LEONARDO DA VINCI PROJECT - APPLICATION OF LACE MAKING TRADITION IN TOURISM AND EMPLOYMENT POLICY IN EUROPE

The third meeting of the Leonardo da Vinci Project entitled ‘Application of Lace Making Tradition in Tourism and Employment Policy in Europe' was held in Gozo between March 30^th, 2001 and April 2^nd, 2001. Previous meetings were held in Idrija (Slovenia) in August 2001 and Gorizia (Italy) in December 2000. Further meetings are planned to be held in Koeg – Denmark at the end of May 2001 and the final one in Idrija – Slovenia during August 2001.

The four lace School participants come from Idrija (Slovenia) – the main contractor, Gorizia (Italy), Moravia (Denmark) and the Wistin Camilleri School of Fine Arts (Gozo). The Gozitan participants were Mr Joseph Buttigieg – Head of School, Ms Consiglia Azzopardi and Ms Frances Buttigieg – Lace teachers of the same school and Ms Silvana Grech – School Secretary and also secretary to delegation.

Guests of honour for the opening session, which was held on 30^th March 2001 were Hon Giovanna Debono – Minister for Gozo, Mr John Cremona – Director Customer Services at the Gozo Ministry, Mr Michael Cassar – Assistant Director in the Education Office Gozo branch, Mr Joe Grima – Officer in charge of the Evening Classes Section at the Education Office Gozo branch and Mr Manuel Saliba – Chairman of the Wistin Camilleri School of Fine Arts School Council.

In her welcoming speech, the Hon Minister for Gozo emphasized the importance of craftsmanship in general and lace making in particular. She also mentioned the various steps taken in the last fifteen years in the revival of various local traditional crafts, the importance of preserving each country's identity through craftsmanship and the importance of cooperation and exchanging of ideas with different countries. Finally she wished all participants a wonderful stay in Gozo.

During the three day seminar, the main topics discussed were lace as a distance learning project, teaching modules for teachers and trainers, the procedure of recruitment of lace teachers and the publication of the final document.

The final document is to be printed in five languages namely English, Maltese, Italian, Danish and Slovenian.