Re-inventing Freire in a Maltese context

Abstract

This study focuses on how Paulo Freire is being interpreted in a Maltese adult context. The research was specifically carried out at the institution that names itself after the Brazilian educator, namely the Jesuit-run Paulo Freire Institute at Zejtun. An in-depth analysis of the educational provision available at this institution is presented in this study. The analysis of the adult courses provided at the Paulo Freire Institute is based on Freire' s own writings. The data was gathered through participant observation and in-depth interviews with volunteers and people attending the Paulo Freire Institute, as well as interviews with important sources of information within the locality of Zejtun, where the institute is based. The scope of the study was to provide answers to the following questions: 1. Are the programme organisers, educators and participants, at the Freire Institute, being faithful to the thought of the person from whom they claim to obtain their inspiration? 2. Is this a question of Freire being co-opted? 3. If not co-opted, how are Freire's ideas being developed or re-invented in this context? 4. What potential exists within the institution and its surrounding community (Zejtun) to carry the Freirean project forward?