Futureland INCLUSION2 Conference in Malta

Futureland2024 - A Unique Learning Festival

Warnborough College Ireland organised and ran a unique learning festival as part of the INCLUSION² project called ‘Futureland’ from 19-20 April 2024 in Valletta, Malta.

Maltese Ambassador to Finland and Estonia (and Warnborough Councillor) Dr Kenneth Vella opened Futureland.

Former Maltese Minister of Education, Evarist Bartolo, shared real sector experiences and expertise.

The event was hosted at the historic Fort St Elmo, originally built and repurposed by the Knights of Malta in the 16th century. The learning festival and conference was run alongside our partners Aeres University of Applied Science, DHOS Brugge, and the Mater Boni Consilii St Joseph School in Paola.

Our own Dr Pamela Hatton questions if it is inclusion or illusion

Rik Vanderhauwaert from DHOS Brugge shares his inclusive building blocks

Futureland was opened by Dr Kenneth Vella, before Warnborough CEO, Dr Julian Ng, set the tone for the learning festival by talking about trends in education and posing various questions.

Josanne Ghirxi, Director of National Schools Support Services explained the Maltese policy on inclusion.

Dr Sumaya Frick of the University of Arizona led a workshop on inclusiveness and focus education.

Hands-On Workshop-Led Event

The biggest difference with this learning festival was the large component of hands-on workshops. We felt that rather than take the usual approach of one-way communication, it would be better for all participants to get involved in their own learning.

Vivian Harberts and Melanie Schall look at new learning paths for training staff

Dr Pablo Sempere from the University of Granada ended the festival on a tidal wave of emotions.

Meeting and Networking

Participants came from around the world including from countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the USA.

The project partners busy preparing before delegates arrived

The learning festival was very much hands-on

Participants broke into smaller groups to co-create knowledge

Dr Julian Ng and Dr Brenden Tempest-Mogg with Evarist Bartolo, the former Minister of Education, Malta