Rose Vella was 69 years old when she decided to set off on a journey that would not only alter the way she viewed learning, but also her life itself. 

Born at a time when education for everyone was not as valued as it is now, Rose lived most of her life without being able to read or write her native language, Maltese. It was only after finding out that there are classes for adults in her same situation, that she decided to join. She started to attend a foundational literacy course in Maltese offered by the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability, within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation. 

The Directorate is committed towards defeating the barriers to education for individuals who are over 15 years old, offering courses that are made for a wide range of needs. Essential literacy is one of these course options, designed to provide adults with the foundational skills in reading, writing, and understanding language. Through supportive teaching and a sense of belonging, learners are empowered to communicate better, understand each other, and look for fresh opportunities that come along with learning.  

With the patience and guidance of her educator, Rose began to discover the world of letters that had remained inaccessible to her for decades. "I felt like I didn't know anything," were Rose’s words. Her new ability to read and write has opened a world of potential, allowing her to borrow books and discover stories and knowledge that were beyond her reach throughout her childhood and most of her adult life. “The fact that I can understand more of what goes on around me, the fact that I can follow and actually take interest in things, has completely changed my life,” said Rose. 

Connie Dimech, her educator, has a teaching philosophy that challenges the outdated belief that only the young are suited for education. In addition, she reflects critically on the educational landscape of the past. "School seemed to be reserved only for those who were considered intelligent in the traditional sense of the word. Classes were mixed, and teachers back then did not cater for the individual needs of students. It stands to reason that only those who were considered ‘good’ students could really advance in their studies," she explained. "Some people were left behind, even though they were intelligent in their own way, missing essential opportunities to catch up. But we are here today to confirm that the truth is, it's never too late."

In her classes, adults from various backgrounds come together, united in their willingness to learn. Connie keeps motivating them by reiterating her belief that every individual has the capacity to learn, regardless of their previous bad experience, their previous grades, or any other factor that might make them believe otherwise. The adult educator compares her mission in life to restoring a badly built scaffolding. “My task is to tear down the bad scaffolding first, those pre-conceived notions that linger at the back of their head, telling them they don’t deserve to learn, or that they are not good enough. Once the faulty scaffolding is down, we start to build again, bit by bit, and there is nothing more satisfying that witnessing the sturdiness with which the new scaffolding goes up. It’s nothing short of a new lease on life for my students,” explained Connie with a sense of pride. 

“The key for us educators is to be understanding. We always keeping in mind that these adults have gone through great mental and physical lengths to be present at these lessons,” explained Connie, who is aware that unlike younger learners, adult learners often have great responsibilities waiting for them at home. She feels responsible to make every minute of their time worthwhile, and her efforts are paying off. “I often end up in a situation in which they correct each other and compete in a friendly way against each other!” she said fondly. 

All this aligns effortlessly with the National Lifelong Learning Strategy's vision for the period of 2023-2030. The first pillar of this strategy focuses on educational opportunities for adults with low skills and qualifications, who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. Central initiatives include the rollout of The National Basic Skills Guidelines for Adults, designed to accurately evaluate, and improve adult essential skills. Additionally, this pillar promotes the development of problem-solving tools and progress tracking systems to provide customised learning opportunities and guidance. It also highlights the need for increased financial support to assist learners who face substantial challenges, including an early departure from formal education.

The stories of Rose Vella and Connie Dimech's experience serve as testimonials that lifelong learning is not just about learning new skills or knowledge; it's also about overcoming fears and pre-conceived ideas. It’s about the sacrifices made to attend classes, the determination to push through challenges, and the joy of achieving something that once seemed impossible.

Lifelong learning course applications will open on July 11th. To apply, please visit www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt. You can also inquire about these courses at any Local Council or servizz.gov hub.