Training programme for formators in Malta

What do Austria, Germany, Poland, Ireland, Great Britain, Malta and Spain have in common? These are countries (grouped into different Lasallian districts within RELEM) that have sent representatives to the training programme for trainers organised by RELEM, with a view to promoting the creation and consolidation of teams of trainers at local and district level. And this training took place at the fantastic La Salle Spirituality Centre in Melliha, Malta.

Austria: Julia Harrauer-Fichtinger (Central Europe)

Germany: Steffi Mayer (Central Europe)

Ireland: Anna Baird and Brian Halpin (IGBM)

Great Britain: Paul Johnson and Stan Millea (IGBM)

Malta: Claudia Vella and Mariella Vella (IGBM)

Poland: Iwona Arolska, Magda Bender, Aga Józefowicz (Poland)

Arlep: Maria José Sánchez, Maite Pardina (Arlep)

The training programme was delivered across three modules, two of which were face-to-face (June 2025 and 2026), spanning two academic years and involving a core group of trainers specialising in the various fields covered across these three modules: Br. Aidan Kilty (IGBM), Joseph Gilson (IGBM), Joke Maex (Northern Belgium), Julia Mayer (Central Europe) and Tomeu Martorell (Arlep)

The feedback from all participants has been very positive. The shared experience, with participants coming from such different backgrounds and contexts, has highlighted the unity and diversity of the Region. We felt the spirit of La Salle filling the room during moments of prayer, formation, reflection, sharing, celebration, laughter and simply being together…

The experience has not only enhanced our knowledge and our understanding of different working strategies, but has also provided a slightly deeper insight into the political, social and economic realities of the countries that make up the Region.

The training was conducted entirely in English: the readings, the presentations, the discussions, the prayers, the moments of fellowship… and this did not prevent the formation of bonds that we are sure will endure over the years. The effort was shared by all, both by those for whom English is their native language and by those who had to use it even though it is not their usual language of communication. But this reality meant that everyone appreciated it when someone spoke more slowly and took care with their pronunciation, and that others were reminded of their secondary school English lessons. What mattered was the willingness to communicate and to understand one another.

The pace of the training has allowed for leisurely reading, walks in the wonderful Maltese countryside, time for personal and group reflection, and the sharing of training experiences from each participant’s home context.

If anyone is interested in taking part in the third edition of this training programme, the registration period runs from September to December 2026. To do so, we recommend contacting the relevant education officer in your home district.

Tomeu Martorell