Gozo school in Comenius project

This month, together with my colleagues, I had the opportunity to represent St Francis School of Victoria, Gozo, at a meeting held in Valencia, Spain, to evaluate the second year of our Comenius project and formulate plans for the third year. This rewarding and informative experience was funded by the European Commission.

The hosting school, Ambaixador E. Beltran in Almassora, is co-ordinating the project which includes two other schools from Rabka, Poland, and Biancavila, Sicily.

The main objective of the project is to promote solidarity and exchange experiences through the exploration of different aspects of social diversity within the European culture. The local environment as well as cultural traditions provided an important resource for the creative process. Shared experiences with foreign teachers and quality time shared with children in their classrooms constituted an unforgettable experience.

The planning meetings were held at the same school. Our first project was to compile a multilingual dictionary. All participating schools presented a CD which contained pictures with explanatory words and pronunciation.

In the coming months our students will be working on our projects, namely choreographing a traditional dance routine with typical Gozitan costumes. CDs and videos of the final product will be sent to the partner schools. During this scholastic year students from all the schools will keep in touch by e-mail and letters.

During our stay we had the opportunity to visit historical landmarks within the region, such as Peniscula, Morella and Mirabel. A farewell dinner hosted by the mayor was followed by an official meeting at the town hall where the mayor presented each school with a silver memento.

Our delegation was greatly impressed by the hospitality and friendship offered by the teachers and children alike. Their warmth and congeniality made this educational experience unforgettable and very rewarding.