With this series of interviews, you will learn more about the team behind implementing the Code4SP project.

Issue 4 – Meet Christina Michael, project manager on behalf of CSI Center for Social Innovation

What’s your name and job title?

My name is Christina Michael, and I am a Project Manager

Tell us a few words about your background:

I graduated with an LLB in Law with Politics and got my Masters in International Law. After qualifying as a lawyer, I worked with refugees and migrants in Cyprus.

What organisation do you work for?

I work for the Center for Social Innovation (CSI) in Cyprus.

What does your organisation do?

The Center for Social Innovation Cyprus (CSI) is is an international Research & Development Center focusing on developing innovative & disruptive responses to systemic social, educational & market challenges.

What is your role in the Code4SP project? What are you currently working on?

In the Code4SP project, CSI was responsible for leading Work Package 2- ‘Knowledge Exchange and Transferability Plans,’ which were successfully completed by 2021! As with all the consortium, we are currently working on the development of Work Package 3.

Why is being part of the Code4SP project important to you?

Being part of the Code4SP project is important to me because, as we have seen through Work Package 2, the CodeDoor best practice was initially developed to enhance the coding skills of refugees who fled to Germany and who as a result faced serious issues like economic exclusion

as well as lack of education and lack of opportunities in the job market. Due to my experience working with refugees, I believe that such an initiative would significantly benefit refugees who are willing to learn to code and pursue a career in a related field.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I enjoy spending my free time with friends and family, watching various TV series, and of course, spending time with my cats!