Swedish teachers and students explore innovative vocational education practices
ALP Paola offers secondary school students alternative, hands-on learning pathways and a tailored approach to enable them to thrive outside traditional academic settings
A group of Swedish students and educators recently completed a week-long Erasmusplus mobility in Malta, hosted by the Alternative Learning Programme (ALP) in Paola. The international exchange focused on sharing best practices in vocational education, hands-on learning strategies and alternative pathways to youth employment.
The Swedish delegation, comprising nine students and two teachers, immersed themselves in the daily environment of ALP Paola, an educational institution that offers secondary school students alternative, hands-on learning pathways and a tailored approach to enable them to thrive outside traditional academic settings. By focusing on vocational subjects, practical skills, and personalised mentorship, it supports students in transitioning smoothly into further education, apprenticeships or the workforce.
Besides taking part in workshop sessions such as hairdressing, the Swedish students engaged in collaborative project work alongside their Maltese peers, building teamwork and communication skills in an English-speaking environment.
The Swedish students also had the chance to interact with local students by taking part in teambuilding activities and other team games.
An ALP Paola official said: “Hosting our Swedish peers allowed our own students to act as mentors, practise their communication skills and build global perspectives right here in Paola. Erasmusplus projects are more than just travel; it’s about discovering that while our cultures may differ, our educational goals are the same.”
The project aims to foster cross-cultural collaboration, improve vocational skills and highlight how different European nations tackle early school leaving while preparing youth for the modern labour market.
Apart from taking part in school-related activities during the visit, the foreign participants also explored Maltese culture and heritage through guided tours of historical sites, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation of the diversity and common values shared across Europe.
Among the places visited were St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Mdina, Ċittadella, Ta’ Pinu, the Inland Sea at Dwejra and Fungus Rock.
The week concluded with a certificate-awarding ceremony led by school head Josette Spiteri, who emphasised the importance of such European projects that unify the European continent while keeping the uniqueness of each individual country.
Representatives of both institutions expressed interest in maintaining the partnership, with plans for future reciprocal visits and joint European educational initiatives already under way.
Emanwel Zammit is an automobile engineering teacher and Erasmus projects coordinator at ALP Paola.