Participant Report: Job Shadowing Experience in Malta

Overview

In early 2025, three participants, accompanied by a team member from Paragon, engaged in a job shadowing activity in Malta. The program was meticulously organized to provide a comprehensive understanding of Malta's sustainable development initiatives, educational advancements, and cultural heritage. We are really proud to have had the chance to experience this through our Capacité Plus project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ and the European Union.

Activities and Insights

• Cultural Immersion in Mdina and Valletta

The experience commenced with a visit to Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history. Walking through its narrow, winding streets offered a glimpse into Malta's past. Later, in Valletta, the current capital, an official tour highlighted its Baroque architecture, fortifications, and significant landmarks. An early dinner provided an opportunity to discuss the upcoming activities and address any queries.

• Visit to Msida Primary School

The following day featured a visit to Msida Primary School, where we met with Ing. Mel Zarb, the engineer responsible for constructing Malta's first Zero Carbon school. On-site, he provided an in-depth explanation of the project's design, challenges, and the innovative solutions implemented to achieve zero carbon emissions. The pedagogical team there is a strong team, very committed and welcoming. During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting the dedicated pedagogical team. Their commitment to providing quality education was evident in their innovative teaching methods and the welcoming atmosphere they fostered. The team's enthusiasm and professionalism left a lasting impression on us, highlighting the school's role as a model for educational excellence.

• Engagement with Altern Company

In the afternoon, we visited Altern, a company specializing in building energy audits. Meeting with Ing. Matthew Spiteri, we delved into the methodologies employed in conducting energy assessments, the importance of energy efficiency in building design, and the impact of their work on Malta's sustainability goals.

• Exploration of Xrobb l-Għaġin Eco Park

The subsequent day was dedicated to exploring the Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park and Sustainable Development Centre, managed by Nature Trust. The park, spanning over 155,000 square meters on a peninsula in southeastern Malta, serves as an educational center promoting sustainable environmental solutions. The team elaborated on their efforts in transforming historical structures into energy-efficient facilities and introduced us to the EKOSKOLA program, an initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness in schools. 

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Visit to the ECOHIVE Complex and Sant'Antnin Family Park

We had the opportunity to visit the ECOHIVE Complex, Malta's largest investment in waste management, driving the nation towards a circular economy. Although the auditorium was closed, we explored other facilities within the complex. Here, we encountered the "Garbage Monster," an installation designed to educate visitors about waste reduction and environmental conservation.Following this, we visited the Sant'Antnin Family Park, a former landfill transformed into a recreational area. 

• Reflection and Discussion at Golden Bay and Mellieħa

  
  

The final morning was reserved for a visit to Golden Bay and Mellieħa. This setting provided a serene environment for reflection and discussion on the insights gained throughout the week. We deliberated on the applicability of the observed practices in our respective contexts and outlined potential collaborative efforts for the future.

Conclusion

The job shadowing experience in Malta was profoundly enriching, offering valuable perspectives on sustainable development, innovative educational practices, and the integration of environmental consciousness into community initiatives. The blend of cultural exploration and professional engagements provided a holistic understanding of Malta's approach to sustainability and education. The knowledge and experiences acquired during this program are anticipated to inform and enhance our future projects and collaborations.