Successful conclusion and exciting new beginnings to education Erasmus+ funded projects

Originating with an innovative idea, to develop and collate the best practice in environmental education, BirdLife Malta has pioneered new approaches to outdoor learning in Malta, resultantly impacting thousands of children, youths and adults across Europe. The project is called Lifelong Learning through Nature (LLN).

In September 2014, BirdLife Malta embarked on a three-year journey to research and develop new ways of connecting people to nature. Lifelong Learning through Nature developed a strong network of partners from Poland, Ireland and the UK through the BirdLife International partnership. This partnership also included the Ministry for Education and Employment in Malta, whose support has been vital to pilot new programmes in education on a national scale in Malta.

During the project’s timeline the partnership has developed new programmes for Early years (0five-year-olds), Primary and secondary schools, Teacher training, Youth groups of all ages, as well as hosting numerous events for members of the public. Research carried out by Dr Mark Mifsud from the University of Malta, on the impact of environmental education, demonstrated a desperate need for people to have regular contact with nature due to the physical and mental health benefits gained. This is increasingly important with the majority of the Maltese population living in urbanised settings.

Lifelong Learning through Nature came to a close on 31 August with a celebration event at Salina Nature Reserve.

However, the journey in BirdLife Malta’s development of best practice environmental education programmes continues with our new Erasmus+ project, One World Learning. This project aims to promote diversity, citizenship, language learning, integrated science, teamwork and critical thinking in an environmental context for children, youths and adults.