The stress of failing, not achieving our goals, falling short to our expectations (or those imposed to us by others), haunt our lives regardless of our roles as students, working adults, parents, friends, or other. As a consequence, we are reluctant to experiment, to make alternative choices, be creative, or pursue our inner goals. On the contrary, we tend to become followers of what is perceived as ‘safe’ and validated as respectable. We struggle to be accepted by our peers and those senior in hierarchy, and we adjust our present and future to the social and other predominant models and stereotypes.

How do we define failing? How come we ended up with attributing such immense power to it? Open University of Cyprus is well known for the innovative approaches it takes to issues that challenge our society, but most of all is an ambassador of life learning. Learning means change and change is the essence of life. Within this framework the MA Programme “Cultural Policy and Development” will run a two days’ workshop in March 2020 on the tantalizing subject of failing, with the provocative title: “Stereotypes of Failing”.

Participants of all ages and capacities, professions and backgrounds are very welcome for this two-day learning experience. Through a structured process the participants will be guided to comprehend their own perceptions and assumptions. The methodology of the workshop is based on the Futures Literacy Laboratories (FLL) action-research/action-learning practices. Futures Literacy is an official UNESCO strategy that runs since 2012 with an aim to empower innovation and leadership around the world. UNESCO has stablished a Global Futures Literacy Network composed of UNESCO Chairs at universities around the world and a wide-range of communities.

The workshop will take place at the premises of Open University of Cyprus (33, Giannou Kranidioti Av., 2220 Latsia, Nicosia) on Monday and Tuesday, March 16 & 17 and will be repeated on Wednesday and Thursday 18 & 19. All sessions of both workshops will be conducted in Greek and in English.

For further information please conduct Dr. Vayia (Vicky) Karaiskou, Associate Professor, Academic Coordinator of the MA Programme “Cultural Policy and Development“ at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Registrations close on March, 9th, 2020. Registration fee is 20 Euro.

Please check HERE the programme of the workshop.