On Monday, May 27th, 2024, the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) launched the Active Citizenship Series with an insightful session led by Dr. Francois Mifsud, delving into the profound lessons from the Holocaust. This event was held at the Msida Lifelong Learning Centre.

The session captivated attendees, who actively engaged in the discussion, encouraged by Dr. Mifsud to voice their opinions and perspectives. Dr. Mifsud highlighted the Nazis' systematic dehumanization of various groups they considered inferior and as pests, emphasizing that race is a social construct rather than a scientific fact. In fact as stated by Dr. Mifsud, this pest discourse is still used by some in 2024 towards people who are LGBTQI and even immigrants. He also critiqued the notion of 'progress,' pointing out the complexities in defining national identity as societies are constantly changing. To address contemporary issues from the Holocaust lens, Dr. Mifsud used the concept of exclusion and the example of lack of accessibility for people with disabilities. The session also explored the totalitarian ideologies driving Nazism, Nationalism, and Fascism.

Drawing on the work of sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, Dr. Mifsud argued that the horrors of the Holocaust were a product of modernity, a sobering reminder that modern society has yet to fully reconcile with this dark chapter of history.

After the session, participants filled out evaluation forms, offering numerous positive comments that underscored the session's relevance and impact. They were enthusiastic to come to the next session of ‘A Democratic Way of Life Series’ which will be held on Monday 10th June 2024 and shall deal with ‘Colonialism: As seen, We see.’