Study Visit on Interfaith Dialogue and Youth Work in Malta

Dates & venue:

2 (arrival by 18h at the airport) - 6 December (departure after breakfast) 2024, 3 working days, Malta

Theme:

To address the topic of (cultural) diversity, SALTO Inclusion & Diversity RC, in cooperation with the Network of the National Agencies of the Erasmus+: Youth in Action and European Solidarity Corps programmes, has planned 3 thematic “Embracing diversity” cycles, each covering a period of 2 years.

After closing the cycle on anti-racism, in 2024 we start addressing the topic of interfaith dialogue. We want to take on a journey through faith, belief and how to build projects to encompass different perspectives in  youth & community projects.

Religion is often seen as a source of difference and conflict, but does it have to be that way? In a world where (religious) identity often divides, we seek to explore the potential of religion as a solution and a catalyst for cultural diplomacy. Interfaith dialogue is becoming increasingly recognised by governments and institutions, as crucial for building cohesive communities. By perceiving interfaith dialogue as a positive resource and engaging in it meaningfully, we can build bridges across diverse communities, promote understanding, respect and peace.

What is interfaith dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this study visit.

We want to create space for inspiration & reflection and look into ways to build constructive dialogue and analyse our own and the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs.

This study visit will guide participants through interfaith dialogue and youth work approaches and practices in Malta and what we can learn from it.

During the activity we will hear experts, visit local projects and meet organizations working on interfaith dialogue, community and peace building to see and discuss challenges and good practices in our work. This will allow us to have a closer look at the basic elements of interfaith dialogue, its potential and limits, as well its value and relevance today for young people in Malta and in  the countries of participants.

We’ll explore different layers and different dynamics of interfaith dialogue, issues of religious discrimination, religion and politics.

We want to discuss the pressing matters and challenges affecting interfaith dialogue and get inspired to make our programmes and organisations more inclusive and embracing of human differences.

The study visit builds on 5 ID Talks webinars (www.salto-youth.net/idtalks) and a seminar “Power of interfaith dialogue”, October 2024, Austria. It will be followed up with a training course and partnership building activity in 2025. The input from those different events will be fed into the publication “Power of interfaith dialogue”.

Aim 

To develop youth workers 'diversity management’ skills in order to create better opportunities for young people faced with or at risk of religious discrimination.

Objectives:

• To gain better understanding of interfaith dialogue as a tool for youth work through exploration of the different approaches and practices in Malta.
• To get inspired and reflect on our own system of believes, values, polices and organisational practices.
• To exchange realities, challenges and variety of ways of promoting interfaith dialogue as a mean for bridging communities.
• To strengthen inter-faith dialogue and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals.

Participants' profile

Max 22 professionals working directly with young people on a regular basis. This includes youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, social and health workers, employment officers… interested in fostering positive dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives and contributing to community and peace-building initiatives. Believers, atheists, doubters or seekers.

• Participants who work with young people with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs and/or minority and migrant background, will be given priority.
• Interested in developing their diversity management skills and interfaith dialogue practices  
• International experience is not a must. 
• Able to work in (international) English.
• From E+: YiA Programme and Partner countries

Team

Seminar is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity, the Maltese and Polish National Agency for the E+ programme, with the support of the Italian NA.

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