Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar met with educators and school administrators participating in training on how educational institutions can be better prepared to address disinformation, polarisation, and narratives that run counter to human rights, the Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights said in a statement.
The training is based on 'Addressing Anti-Rights Discourse in Education,' developed as part of the Inclusive Education Toolkit by the Council of Europe and IGLYO - the International LGBTQI Youth and Student Organisation.
It is designed using a participatory approach and adapted to the Maltese educational context, featuring practical exercises, discussions, and scenarios based on situations that may arise within educational communities.
During the meeting with the participants, the Minister emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for educators and school leadership teams, particularly in light of the new realities facing children and young people.
"I am well aware that education is constantly evolving. The realities in which our students live are always changing; therefore, it is essential that our educators continue to be provided with the opportunities, tools, and support necessary to evolve alongside them," Cutajar said.
The Minister also noted that children and young people today are exposed to a world of information far broader than what they encounter in the classroom or at home.
Access to international media, social media, and digital platforms means that their perspectives can be shaped by a constant stream of information and narratives, as well as by the algorithms that influence the content appearing on their screens.
"We cannot attempt to combat or control every piece of information that reaches young people from every corner of the globe. Much of it lies beyond our control. Therefore, we must equip them with the tools to navigate this reality in a critical, responsible, and informed manner," Cutajar said.
In this context, the training explored practical, evidence-based approaches for handling difficult conversations, as well as the role of school leadership in supporting educators, protecting students and staff, and strengthening institutional preparedness, safeguarding, and communication.
The training aimed to enhance participants' ability to recognise how disinformation, anti-rights narratives, and polarisation can emerge and spread within school communities; explored practical and evidence-based ways to address difficult conversations; and identified concrete steps that can strengthen preparation, communication, safeguarding, and shared responsibility within educational institutions.