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1. Intercultural awareness

2. Young people's rights

3. Key initiatives to safeguard democracy and prevent radicalisation leading to violent extremism

Intercultural awareness

Malta’s approach to promoting inclusion and intercultural understanding is reflected in the National Education Strategy 2024–2030, which highlights the importance of equity, respect for diversity, and the creation of inclusive learning environments that foster democratic values and mutual recognition of cultural identities (Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, 2024). To this effect, Malta, through the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation implements and monitors a range of initiatives aimed at promoting intercultural dialogue and democratic participation within schools. These include intercultural education practices embedded in curricula, teacher training, and school-based programmes that foster collaboration and mutual understanding among students. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are used to assess learners’ engagement and progress, with outcomes including improved participation, enhanced classroom interactions, and strengthened social cohesion within school communities.

Malta has undertaken numerous measures in connection with the implementation of Malta’s Migrant Integration Strategy and Action Plan - Vision 2020 “INTEGRATION = BELONGING” including the I Belong Programme; Strengthening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Integration; Engagement of Officials whose duties focus on immigration; Delivery of courses for Stage 1 and Stage 2 applicants (language and orientation); Confidence-building awareness campaigns and ‘befriend a migrant’ project  and a Pool of trained cultural mediators to be deployed as required in public services.

The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation set up a One Stop Shop within the ministry.  The One Stop Shop provides dedicated services and a focal point for Migrants services on Education.

Personal, Social, Career Development (PSCD) continues to be given paramount importance in the Maltese educational system, that promotes a human rights culture. Students develop skills and attitudes necessary for a complete integration of human rights. PSCD educators offer holistic learning that promotes the development of students’ intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic and creative potentials. PSCD also touches upon values clarification where students are given opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs and values and to confront them with others in a safe framework based on the dignity of every human being, freedom of thought and expression, and the respect for others' opinions.

Concerning compulsory education, setting up the Migrant Learning Unit  has strengthened the provision for inclusive support for children from a migrant background.  The programme enacted focuses on learning Maltese and English, the languages of schooling in Malta. Other academic subjects are taught adopting a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach. This programme focuses on each learner’s well-being offering a holistic educational experience while focusing on acquiring linguistic and socio-cultural competences.  The programme is offered in 28 schools in Malta and Gozo. A newly introduced induction provision for secondary aged learners is running as of the start of this scholastic year.

Also, with regard to compulsory education, between 2011 and 2023, the Ministry for Education has been involved in the Language Learning and Parental Support for Integration (LLAPSI and LLAPSI+) Projects, a series of EU-funded projects mainly through the Integration Fund (IF), the European Refugee Fund (ERF) and currently the Asylum and Migration Integration Fund (AMIF). Most of the projects focused on the upskilling of teachers, procurement of teaching materials and the development of learning and assessment tools.  he Integration Unit was set up at MCAST within the Students’ Outreach Department to facilitate the integration migrant students In recent years, the number of international students has constantly increased and thus the Integration Unit seeks to co-ordinate and streamline new and existing activities related to integration of students. It supports students throughout their academic journey by promoting diversity, organising inclusive activities, collaborating with NGOs, and providing staff training and tailored support to help students overcome integration challenges.

The MCAST and University of Malta, through the Integration and Anti-Racism Unit, offer free Maltese and English language and Cultural Orientation courses to support migrant integration. These are delivered in two stages. Stage 1, the Pre-Integration Certificate (60 hours), includes beginner-level courses in Maltese, English, and Cultural Orientation, each requiring 80% attendance and a 50% pass mark for certification. Upon completion, students may proceed to Stage 2, the Integration Certificate (170 hours), which includes advanced Maltese (50 hours) and Cultural Orientation (120 hours). This stage, a requirement for Long-Term Residence Status for Third Country Nationals, requires 80% attendance and a 75% pass mark for Cultural Orientation, and 65% for Maltese. Courses are held in Mosta or Paola and delivered by MCAST and the University of Malta. Additionally, foundation courses in literacy and digital skills are offered in partnership with the Human Rights Directorate to further support access and successful participation in the programme. 

The Department of Inclusion and Access to Learning of the University of Malta offers the Stage 2 Integration Certificate includes two key components: Maltese Language and Cultural Orientation. The 50-hour Maltese language course focuses on practical communication skills for everyday integration, using a functional, interactive approach to improve listening, comprehension, and speaking abilities. The 120-hour Cultural Orientation course introduces learners to Maltese culture, democratic values, and human rights through three core aspects: sharing, which explores common values for peaceful coexistence; understanding, which builds awareness of Maltese traditions to foster mutual respect; and living, which addresses students’ real-life challenges through classroom-based needs assessments. This dynamic and inclusive learning environment supports the development of cultural integration competencies and dialogue skills. Both components are designed by the University of Malta’s Faculty of Education and delivered by professionally trained educators. Together, these courses aim to equip migrants with the tools needed to integrate successfully into Maltese society, fostering inclusive communities and mutual understanding.

As part of its internationalisation programme, the University of Malta is seeking to attract a number of non-EU/EEA nationals to read for Masters and Ph.D. programmes in different areas of study, strengthening its research and innovation dimensions. The University of Malta continues to develop new postgraduate courses in diverse areas of study, a number of which are launched each year.

The Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) enrolls numerous foreign students and the Institute makes it a priority to make them feel welcome by encouraging also other national students to help them and make them feel that they belong at the Institute.

The Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability within the Ministry for Education and Employment pursues a policy of inclusivity.  Lifelong learning courses are open to both Maltese and non-Maltese nationals.  The Directorate has developed courses in Maltese-as-a-foreign-language (MFL) and English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL).  At enrolment stage, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection are given the same rights as Maltese and EU citizens.  Courses in English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) and Maltese-as-a-foreign-language (MFL) offered by the Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability within the Ministry for Education and Employment are accredited and lead to the awarding of a General Education Award at Malta Qualifications Framework (MQF) levels 1 and 2.

In response to increasing cultural diversity in Malta’s schools due to globalisation, migration, and inter-racial families, the Institute for Education is equipping  educators to meet the needs of multicultural classrooms through a unit called Exploring Multiculturalism in Education. This unit prepares school leaders and teachers to effectively address cultural and religious differences, challenge prejudices, and foster inclusive environments. It emphasises zero tolerance for racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, and promotes respect for democratic values and human rights. Educators will be able to identify and challenge discriminatory behaviour, address radicalisation risks, and use inclusive teaching methods to promote acceptance and integration. They will gain knowledge of different cultures and religions, and skills in critical thinking, effective communication, and timely intervention to support integration and social cohesion in school settings.

Jobsplus, the Public Employment Services, provides targeted assistance to vulnerable people which amongst others include young people by facilitating their transition to employment by equipping them with the transversal skills and knowledge required to enter the labour market and retain gainful employment.  Among such programmes are Job Brokerage Scheme, the Access to Employment (A2E) Scheme 2021-2027; Bridging the Gap Scheme; the Employer’s N.I. Contribution exemption and the Fiscal Incentive Scheme.

Young people's rights

The Office of the Commissioner for Children, which falls under the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights focuses on the protection of children, the promotion of children’s rights, ensuring the provision of necessary services for children, and the participation of children (0-17 years old). The Office carries out various initiatives to create awareness about rights, including research projects on various issues concerning children.

Advocacy work on children’s rights is done through activities carried out in the community and schools and through the dissemination of publications and the media. The Office also disseminates publications on children’s rights and organises activities for children and young people. The Office also promotes child participation and has a Council for Children consisting of children themselves and representatives from various Ministries to discuss matters relevant to the Office's work.

The Office also uses its website and social media, mainly Instagram and Facebook, to create awareness. It is also part of the BeSmartOnline! project, which raises awareness and educates children and teens, parents/carers, and educators on the safer use of the Internet. 

One of the main initiatives is the annual Rights 4U live-in. This yearly activity consists of an interactive programme that includes various activities, including the Rights 4U live-in, where young people learn about their rights and actively explore and engage in discussions on these rights. The Rights4U live-in is for participants to develop critical thinking skills, build social ties and implement concepts such as respect, responsibility and inclusion. The main target groups are children and young people under the age of 18 years old as well as parents/carers, educators and other professionals working with children.

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ together with the  Office of the Commissioner for Children collaborate to organise an annual seminar focusing on children’s rights in collaboration preparation for the annual European Network for Young Advisors conference. 

Key initiatives to safeguard democracy and prevent radicalisation leading to violent extremism

Some of the measures related to safeguarding democracy against and preventing radicalisation which leads to violent extremism, include: 

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, the national youth agency, is a member of the Prevent Group under the responsibility of the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment. This group is focused on preventing radicalisation which leads to violent extremism. This group developed from what was previously known as Radicalisation Awareness Network Malta which was formed in 2018.  RAN-MT was setup in February 2018 as a multi-agency task force to monitor, prevent and act on any issue of radicalisation within the country.  The Prevent Network forms part of the EU-wide Radicalisation Action Network.

A Victims Support Agency was set up within the Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment. This agency aids victims, including young people and victims of Hate Speech Crime, through emotional support, case updates, court guidance, and accompaniment. It informs on offender release, advocates for victims’ rights, and encourages reporting. The agency ensures holistic, continuous care by fostering a multiagency approach and helping victims feel safe, process trauma, and regain quality of life.

The Migrant Learners’ Unit, within the International Learners Directorate in collaboration with the Foundation for Educational Services (FES), organised the Making Friends – Bringing Friends after-school club. The initiative provided an inclusive space where participants could interact and build social skills through informal, creative, and enjoyable activities. Each session began with a culturally themed snack, introducing foods from various countries and ethnic backgrounds to promote intercultural awareness and appreciation. 

Personal, Social, and Career Development (PSCD) is paramount in the Maltese educational system, which promotes a human rights culture.    Students develop skills and attitudes necessary for a complete integration of human rights.  PSCD educators offer holistic learning that promotes the development of student’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, and creative potentials. PSCD also touches upon values clarification where students are given opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs and values and to confront them with others in a safe framework based on the dignity of every human being, freedom of thought and expression, and the respect for others' opinions. With regard to knowledge and understanding, PSCD touches upon freedom, justice, equality, human dignity, non-discrimination, democracy, universality, rights, responsibilities, interdependence and solidarity; and that human rights provide a framework for negotiating and agreeing on modes of behaviour in the family, at school, in the community, and in the wider world. In PSCD, peace education is also given prominence, whereby awareness on domestic violence and bullying, including cyber-bullying, together with other forms of violence, are underlined.
 

The University of Malta offers its students a Master of Arts in Transcultural Counselling, which is offered by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing in collaboration with the University of New Orleans. The mission of the M.A. in Transcultural Counselling is to train world counselors who can serve diverse populations worldwide.

The Ethical Education programme is a non-faith-based program taught in primary, middle, and secondary public schools in Malta, addresses topics including promoting students’ critical and independent thinking; respect for and safeguarding the environment; promoting knowledge of citizens’ rights and responsibilities; developing students’ skills and competencies in conflict resolution; and developing healthy and respectful relationships.