The INDI (Inclusion and Diversity) Project is an Erasmus+ KA220 project, which involves six organizations from five European countries (Sweden, Belgium, Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus) with similar visions for the development of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in Europe. Common challenges in this sector are those within the area of inclusion of children with diverse abilities and needs, children from less stimulating learning environments and children of immigrants and their families, amongst others. Throughout this 3-year project these organisations are coming together to provide learning/teaching/training activities in order to share good practice and to ultimately create multiple resources that can be disseminated and used in schools worldwide.
Malta is being represented by The Secretariat for Catholic Education (SfCE) and by St Albert the Great College. Following our first experience in Belgium last June, it was now our turn to host our partners in Malta. It was a jam-packed week whereby a lot of valuable lessons were learnt, friendships were strengthened and minds were broadened!
Dr Ian Mifsud, Director for Curriculum and Standards at SfCE, started off the week’s programme at the Valletta Design Cluster by giving a big welcome and an overview of the education system in Malta, whilst Ms Marjoe Abela, Service Manager for Student Services at SfCE, shared our valid inclusive practices in church schools.
Later during the week, Sr Alexandra Chircop, Service Manager for Pastoral Care at SfCE, also delivered an eye-opening talk about Multiculturalism in church schools, at the Dominican Priory in Vittoriosa. Multiple schools, including those of different sectors, also warmly opened their doors to us to experience first-hand a typical day at school, and to discuss diversity and inclusion practices. A heartfelt thanks goes to all the staff at San Anton School in Imselliet, Bishop’s Conservatory Junior School in Victoria, Gozo, Sannat Primary and Special Unit, Migrant Learners’ Unit -Naxxar Induction Hub and St Albert the Great College. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Needless to say, we made sure to share Malta’s precious heritage, traditions and culture and to show some of the most beautiful landmarks! These included and were definitely not limited to, Valletta, St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Three Cities, The Inquisitor’s Palace, Wied iż-Żurrieq, Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, Mdina, Domvs Romana, St. Agatha’s Catacombs, as well as The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, Ta’ Għammar Hill and Ċitadella, Gozo.
Next, the project will continue in Sweden in May.
Alexia Spiteri
Kindergarten Educator
St Albert the Great College, Kindergarten
Comments