The Malta–Ethiopia Connecting Classrooms Project, funded through Malta’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), was successfully presented during a special event at the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (COSP11) in Doha, Qatar, on 17 December 2025. The initiative drew strong interest from participants, highlighting its relevance to global ethics, integrity, and youth empowerment.
What began as a bold idea to connect Maltese and Ethiopian students through ethical and intercultural learning has exceeded expectations, inspiring both students and educators and demonstrating the transformative power of integrity-based education across borders. Hon. Dr Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister, has been central to this vision, endorsing the project’s integrity-driven objectives and personally engaging during his official visit to Ethiopia, including classroom sessions there and in Malta. His involvement underscores Malta’s leadership in promoting education as a cornerstone of international cooperation and sustainable development, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ethical governance and youth empowerment.
The Malta–Ethiopia Connecting Classrooms Project exemplifies a strong commitment to fostering integrity, global citizenship, and educational diplomacy. Rooted in the principles showcased at COSP11, the initiative bridges cultures and empowers youth through shared learning experiences.
Project Overview and Objectives
Developed in partnership with UNODC under its GRACE Initiative, the project promotes ethics and integrity education aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It connects schools in Malta and Ethiopia through collaborative learning experiences, fostering global citizenship and shared values. Teachers were trained using UNESCO–UNODC resources, including the Handbook for Secondary School Teachers and innovative tools.
Key Achievements
- School-Level Impact: Integrity principles were mainstreamed across eight participating schools (four in Malta, four in Ethiopia), strengthening collaboration and embedding ethical practices in school culture.
- Teacher Capacity Building: 29 educators completed training, with 22 volunteering for extended engagement. Post-project evaluations show 93.8% of teachers reported high satisfaction and 88% gained new knowledge applicable to classroom practice.
- Student Engagement: Over 200 students participated in interactive activities—roleplays, integrity walks, and creative projects—boosting confidence in discussing ethics. Surveys revealed that 84% felt more connected to peers in the partner country, and 62% expressed strong interest in joining similar initiatives again.
Impact and Global Significance
The project demonstrates how cross-border educational collaboration can advance anti-corruption values and nurture ethical leadership among youth. By integrating integrity education into curricula and promoting cultural exchange, the initiative supports national reforms in Malta and Ethiopia while contributing to UNCAC’s objectives. Its success positions Malta as a champion of innovative ethics education and international cooperation.
Looking Ahead
Building on this momentum, plans include expanding to more schools, reinforcing teacher training, and leveraging digital tools to scale impact. The project’s evidence-based model offers a replicable approach for other nations seeking to embed integrity in education systems.
