The morning of the second day of the “Steps of Knowledge” Conference, held as part of the Global Citizenship practical module, began with a visit to the American University of Malta.
The university welcomed the participants with a delightful reception, setting an inspiring tone for the day :)
Then, a professor from the American University of Malta, in a warm, almost fatherly and friendly manner, spoke to the students about the key qualities of a person who chooses the path of global citizenship, as well as the role universities play in today’s world in advancing the idea of global citizenship.
What followed?
a tour of the library;
exploration of the unique campus building;
a discussion with the professor about modern challenges and unresolved issues being addressed both at the university and globally.
Such meetings help students better understand the atmosphere of higher education institutions, learn about promising fields of study, and reflect on their future career choices.
Then, the conference participants gathered at Malta Crown International School, where they returned to the discussion of what Global Citizenship means.
The students took part in a team-based activity that encouraged them to reflect on the following questions:
Who can be called a global citizen?
How is this expressed in practice?
What principles shape the mindset of a global citizen?
What skills should they possess?
An important conclusion the students reached was that global citizenship begins with personal choices. Even a small step is a contribution to a more just and sustainable world.
A vivid example of a person who made a profound impact on the world through creativity for the students was Walt Disney — a man who created a “culture of happiness” and inspired millions around the globe.
Key lessons the students took from Walt Disney’s story:
It is important to make a decision — this is the first step toward any dream.
A dream without skills remains just a fantasy. To bring an idea to life, you need to develop your abilities.
Teamwork is the key to success. One person can lay the foundation, but a big dream can only be realized together with others.
Obstacles are not a reason to give up. Challenges make the journey more meaningful and valuable.
After learning about Walt Disney’s life, the conference participants watched a presentation prepared by the team from Global Banking School Malta, dedicated to an important topic — the ability to work in a team.
Now the students are ready to move forward with team projects and start developing their own products!