The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers within the Ministry for Education and Employment launched its learning programme for Lifelong Learning Courses [1] starting in October 2015.
The directorate is now receiving applications for around 550 adult learning courses in 100 different subjects and 140 courses in the visual and performing arts. For the courses available by venue in Gozo and Malta please see here [2].
During a press conference earlier today, Minister Evarist Bartolo emphasised the importance of developing a learning culture by inspiring people with a sense of purpose and possibility, particularly those who have felt excluded and those who are not in education or training.
Director Mario Cardona spoke about the EU2020 target to increase adult learning participation to 15% of the adult population aged 25 to 64. “The directorate is offering learning opportunities for people of all ages and is developing programmes to respond to different learner needs.”
The adult learning programme includes essential skills courses, language courses and vocational courses. Individuals and communities need to acquire skills which are relevant to their lives, their needs and their work.
He explained that the Directorate offers policy guidance on lifelong learning and organises courses through more personalised and innovative approaches to education. It aims to ensure that there are learning benefits for different sectors: individuals, communities, employers and society at large.
The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Early School Leavers is also responsible for Visual and Performing Arts Schools in Malta and Gozo. Namely, the Johann Strauss School of Music, the Malta Drama Centre, the School of Art and the Visual and Performing Arts School in Gozo [3].
These schools provide training in art, dance, drama and music. The main focus is the provision of a learner-centred curriculum which promotes creativity, reflection and the development of lifelong learners.