New Europe's burning issues discussed in Comenius project

Religious tolerance, illegal immigration, waste separation, exam-related stress faced by students and the possibility of introducing a pan-European education system, were some of the burning issues discussed by participants from Malta, England, Italy, Germany, Latvia and Lithuania at a conference held at St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara, to conclude the three-year Comenius project entitled "Education for Change - Tackling some of the Burning Issues in the New Europe".

Maltese students Edward Caruana and Nicola Mattocks conducted presentations on waste separation and illegal immigration respectively, and proposed ideas of how these issues could be tackled at a national level.

Ms Mattocks's presentation was strengthened by a visit to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) offices where Fr Paul Pace, sj, and Fr Pierre Grech Marguerat, sj, gave detailed accounts of the difficulties encountered by immigrants worldwide. Michael Tesfa, who is currently contributing to the JRS's valuable service, further corroborated this.

As an extension of Mr Caruana's presentation about waste separation, participants visited the Maghtab landfill, and a guide on site explained the different techniques of waste separation and the advantages of introducing an engineered landfill.

During the conference, the students conducted a debate on the possibility of having one educational system across Europe. Luke Grech and Sarah Michelle Attard represented Malta during the debate that ended with the casting of votes by all those present... the result was 24 in favour, and 10 against.

St Aloysius College Rector Fr Patrick Magro, sj, welcomed the delegates at the start of the conference and gave them a tour of the college.

They visited the Sixth Form, the Secondary School, including the theatre, where they listened to short musical works played by some of the students, and the Sports Complex, where they visited the fitness centre.

In the evening, a social event was held at the Jesuit residence at the College with the students themselves providing live entertainment by singing and playing musical instruments.

On the first day of their visit, the foreign delegates spent a day sightseeing in Gozo. The accompanying guide provided a detailed account of the Citadel's history, which can be traced to the latter part of the Middle Ages, while the participants admired the beautiful view from the bastions.

Following lunch and Mass at Manresa Retreat House in Victoria, Ggantija Temples captured everyone's interest as the guide gave different interpretations of one of these most impressive monuments of European prehistory. They also visited Calypso's legendary cave, where, according to Greek mythology, Odysseus held Calypso a prisoner of love for seven years on the promise of immortality.

From the cave window, apart from the stupendous view, we could also see the underwater fortification of Ramla l-Hamra bay, which was built by the Knights in the mid-18th century.

An afternoon of the delegates' visit was also dedicated to a cultural tour around Valletta with special prominence to St John's Co-Cathedral with its baroque style and impressive paintings. The conference was then formally brought to a close with a dinner at the Golden Tulip Vivaldi.

Thanks go to Fr Magro, Fr Joseph Cassar, sj, and all the Jesuits residing at the College, members of the administrative staff and teachers involved in the conference organisation, students who conducted presentations or hosted foreigners in their own homes, and Reuben Vella Bray of MTA for providing transport, a guide and entry into Malta Heritage sites.