Two educators from St Jeanne Antide College’s Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Tarxien, took part in EU-sponsored professional development
Earlier this year, I took part in an Erasmusplus course on São Miguel Island in the Azores that offered an immersive and hands-on experience in sustainability and outdoor education.
The course combined classroom discussions, cultural exchange and extensive outdoor activities across the diverse landscapes of the Azores. This enriching experience allowed me to connect with nature, explore innovative teaching methods, and reflect on how I can incorporate sustainability into my home economics and hospitality lessons.
The course provided participants with new teaching strategies on how to integrate sustainability across various subjects. We learned about organic agriculture, the dangers of pesticides and the importance of protecting local ecosystems, and studied real-life examples of sustainability, such as reuse of invasive plants, forest regeneration and community-based conservation.
We visited the Priolo Centre and learnt about protecting endangered species like the Azorean bullfinch.
We discussed the harmful effects of pesticides, the importance of organic food and the six ‘Rs’ of sustainability: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle.
The outdoor learning sessions were particularly impactful. We engaged in forest games using sounds, textures and leaves – experiences that I can easily adapt to the classroom. I also appreciated the chance to slow down and connect with nature: listening to insects, noticing the details of plants and enjoying the fresh air. I wished I had more time in the wild to truly immerse myself in the natural beauty of the Azores.».
Source: Times of Malta, 9 November 2025
