In the past weeks the Armed Forces of Malta teamed up with the Alternative Learning Programme (ALP) spearheaded by the Education Department, with the aim of providing a holistic approach to character formation.

The idea behind this project was to immerse a group of students aged fifteen to sixteen in a military environment.

Special emphasis was put by military instructors on reinforcing social norms and values present in military ethos. Respect, communication, teamwork and being of service to others, are a few of the fundamental principles that this program was built on.

All AFM regiments were involved in this programme.

In spite of their behavioural challenges that hampered their educational progress in Form V, students volunteered for this experience hoping to explore a different lifestyle and improve their knowledge base. Sixteen students commenced this programme with eleven managing to complete the 17 day experience.

The programme was divided into three phases. The first part consisted of 10 days focused on teamwork and discipline, whilst the second phase was on job training at several technical departments of the force be it mechanic workshops, engineering, carpentry and administrative offices.

The final phase was focused on community service at Dar tal-Providenza where students were encouraged to help others in need.

The course came to a close with a ceremony hosted by the AFM at Luqa Barracks where, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Mr Carmelo Abela and the Minister for Education and Employment Mr Evarist Bartolo were welcomed by the AFM’s Deputy Commander Col Mark Mallia.

In his address, Minister Abela told students that “every man or woman is presented with learning opportunities in life on a daily basis, but you are very lucky to have dedicated teachers and service members who care for your wellbeing.”

Minister Bartolo emphasised on the relevance of such programmes and told students to keep this certificate in their portfolio as future employers would be looking out for students with a holistic formation.

Major Edric Zahra, who is the AFM’s Civil Military Cooperation Officer, and was in charge of the programme, described the behavioural improvement and change of attitude this project had on students.

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