The head of the Malta Drama Centre (MDC) was invited by the EUPU (National Agency) in Valletta to attend a Grundtvig2 learning Conference in October 2006 in Tuusla, Finland. Some 125 participants, including animators, directors, cultural project managers and representatives of National Agencies from all 25 members States of the EU, as well as those from Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, attended the conference. The MDC director, Mario Azzopardi, was accompanied by Mauro Miceli, the Grundtvig coordinator in Malta.

The Tuusla Convenium focused on learning partnerships across Europe and how such initiatives enhanced the European dimension in member states and accession candidates.

An evaluation report on expectations from the Conference highlighted the sharing of experience, networking and working methods as the three main areas of interest.

Throughout the 3-day conference emphasis was laid on exploring the relationship between creativity, culture and lifelong learning, especially in overcoming social exclusion. Specific workshops highlighted mobility among partners, working methods and ICT as a medium, not only in terms of utilitarian skills but as an entitlement to active citizenship and joint working tool in lifelong learning.

Mr. Azzopardi was invited to conduct a practical session of good practice related to social, interactive theatre, while Mr. Miceli was nominated rapporteur of the ICT debate.

The conference was addressed by several experts, including Ms Teresa Oliveira from the European Commission. Ms Oliveira gave valued indications of the new directions for Grundtvig programmes from 2007 to 2013. The main thrust of the objectives will stress lifelong learning for sustainable development and social cohesion, especially in view of unhealthy demographic, educational and cultural data across Europe. For instance, there are six million early school leavers in the EU and 32% of Europe�s workface are not skilled, a percentage which translates into 75 million people. It is estimated that al least, 4 million people in Europe require immediate participation in lifelong learning programmes.

The key points of difference between the pre-2007 and post-2007 Grundtvig programmes relate to:
(i) the opening of the programmes to candidate countries;
(ii) proportionate funding;
(iii) partnerships for two years with no renewal;
(iv) the allotment of a lump sum with evidence of action;
(v) new mobility types and
(vi) new forms of individual mobility.

Unfortunately, funds will be drastically reduced and it was observed that this is a flagrant incoherence to the professed EU insistence on sustainability and social coherence. The EC representative admitted that there could be real problems in managing the new generation of programmes with the proposed funds.

Future challenges will involve the joining up of lifelong learning with creative methodology and a vision to �de-school� institutions and transform them into core social centres. Personalizing education is of crucial importance and responsible, creative practice should cater predominantly for those with the least social/cultural baggage. Adult learning networks should make sure that there is a clear strategy to promote active self-reliance, and a critical consciousness among citizens, encompassing European realities.

The Conference in Finland was marked by consistently high motivation, passion and an authentic disposition towards productive outcomes. A warm and communicative atmosphere was much in evidence.

The Malta Drama Centre representative was approached by several prospective partners who showed keen interest in discovering and exploring Forum Theatre as a catalyst in lifelong learning missions. Interested would-be partners came from Italy, the UK, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria and Turkey.

The Drama Centre is a protagonist in the gestation and animation of Forum Theatre programmes and for the past six years has been involved in several projects funded by the European Commission. The Malta Drama Centre forms part of the actual Learning and Further Studies section of the Ministry of Education Youth and Employment.

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Grundtvig2 Conference
Tuusla, Finland - October 2006