A Mediterranean approach to intercultural education

Abstract

An insular attitude often leads to distorted views, prejudices and conflicts. No matter how independently minded a person can be, everyone needs to understand others and appreciate their diversity and their similarity. Malta's future accession to the European Union makes it even more important for us to break down this insularity and explore peoples' cultures, modes of living and their economic and political life. There is no better place to start this growth in awareness and communication than at the primary schools and no better medium than Intercultural Education. The 1974 UNESCO Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the 1994 Draft Integrated Framework of Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy, give invaluable guidelines to achieve this objective. The National Minimum Curriculum in Malta, however, gives little or no evidence of the importance which Intercultural Education merits. The study examines to what extent primary school teachers and pupils are educated in the history and culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region. It evaluates the results of surveys conducted among a sample of children who have just completed their primary school education, coming from State, Church and Private Schools in Malta and Gozo as well as primary school teachers. The superficial awareness among students and teachers of the cultures of the Mediterranean illustrates that there is still a lot of ground to be covered in future years. An appreciation of the fact that Intercultural Education could lead to greater understanding and peace among neighbouring peoples seems to be lacking.