A highly productive meeting of the European project DEDICATION was recently held at Amsterdam UMC, confirming the project’s steady progress and the strong collaboration within the international consortium.The meeting brought together project partners to review the work completed so far and to jointly plan the next phase of activities.
Focus on Training and Content QualityDuring the first day, consortium members participated in the psychosocial training and the Virtual Reality (VR) training sessions, followed by a structured evaluation dialogue.The discussions focused on:• reviewing the educational content developed to date• identifying a small number of elements requiring final approval or minor adjustmentsThe feedback collected was considered highly valuable, as it contributes to further strengthening an initiative aimed at supporting the psychosocial wellbeing of children and young people with congenital anomalies through innovative and evidence based VR interventions.
Planning the Next Phase of the ProjectThe second day of the meeting was dedicated to planning the upcoming phase of the project. Partners jointly agreed on a clear and realistic timeline for future activities.In parallel, key topics were discussed, including:• project management matters• dissemination strategies• feedback mechanismsThese discussions aimed to ensure continued alignment with the project’s objectives and the needs of its target groups.
Strong Collaboration and Shared DirectionThe meeting concluded with unanimous agreement among all partners that the project is fully aligned with its goals and is progressing in a highly effective manner.This shared conclusion reflects:• the strong collaboration between partners• the effective coordination within the consortium• and the collective commitment to delivering high quality outcomes
DEDICATION continues its implementation with confidence and focus, maintaining a clear commitment to improving psychosocial care for children and young people with congenital anomalies through modern, human centred and evidence based approaches.

Bucharest, RomaniaThe official kick off meeting of the European project DEDICATION took place at the Spitalul Clinic de Urgență pentru Copii “M.S. Curie” in Bucharest, bringing together 21 representatives from partner organisations across Europe, along with the international organisation Smile Train.The meeting marked the beginning of a meaningful and forward looking collaboration that combines Virtual Reality (VR) technology with training on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), aiming to strengthen psychosocial care for children, adolescents and young people with congenital anomalies.
A Strong and Dynamic StartThe two day meeting opened with welcome addresses from the host organisation and the project coordinator, who presented the vision, objectives and strategic direction of DEDICATION for the coming months.Each partner organisation then introduced its role, expertise and planned contributions, clearly demonstrating the strength, diversity and complementary nature of the consortium. All partner presentations will be collected and shared by the coordination team to support transparency and collaboration throughout the project.
Innovation in Healthcare EducationOne of the key highlights of the meeting was the presentation by Smile Train, showcasing the innovative use of Virtual Reality as a tool for healthcare education. VR technology will play a central role in the DEDICATION training activities, offering a more experiential and impactful approach to psychosocial education for healthcare professionals.
Developing Skills Through New Educational PathwaysWithin the framework of Work Package 2, partners are jointly developing:• a one day training programme• and a 27 hour micro credential programmedesigned to strengthen the psychosocial and professional skills of healthcare staff.The training will focus on:• effective delivery of psychosocial interventions• promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion in healthcare settings• integration of Virtual Reality based learning into everyday practiceNorway is leading the development of the digital training platform, ensuring accessibility, flexibility and long term sustainability across different healthcare systems and national contexts.
Accessibility Through Multilingual ContentAccessibility and inclusion are core values of the DEDICATION project. All implementing partners will translate the VR scenarios and training materials into their national languages. Partners will also be responsible for recorded lectures and full presentation scripts, ensuring clarity and consistency across all multilingual training modules.This approach allows healthcare professionals across Europe to access the training in their own language.
Preparation for the Pilot PhaseThe pilot phase of the project will begin in March 2026. Each implementing partner will train 8 to 10 participants, including healthcare professionals, students and representatives of non profit organisations, with at least half of the participants coming from the healthcare sector.To ensure a shared foundation and common understanding, a train the trainers meeting will take place in Amsterdam in January 2026.In addition, each partner will engage 3 to 5 families with children or adolescents living with congenital anomalies, in order to assess the practical usefulness of the intervention and strengthen its clinical and psychosocial relevance.
Dissemination and Global ReachWork Package 4 focuses on communication and dissemination to ensure strong visibility and global impact of the project. Key activities include:• development of a comprehensive dissemination strategy from the second project month• creation of a unified visual identity• implementation of communication actions aiming to reach at least 10,000 people worldwide• organisation of multiplier events from month 30 to present project results and support sustainabilityAll partners share responsibility for dissemination, ensuring that the project outcomes reach academic, professional, social and industry audiences, reflecting the so called quadruple helix approach.
Looking AheadThe kick off meeting in Bucharest laid solid foundations for an inspiring and impactful collaboration. With clear goals, innovative tools and a shared commitment to inclusion and human centred care, partners left the meeting motivated and ready for the next phase of the project.As one participant noted:“This project brings together technology, empathy and expertise — a combination that has the potential to truly transform how we train and support healthcare professionals across Europe.”

DEDICATION is a European project that aims to improve the psychosocial care of children, adolescents and young people with congenital anomalies through the training of healthcare professionals and the use of modern digital tools, such as Virtual Reality (VR).The project places strong emphasis on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and addresses a significant gap at European level: the lack of accessible, high quality and up to date psychosocial interventions for people living with congenital anomalies and their families.
Project AimThe main objective of DEDICATION is to strengthen the skills of nursing and healthcare professionals, enabling them to provide meaningful psychosocial support to young people with congenital anomalies by using innovative digital approaches.Within this framework, the project develops:• a one day training programme• and a 27 hour micro credential programmewith a strong focus on the use of VR technology for psychosocial interventions.
ImplementationDEDICATION is based on close cooperation between:• universities• hospitals• and non profit organisationsfrom various European countries.The core project activities include:• development of the training programme• testing and evaluation• implementation in real healthcare settings• dissemination of the educational material at European and international levelThe training programme will enable healthcare professionals to deliver psychosocial interventions supported by Virtual Reality, tailored to the needs of young people with congenital anomalies.
Expected OutcomesBy the end of the project, DEDICATION is expected to:• develop a one day training programme and a 27 hour micro credential programme• train at least 50 healthcare professionals• implement 8 multiplier events, reaching a minimum of 500 participants• carry out dissemination activities reaching more than 20,000 people across 70 countries• provide free access to the educational material through a digital learning platform• make all project materials available for free download through the official project website until 2030
International Cooperation and the Role of ChrysallidaThe project is implemented by a broad international consortium of organisations from Europe and the United States.The Cyprus Association of Individuals with Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Chrysallida actively participates in the project, contributing the lived experience of families and in depth knowledge of the real psychosocial needs of children and young people with congenital anomalies.Chrysallida’s involvement ensures that the interventions and educational tools developed remain human centred, practical and meaningful, with the child and the family at the core.
FundingProject code: 2024-1-SE01-KA220-HED-000245464This project is funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

The 12th matchday of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan was dedicated to Chrysallida. Following a decision by the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), this matchday was held with the aim of raising awareness and informing the public about the mission and work of our Association.
During all matches, players entered the pitch holding a banner with the message: “We support children with clefts and other craniofacial anomalies.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cyprus Football Association for this meaningful initiative. The support of the football community strengthens our efforts to stand by children and families who need us.
Together, we continue working toward a better tomorrow for every child.

On Saturday, 22 November, we were grateful to be part of the Christmas Bazaar at Pascal Private Secondary School in Limassol — a warm and joyful event filled with children’s smiles and positive energy.
A heartfelt thank you to the Parents’ Association and Christina Tsanggaridou for the invitation and their continuous support for the work of Chrysallida. The embrace of the school community gives us strength to continue supporting children with clefts and other craniofacial anomalies, as well as their families.

A heartfelt thank you to COLMEXPRO for organizing a Bingo Night at Il Parco Café, where employees raised €830, which the company generously doubled to reach €2,000 in total, all donated to Chrysallida Foundation. Your kindness makes a real difference.

"We collect toys, we offer them, we give them back with love – and every euro raised translates into a surgery, a treatment, a new start for a child." A simple thought that started through the personal experience of Maria Nicolaou, a member of the Wok n Roll team and mother of a child with a cleft, who decided organise an event for the support of the foundation that embraced her.
The game bazaar took place at the restaurant, in Agia Fylaxeos, with the collective effort of the whole team and the aim of supporting our Foundation.
The response of the people was great and €1,100 was raised.The participation of the children was also important, as they felt what it means to offer and participate in an important effort.

It is with great joy and honor that we thank IN Business magazine for hosting us and giving us the opportunity to present the work of our team.
The feature highlights the shared mission of the interdisciplinary MEDICLEFT team and the Chrysallida Association:to ensure that every child with a cleft or craniofacial condition has the right to a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Our approach is based on:
-Specialized care from a team of professionals across different medical fields-Holistic support, from birth through to full recovery-Financial and psychological assistance for families, provided by the Chrysallida Association
Our goal is to give every child a strong start in life, and every family the confidence that they are not alone.
Read the article

On June 13, the Annual General Assembly of the Chrysallida Association was held at the Synergy Conference Center.
Members of the Board of Directors, volunteers, supporters, and friends of the Association came together to review the past year’s activities and plan the next steps forward.
We sincerely thank everyone who consistently supports our mission — to stand by every family of a child with a cleft or craniofacial condition.

We warmly thank Vangelis Tsangarides for the generous contribution of €1,000 to Chrysallida, made on behalf of the Merikas family.
Your donation is a meaningful act of support for children with clefts and other craniofacial conditions, and it strengthens our mission to build a brighter future filled with smiles.
Every contribution makes a difference. Thank you for standing by our side.

With great gratitude, Chrysallida President Rafaël Agathocleous received the generous amount of €1,000 from Mr. Marinos Tgiorvas — the second donation from the campaign launched by Wok n Roll Cyprus.
Through this initiative, a portion of the proceeds from every lunch is donated to the Chrysallida Association in support of children with clefts and craniofacial anomalies.
Thank you!

Make 2025 a year of hope and support!
Get Chrysallida’s good luck charm for the new year for just €15 and help support children with clefts and craniofacial anomalies.
Every purchase brings us one step closer to offering care and smiles to families in need.
Limited pieces available!
Pick-up location: Laspos Orthodontic Center (111 Agias Fylaxeos Street, Limassol)
For more information: 25735050

We warmly thank H&P Learning Station for their generous sponsorship of our Association. ��
Their support enables us to continue our mission of providing high-quality care and treatment to children with clefts. 🙏