Creative Minds: Summer Programme empowers teens with disabilities through creativity

The Edward de Bono Institute at the University of Malta recently concluded its Creative Minds: Summer Programme, a seven-week initiative designed for teens with disabilities. The programme, designed and coordinated by Prof. Margaret Mangion and Prof. Leonie Baldacchino, brought together eight participating youths and a team of ten dedicated educators.

Grounded in the principles of creative pedagogies, the programme explored imaginative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. These included generating and developing ideas, embracing risk-taking and playfulness, encouraging autonomy and agency, fostering co-construction, and stimulating teacher creativity. By fully embracing these practices, the educators created a psychologically safe and supportive environment where participants could grow, express themselves, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

The initiative not only supported the personal development of the teens involved but also enriched their quality of life over the summer. A dedicated team of educators went beyond facilitation, nurturing creativity while ensuring the programme was purposeful and impactful.

The programme benefited from the support of the University of Malta, which sponsored the space for the sessions, as well as APS Bank Foundation, through a seed fund awarded to the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation.

The Creative Minds: Summer Programme culminated in a closing event on 28 August, which welcomed distinguished guests including H.E. President Emerita Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, representatives from the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA), and APS Bank. The event highlighted the success of the initiative and celebrated the achievements of the young participants.

Addressing creativity, innovation management, critical thinking, futures studies, and entrepreneurship, The Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation offers a Master in Creativity and Innovation as well as a PhD Programme.