'Combating poverty and social exclusion' is the subject of a conference to be held on May 4 between 8.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana, to celebrate the European Year 2010 of the same theme.

It is being organised by the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA), with the support of the Ministry of Education.

The conference will discuss the way in which the Maltese educational system is contributing towards combating poverty and social exclusion, and explore how present systems and practices could be improved at all levels.

During the conference, workshops will consider topics such as promoting social inclusion through school education, higher and vocational education and training, adult education and youth non-formal education. More information may be found on the EUPA website www.eupa.org.mt.

The conference is aimed at all those interested in the topic from a variety of viewpoints, as well as experts in the areas of addiction, disability and social work.

Attendance is free of charge but reservations are on a first-come first-served basis and the deadline for bookings is Wednesday at noon. To register, prospective participants are to e-mail their name and the institution they represent to antonio.olivari@gov.mt.

If the applicant is a project coordinator, the project reference number should also be included.

Applicants are also requested to choose the workshop number they wish to take part in, details of which are provided on the EUPA website.

The conference is being funded with support from the European Commission's Lifelong Learning Programme and the Youth in Action Programme.