The Dean of the Faculty of Education, Dr Colin Calleja, together with Dr François Mifsud were invited for a formal meeting with H.E. Mr Miguel Ángel Moratinos on the 17 June.
They were meeting His Excellency on behalf of a group of academics and educational practitioners who worked on a proposal for an Inclusive Religious Education curriculum.
This meeting with the high representative for the United Nations was organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European affairs with the full support and sponsorship of Minister Evarist Bartolo.
This meeting had the objective of discussing the way forward to incorporate Inclusive Religious Education as part of the UN Alliance of Civilisations and its efforts for Unity and Solidarity for safe and peaceful worship. This programme aims to sustain a culture of peace and dialogue between different cultures and civilisations.
The Maltese academics and educational practitioners worked for the past four years on an innovative pedagogy – Inclusive Religious Education – which can generate an educational experience engaging with the classroom community’s diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Furthermore, IRE aims to create an educational space through which students can learn about their faith or non-faith traditions and that of others. Students are motivated to develop critical thinking and dialogical skills, and multicultural competencies, which will enhance their lifelong learning experiences.
Mr Moratinos was very appreciative and highlighted the importance of IRE within a multicultural contest, and the learning opportunities it can generate for future generations. The group of academics from the University of Malta and the educational practitioners will be working shortly to implement IRE in international settings and train educators and teachers to follow up this programme in their countries.