Malta - New course on the Salesian educational approach for educators of the Friends of Don Bosco
Malta – November 2024 - Nurturing hearts through loving kindness and reason is at the heart of the Salesian educational approach. This philosophy was the driving force behind 'Nurturing Hearts', an Erasmus+ course designed to inspire youth workers to apply methods based on the principles of Salesian education in a non-formal environment. Hosted by the "Friends of Don Bosco" of Malta, the course welcomed participants from Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Spain, Denmark, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, uniting them in a shared mission to create safe and transformative spaces for young people. During the course, the participants explored five spaces to nourish in the life of a young person: home, school, playground, church and theatre. Together, these spaces lay the foundation for a supportive and empowering learning environment. The event also took participants on a journey of self-discovery through the Enneagram's personality types (the system is a map that describes personality according to nine main models), guiding participants towards a greater understanding of both themselves and others. Through interactive workshops, participants learned how the Salesian approach emphasises the importance of relationships, values and presence in education. By the end of this course, one message was clear: through happiness and understanding, education can be uniquely personalised for each individual. The enthusiasm and active commitment of all those involved made this experience truly unforgettable.