries, empowering disadvantaged women and contributing to sustainable development on a global scale. Together, we are making a difference! ?? #EmpowerWomen #SustainableDevelopment #EducationForAll #ProjectUpdate #GlobalImpact
EMPOWERING DISADVANTAGED WOMEN

Empowerment Unleashed: Join us in making a difference! ? Today, we’re thrilled to introduce a powerful initiative dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women. ?✨ Download our insightful PDF guide as we embark on a journey of transformation, strength, and upliftment. Together, we can create positive change! ?? #EmpoweringWomen #PositiveChange #InspirationalJourney #DownloadNow #disadvantagedWomen
A Successful Kick-off: Edumom Project Partners Unite in Vilamoura, Portugal

A Successful Kick-off: Edumom Project Partners Unite in Vilamoura, Portugal November 16, 2023 The kick-off meeting of the Edumom project brought together all the partners on November 16, 2023, in the picturesque town of Vilamoura, Portugal. The gathering proved to be not only a productive session but also a valuable opportunity for partners to connect on a personal level, fostering closer working relationships. The meeting agenda delved into crucial discussions on the specific outputs each partner needed to prepare. Topics such as dissemination strategies and the overall project workflow were thoroughly explored. This collaborative effort aimed to lay the groundwork for a successful and cohesive implementation of the Edumom project. One of the main features of the meeting was a presentation by TropicAslstral Lda, which focused on video tutorials and the intricacies of crafting effective videos. The workshop, titled “How to Make a Video?”, was warmly received by all partners, who appreciated the practical insights provided. This session proved instrumental in guiding partners in the creation of essential project videos, voice overs, and unity of all the videos to be made. The captivating setting of Vilamoura offered not only a conducive environment for fruitful discussions but also a chance for partners to engage with one another outside the meeting setting. A delightful lunch at a local Portuguese restaurant situated in the Marina of Vilamoura provided partners with an opportunity to savor the region’s cuisine and immerse themselves in the local culture. The Marina of Vilamoura, a renowned tourist hotspot, added an extra layer of charm to the gathering. Partners had the chance to explore this vibrant area, creating memorable moments that went beyond the confines of the project’s agenda. As the day progressed, the bonds among partners strengthened further. An enchanting dinner on one of Vilamoura’s beaches provided a relaxed setting for more informal interactions and enjoyable moments, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie among the Edumom team. In summary, the objectives set for the first Edumom project meeting were not only met but exceeded the expectations of all participants. The combination of professional discussions, cultural immersion, and team-building activities created a holistic experience that set the stage for a collaborative and successful project journey. The Edumom partners left Vilamoura with not only a clearer roadmap for their project in regards to their tasks with administration, dissemination, video creation, and the upcoming LTTA in Sweden but also with fond memories of a shared experience that will undoubtedly contribute to a more effective and enjoyable collaboration in the future. The success of this initial meeting lays a solid foundation for the positive trajectory of the Edumom project as partners embark on the exciting and impactful work that lies ahead.
Welcome to TropicalAstral, We are Social Media Management Experts!

At TropicalAstral, we are not just a Social Media Management Agency; we are your partners in digital success. Elevate your online presence and engage with your audience on a whole new level. Our team of experts crafts strategies that transform your brand into a social media sensation. But we’re not stopping there! TropicalAstral proudly serves as Project Managers for European Union Erasmus initiatives. Our dedication to education and cross-cultural collaboration has led us to contribute to 8 impactful projects so far. We believe in the power of connecting people and ideas, fostering growth, and making a positive impact on a global scale. Join us on this journey as we navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape and pave the way for your brand’s success. Welcome aboard!
InclusionAPP – Explainer Video

Make sure to watch our Explainer Video for our finished Erasmus+ project InclusionAPP and try out our APP and the courses on our Platform. Visit our website and find out more about our project on Facebook. Enjoy!
INTERREG Gastronomic Exchange Days

As part of the INTERREG program, we participated in a cultural and gastronomic exchange in collaboration with AIFED from Granada. INTERREG programs are financed by the European Regional Development Fund (Regional Fund). The first part of the exchange took place in Vilamoura, Portugal on the 7th march, where Andalusian specialities were presented to local restaurant owners and suppliers: For the second event, we travelled to Granada, Spain a week after to deliver a taste of Algarvian specialities: Both events have been a great success and we hope to be able to participate in similar programs more often in the near future!
Project Re-Start – Guidebook for Migrant Entrepreneurs

Brussels, Belgium (31/03/2023) – The Re-Start Project partners are proud to offer The Re-Start Guidebook for Migrant Entrepreneurs, available online on 31 March 2023. The Re-Start Guidebook is a short book full of refugee start-up resources to facilitate entrepreneurship and business development for refugees and migrants. In recent years, millions of refugees have come to Europe, many of whom have the skills, enthusiasm, and perseverance to be excellent entrepreneurs. When it comes to starting a company, however, refugees encounter unique challenges. The Re-Start project is an Erasmus+ co-funded project, brought to you by the partnership of four organisations: Welcome Home International (Belgium), Tropical Astral (Portugal), Indepcie (Spain) and Learning for Integration (Finland). Together the consortium has created four step-by-step guides with migrant-specific advice, localised resources and administrative obligations in all partner countries. Each country-specific guide is available in English and each country’s language (Dutch, French, Finnish, Portuguese and Spanish). The Re-Start Guidebook for Migrant Entrepreneurs takes you through ten chapters with everything you need to know to get started, from coming up with an idea and writing a business plan to learn about different business models and administrative steps. There is even a chapter on education, training and financing. Re-Start is explicitly designed for refugees and migrants. It is written at the A2-B1 language level, and each chapter contains vocabulary lists of technical terms and difficult words. The guidebook contains hyperlinks to resources in every partner country, including relevant authorities and helpful organisations. The Re-Start Guidebook for Migrant Entrepreneurs can be used online or in person, and is suitable for individual use or classroom context. The vocabulary lists and action steps throughout the book make it especially useful to equip teachers working with migrant language learners. Download the book in PDF (for Portugal) or view the flipbooks for each country on the project website and find out more on Facebook! Re-Start (Project No: 2021-1-BE01-KA210-ADU-000034932) is an Erasmus+-funded project.