The European Commission awarded the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) with the 2022 European Innovative Teaching Award for work related to the Erasmus+ KA2 project code-named Connect2018 in the category of ‘Learning together, promoting creativity and sustainability in VET schools.

The project brought together the cities of Valletta and Leeuwarden, the European Capitals of Culture, in 2018. MCAST as the lead partner, teamed up with three VET schools from the Leeuwarden area in the Netherlands and also partners in Bulgaria and Italy in various project activities.

The activities brought together students from MCAST and the Netherlands who worked creatively and developed and produced significant project outputs celebrating the European Capitals of Culture. The project was acknowledged at EC level as an innovative teaching experience and rewarded with this prize.

Speaking about the successful project, Deputy Principal for Business Development and Communication Mr Stephen Vella, who led the initiative, said, “This was truly a best practice and a learning experience for both staff and students. All our institutes collaborated to create a web portal, a children’s book, an opera project, info pods, the setting up of commercial companies and a sustainable souvenir. Students could experience how different sectors ranging from design, food technology, fashion, business, and IT could come together to create innovative products. This award encourages us to keep persevering in our hands-on approach to teaching and learning.”

                                                                                                                           

The picture shows the awards received by Ms Melanie Mizzi, Project Coordinator, Lecturer at IBMC and Ing Louis Aquilina, Director of Erasmus+ Projects and Mobility Office receiving the award on behld of the College from Mr Joseph Schembri, CEO, EUPA and Mr Emile Vassallo, Director General (Directorate for Educational Services – DES).