https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52002 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:44:54 GMT 2026-04-17T16:44:54Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53235 Title: Maltese secondary state schools : a teacher's perspective regarding green procurements and other green initiatives Abstract: The study undertaken examines how leadership, knowledge and practices are encouraging a social responsibility agenda through the work of teaching staff and administrators in Maltese secondary state schools. Their role was examined in order to better understand how they lead and function on a daily basis and how they influence green procurements and green initiatives for more sustainable schools. The study looked also at plans developed to support these initiatives and how schools can become sustainable for the benefit of all their stakeholders in particular the students. The study was done via a mix of quantitative and qualitative research tools and by utilising, when available, the school SDPs to gather more insight on the current actions of the schools. The study revealed the importance of EkoSkola in defining green strategies within the educational system and concludes with recommendations for further adoption of green procurement policies and other green initiatives across the education system in Malta. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53235 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53234 Title: Improving the quality of life of youths with disability through the EkoSkola programme Abstract: Since its inception, the concept of sustainable development has strived to achieve a balance between environmental, social, cultural and economic concerns as a means to improve the quality of life of individuals. Various conferences hosted by the United Nations have identified in education an important vehicle to achieve sustainability. Thus education should be re-oriented to equip individuals with the necessary awareness, knowledge, attitudes and skills that would empower them to participate in decision making processes that help them shape their lives. However, traditionally, various marginalised groups, amongst which people with disabilities, have been excluded from such processes, slowly becoming invisible in discourses related to both SD and ESD. With the scope of bringing about social change and based on an emancipatory research paradigm, the study aimed to map the journey of eleven youths with disability, attending a local Resource Centre, through the first year of implementation of the EkoSkola programme. Using qualitative research methods, through observations and interviews, the study analysed how ESD influenced the committee members both on an individual and at a group level. The results outline that though to different extents, EkoSkola provided the participants with opportunities to actively participate in decision making, and to expand their capabilities by reinforcing and acquiring skills. This enabled the students to satisfy some of their basic human needs and thus improve their quality of life. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/53234 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52060 Title: Factors influencing extent of meat consumption among inhabitants of two Maltese districts : a comparative study Abstract: Malta and Gozo, two small islands making part of the Maltese archipelago, are so near yet so distinct. As the two islands possess differing geographical features, two districts were selected – the predominantly urban Northern Harbour District in Malta and the fertile rural district of Gozo – the main aim being to determine whether there is a correlation between the inhabitants’ geographical location and the extent of meat consumption. In fact, global patterns of meat consumption differ between and within countries. In view of this, the role played by the geographical location together with other motivating factors affecting meat consumption were explored, so too the level of awareness related to the environmental impact of meat production. Awareness on how our dietary choices impact our health and the environment is vital and the key vehicle required for citizens to be informed is Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). A dual-method grounded approach – quantitative and qualitative – was adopted as when used in combination they complement each other and allow for a more complete in-depth analysis. Data was collected through a structured telephone survey involving 387 inhabitants in each of the two districts, with the data then analyzed through the SPSS software, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. In order to acquire more detailed information focus groups were conducted – two for each district – with the data collected being mainly analysed through thematic analysis. Based on the results emerging from both the survey and transcribed focus group texts, this study reveals that the absolute majority of participants in both districts are meat eaters although their meat consumption patterns differ. Gozitans are still more inclined to adhere to the traditional way of life, conforming to religious practices and including a variety of nonmeat local produce in their menus. While taste and health are the two most determining factors for consuming meat, chicken is the preferred meat of both districts. The absolute majority are unaware of the negative environmental impact of meat production and consumption, although Gozitans are more knowledgeable about current farming systems. This study therefore reveals that geographical location does have an influential role in the dietary patterns of its inhabitants. In response to these findings, recommendations are made regarding the further incorporation of ESD while taking into consideration the differences which exist among the Maltese districts. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52060 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52059 Title: A critical review of the sustainable development plans produced by local councils under the 2009/2010 Government of Malta scheme Abstract: Malta has 68 local councils, 11 of which benefited from the funding of the scheme issued by the government of Malta in 2009/2010 entitled Skema ta' finanzjament għal lokalitajiet sostenibbli. The aim of this scheme was to ‗…get each local council to draft a strategy so that (its) locality will be sustainable in all sectors including infrastructural, environmental, social, educational and cultural spheres. Thus the local councils together with the residents would plan the future of the(ir) locality on a long term basis and in the best way.‘ The aim of this thesis is to investigate the effectiveness (or otherwise) of local councils in bringing about change vis-a-vis sustainable development and how local councils affect the communities they are responsible for from a social, educational, cultural and economical perspective. A qualitative approach consisting of content analysis and semi-structured interviews is adopted in this research. The content analysis consists in the analysis of the Sustainable Development plans produced by the local councils while through the semi-structured interviews the knowledge and vision of crucial stakeholders are investigated. Description: M.ED.SUS.DEVELOPMENT Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/52059 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z