Articles written by

Andrew Azzopardi

Volume 6-Issue 1: June 2008

A Raison d’Etre for Multicultural Education in Malta

This paper aims at reflecting on the transformation of educational environments and practices into ones that are just and democratic in increasingly diverse communities. We need to critically analyze the discourses around ethnically diverse children within schools in Malta. Such analysis can raise awareness about their educational experiences and how these are influenced by the ideas, attitudes and actions of the members of mainstream schools. This can in turn lead to a greater commitment towards the democratization of educational practices and the development of educational environments that are responsive to cultural differences. The presence of minority cultures in our schools can thus become a stimulus for developing open-minded citizens that, instead of feeling threatened by the increasing diversity of people in our country, will feel that they have an opportunity for growing into more humane, engaged and active global citizens.
22 min read
Volume 17-Issue 2: December 2023

Factors affecting ICT education among vulnerable minors in Malta: Findings of the Star Kids Research Project

This paper identifies and discusses needs and gaps among minors aged 5-17 years who, at the time of the study, resided in out-of-home care and/or made use of community-based welfare services. The discussion is informed by mixed-methods study research carried out in 2018 as part of the project ‘Star Kids – Reaching Out: Improving the Life Chances of Vulnerable Children’. Star Kids’ objectives included developing and delivering a nationally accredited ICT training course for vulnerable minors; in a context where digitization is often described as ubiquitous, yet its experience is complex and not universal. In this paper, data analysed include responses to a questionnaire administered to minors; and data from focus groups with minors, their parents/guardians, and professionals working with the cohort under study. The study found high ICT usage, albeit with gender-based and age-based differences. Gaming, streaming and downloading prevailed among boys and 5–11-year-olds; use of social media prevailed among girls. Most minors considered themselves as self-learnt ICT users; yet the study flagged the need for more support for minors with low socio-economic backgrounds. The study identified shortcomings in the infrastructure available. Recommendations include investment in state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure in residential homes and community centres; further research to assess impacts of COVID-19 on this study’s findings; policy development that steers ICT education towards participatory and empowered involvement of parents /guardians; and that dwells on participants’ existing ICT knowledge and skills.