International training sessions
Real workshops, practical delivery and international groups learning together.
25 years · Erasmus+ & CERV accredited
Education that changes lives, from an island that inspires them.
Genista Research Foundation is a Malta-based NGO building European partnerships and running teacher training on the UNESCO heritage island of Gozo.
25+
Years of experience
300+
EU projects delivered
2,000+
Educators trained
30
Partner countries
About Genista
A European NGO with Mediterranean roots.
For a quarter of a century, Genista Research Foundation has worked at the heart of European education — designing projects, training teachers and bringing international communities together on the island of Gozo, Malta.
- Provider for Erasmus
- Based in Gharb, Gozo — a UNESCO heritage island
- Trusted partner across more than 30 European countries
- Specialised in teacher training, youth and adult education
Why Choose Us
The Genista difference.
Six reasons educators and organisations across Europe trust us as their partner.
Accredited Quality
Approved Erasmus+ and CERV provider. Our programmes meet the highest EU standards.
25 Years of Expertise
Over 300 successful projects and 2,000+ trained educators across 25 years.
Personalised Approach
Small groups, tailored programmes and dedicated support from application to follow-up.
European Network
Active partnerships in 30+ countries. We connect you with the right people and projects.
Inspiring Location
Train on a UNESCO heritage island with 300 days of sunshine and zero distractions.
Full Service Support
From grant writing to logistics, we guide partners through every step of the journey.
Meet the Director
Dr Mark Causon
MBA Hons · Pharm Tech · Doctorate of Naturopathy (D.N. Hons) · FIDIAGE · K.S.J
Dr Causon studied Pharmacy before diversifying into Economics with an MBA in Economics and Management from Nitra University, Slovakia. For four years he managed the Europe Direct Mosta office of the European Commission's DG Communications.
Over 18 years in European affairs as consultant, coordinator and project manager — working with companies and local councils in Malta and across Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Germany, France, Sweden, Slovakia, Palestine, Turkey, Tunisia and Norway on EU funding calls.
Applicant and coordinator of 59 approved EU projects and local manager of 105 approved projects — Leader+, FP6, Leonardo, Grundtvig, Youth in Action, ERDF and EAFRD. Currently managing a €2.8M LIFE+ project for Malta's Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change.
External tutor for Master's students at 17 European universities and institutes (France, Italy, Slovakia, Turkey and Réunion). Former External Expert with the EACEA, advisor to DG Communication's Pan-European EDIC working group, and Maltese expert on the COST action for pathogen-informed sustainable crop resistance.
In March 2013, Mark was elected to the Pembroke Local Council.
EU Projects
Projects that connect Europe.
A selection of our ongoing and completed initiatives under Erasmus+, CERV and Interreg.
Erasmus+ KA154-YOU
● Ongoing
Building Bridges
The European Youth Peacebuilding Lab
A dynamic initiative empowering young Europeans to become peacebuilders and agents of social change through innovative training, dialogue and intercultural exchange.
2025-1-MT01-KA154-YOU-000304887
Erasmus+ KA220-YOU
● Ongoing
DELARTE
Social Entrepreneurship Skills Labs for Youth Art Workers
Cooperation partnership equipping youth art workers with social entrepreneurship skills to turn creativity into sustainable community impact.
2024-1-MT01-KA220-YOU-000251732
Erasmus+ KA210-VET
● Completed
Hub of the Future — New Skills for New Jobs
Teacher training on AI and newest technologies
Small-scale partnership preparing VET teachers to integrate AI and emerging technologies into classrooms, co-delivered with the New Skills for New Jobs initiative.
2024-1-MT01-KA210-VET-000243527
Erasmus+ KA210-VET
● Completed
New Skills for New Jobs
Future-ready competences for educators
Partner initiative of Hub of the Future — equipping teachers and trainers with the digital, green and entrepreneurial skills the next generation of jobs demands.
2024-1-MT01-KA210-VET-000243527
Erasmus+ KA154-YOU
● Completed
Youth — Renewed Policy Agenda on LGBTQ+ Rights
Participatory inclusion for young Europeans
Youth-led policy dialogue promoting LGBTQ+ rights, participatory inclusion and equal voice for young people across Europe.
2024-2-MT01-KA154-YOU-000258395
Erasmus+ KA154-YOU
● Completed
Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Energy Future
Green skills for the energy transition
A vibrant capacity-building programme giving young Europeans the knowledge, skills and tools to actively participate in the green energy transition.
2024-2-MT01-KA154-YOU-000258395
CERV — Networks of Towns
● Completed
Build it Together
Networks of Towns — cooperation of European councils
European cooperation between municipalities and councils, fostering shared learning on citizenship, equality, rights and democratic values.
CERV-2023-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT · 101136806
Selected past initiatives
Life Beyond — training for youth trainers
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2020-1-MT01-KA105-074126
Climate Change & Migration in EuroMed
Anna Lindh · ALF/CFP/2020/IRP/24
M.E.T.E. — More Education for Tolerant Europe
Erasmus+ KA2 · cultural & religious tolerance
Citizen Oriented Society — with Gharb LC
Europe for Citizens · 615210-CITIZ-1-2019-2-MT
Fairy Tales in Education — refugees among us
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2019-3-MT01-KA105-074034
Cultural Diversity — integration of refugees
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2019-3-MT01-KA105-074033
EnLarge — Enlargement Compare
Europe for Citizens / Remembrance · 609048-CITIZ-1-2019-1-MT
Aware Migrant Integration
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2018-3-MT01-KA105-50980
Refugees in Society
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2018-1-MT01-KA105-038430
Spectator or Actor? (with Submeet, IT)
Erasmus+ KA2 · 2019-1-IT03-KA205-015657
Tell Your Story — media literacy in adult ed.
Erasmus+ KA2 · 2017-1-PL01-KA204-038256
Be Creative & Smart — text analysis & media literacy
Erasmus+ KA1 · 2017-1-PL01-KA105-035908
Exchange of Learning & Teaching Strategies
Erasmus+ KA2 · 2016-1-FR01-KA204-024220
Media Literacy in Adult Education
Erasmus+ KA2 · 2016-1-PL01-KA204-026024
WebTV
Culture Programme · 2012-1623
Audiovisual Production Techniques
Leonardo da Vinci PLM · 2013-1-IT1-LEO02-03895
Celebrating Cultural Heritage — participatory video (Palestine)
EuropeAid · ENPI/2010/245-837
What We Do
Six branches, one mission.
From classrooms and policy papers to organic fields and EU funding — Genista works across six interconnected branches.
Training Department
Registered centre of Informal Education with the Malta Qualifications Council. Training on organic farming, media, communication, EU affairs, intercultural dialogue, economic affairs, management and internationalisation — in Malta and across the EU and beyond.
Intercultural, Migration & Social Work
Working with refugees, minorities and people with fewer opportunities. Coordinator and partner in Erasmus+ KA1/KA2, Anna Lindh Foundation and Europe for Citizens projects on tolerance, cultural diversity and integration.
Media & Communication
Project leadership in EU information, intercultural dialogue and social inclusion through media literacy — Erasmus+ KA1/KA2, Culture Programme, Leonardo da Vinci and EuropeAid (WebTV, participatory video, audiovisual production techniques).
Consultancy & Project Management
One of the leading project-management organisations on the island. Funding consultancy and full project lifecycle delivery for hotels, tour operators, councils, NGOs and SMEs — ERDF, EASME, LIFE+, EU tourism and innovation schemes.
Rinella Nature Reserve
Genista manages an organic farm and nature reserve in Rinella valley — an area of scientific importance where we trial Mediterranean vegetables and propagate local and Mediterranean tree species.
Europe Direct (legacy)
For four years Genista operated the Europe Direct office for Malta under contract from the European Commission — one of 560 EDIC offices linking Maltese citizens, SMEs and NGOs to the EU.
Publications
Research, policy & papers.
Selected publications by Genista researchers on climate, migration, sustainable agriculture, media literacy and European policy.
2025
Climate Risk & Climate Security — ALF Policy Paper
Mark Causon & Carmit Lubanov
Policy paper
2025
AMMPA — Scientific study from Wied ir-Ragħab to Wied il-Mielaħ
Causon, Deidun, Gauci, Marrone, Mifsud, Camilleri
Scientific study
2025
Politics of Climate Justice — The Middle East Version
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Research
2025
Climate of Hope — civic voice in Mediterranean climate policy
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Research
2024
Road map for a sustainable textile & clothing chain
Genista Research Foundation
Strategy
2024
Tahadhari CCS|NS|RS — Migration & Climate Refugees in MENA & Med.
Mark Causon & Carmit Lubanov
Policy paper
2023
Post-COP28: King of Jordan, climate crisis & socio-political vulnerability
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Brief
2023
Mitigation of Climate Risks & Adaptation in Euro-Med — socio-economic prism
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Policy brief
2022
First anniversary of the Athens Declaration — before Sharm summit
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Op-ed
2022
From Paris to Sharm el-Sheikh — a safer road
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Op-ed
2021
Climate Change & Migration in Euro-Med — research, practices, policies
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Research
2021
Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Malta and Portugal
Genista Research Foundation
Research paper
2021
Ahead of COP26 — a new EuroMed perspective: shift to IPCCRC
Carmit Lubanov & Mark Causon
Position paper
2020
European Green Deal in Ukraine — current situation & financial issues
with Cherniavska, Shmygol & Schiavone
Joint research
—
Crop Management in Dry Conditions — Malta agro-ecosystem quality
Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology (USA)
Journal article
—
Organic Mulching in Hot Climates
Mark Causon — RAMIRAN proceedings
Conference paper
—
European Plant Protection & Organic Agriculture (book chapters)
European researchers on organic farming
Book chapter
Youth
Young people at the heart of our mission.
From youth exchanges to civic participation projects, we create spaces where young Europeans discover their voice, build skills and shape the future of their communities.
- Erasmus+ youth exchanges and KA154 sport activities
- CERV projects promoting democratic engagement
- Local volunteering and intercultural dialogue
- Mentoring and leadership development programmes
10,000+
Young people involved in our projects
Internships
Short and long-term placements in Gozo and across our European partner network — hands-on learning that turns into a first line on a CV.
Youth Exchanges
Erasmus+ KA152 group mobilities bringing young Europeans together in Gozo to learn from each other through non-formal education.
Local Youth Activities
Workshops, volunteering and community projects on Gozo and Malta — where young locals lead, create and shape their own island.
A story that started here
From a small village in Gozo to the rest of Europe.
In the early 2000s, a quiet boy from one of Gozo's smallest villages walked into a Genista youth meeting almost by accident. He had never been on a plane. His world ended at the ferry to Malta, and his future, as far as anyone around him could imagine, ended there too.
A few months later, thanks to one of the first Erasmus youth exchanges Genista organised, he was sitting in a circle with young people from Italy, Poland, Germany and Portugal — speaking broken English, laughing, listening, realising for the first time that his ideas mattered to people who had grown up a thousand kilometres away.
He came home different. He finished school. He went on to study abroad, to volunteer in three more countries, and eventually to come back to Gozo as a youth worker himself — running workshops for the next generation of village kids who, just like him, had never imagined that Europe could feel like home.
That is what Erasmus did. That is what we still do, every year, for hundreds of young people across our island.
Training & Workshops
Courses for educators and youth workers.
Erasmus+ KA1 eligible. Held in English, on Gozo, year-round.
👥 Teachers & students🎓 Educators only7 or 10-day options · Fully Erasmus+ KA1 fundable
Teacher training in action — "Common Challenges in Public Speaking"
Erasmus+ KA1 course for educators · Gozo, Malta
Learning beyond the classroom
Study visits and cultural immersion are part of the Genista experience.
European cohorts
Programmes that bring together educators, facilitators and participants from across Europe.
International mobility
Welcoming partner groups from different countries throughout the year.
Future-ready topics
From public speaking to AI and digital themes, courses reflect current classroom realities.
Hands-on digital methods
Creative, practical sessions that educators can take straight back to their classrooms.
STEAM in practice
Courses connect innovation, pedagogy and active classroom tools.
Recognised outcomes
Participants leave with professional development certificates and practical results.
Successful cohorts
Every training week ends with shared achievement, networking and visible impact.
Study visits included
Training in Gozo combines learning sessions with memorable cultural visits.
Collaborative digital tools
Small-group sessions where educators try out classroom-ready resources together.
INNOVATE programme graduates
Completed Erasmus+ KA1 cohort receiving their professional development certificates.
A warm learning atmosphere
Maltese hospitality, shared coffee breaks and a friendly group dynamic week after week.
Polish teachers cohort
One of many national groups that complete a full Genista training week in Gozo.
Connections that last
Evenings together turn cohorts into a real European network of educators.
Sensitive topics, expert facilitation
Courses tackle bullying, inclusion and wellbeing with experienced trainers.
Gozo as a learning landscape
Outdoor sessions and coastal study visits are part of the experience.
Active, hands-on learning
Teambuilding and creative problem-solving exercises bring methods to life.
Cultural immersion
Visits to iconic Gozo landmarks like Ta' Pinu enrich every course week.
School visits & job-shadowing
Job-shadowing in partner schools is part of many Erasmus+ KA1 programmes.
Welcome to Gharb
Every group is welcomed at the Genista office with materials and a warm reception.
01
Classroom Management & Communication
- 🎓Effective Classroom Management
- 👥Communication and Public Speaking
- 👥Developing Growth Mindset
02
21st Century Skills & Soft Skills
- 👥Developing 21st Century Competencies
- 👥Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence
- 👥Creativity and Innovation in Education
03
Artificial Intelligence & Modern Tech
- 👥AI in Education — Practical Applications
- 👥Chats and AI Tools
- 👥Digital Safety and AI Ethics
- 🎓Creating Educational Content with AI
04
ICT & Digital Tools
- 🎓ICT in Education
- 🎓Hybrid and Remote Teaching
- 🎓Classroom Gamification Tools
05
Innovative Teaching Methods
- 🎓Modern Teacher Competencies
- 👥STEAM in Education
- 👥Learning by Doing and Projects
06
Sustainable Development & Technology
- 👥Environmental Education and Renewable Energy
- 🎓Circular Economy
- 👥Outdoor Learning
08
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- 👥Mindfulness and Stress Reduction
- 🎓Positive Education — Stress Management
- 🎓Teacher Burnout — Prevention and Recovery
- 🎓Supporting Student Mental Health
09
Entrepreneurship & Career Development
- 🎓Developing Entrepreneurship
- 🎓Career Coaching for Youth
- 🎓Start-ups and Innovation
- 👥Young Entrepreneur — From Idea to Business
10
Foreign Languages & CLIL
- 👥Intensive English Course (A1–B2)
- 👥Intensive German Course (A1–B2)
- 🎓CLIL — Content and Language Integrated Learning
Upcoming dates
Next training sessions on Gozo.
Pick a date, click Register interest and we'll send confirmation with prices, schedule and Erasmus+ KA1 paperwork.
See all courses in detail →Need a custom date?
Get in touch → — we run tailored groups year-round.Jul
12
Open for booking
Wellbeing & Preventing Burnout in Schools
12–18 Jul 2026
7 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
Aug
3
Limited spots
AI in Education — Practical Applications
3–7 Aug 2026
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
Nov
9
Open for booking
Inclusive Education & Multisensory Teaching
9–13 Nov 2026
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
Dec
7
Open for booking
Writing Erasmus+ Project Proposals
7–11 Dec 2026
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators & Coordinators
Jan
11
Open for booking
AI-Powered Lesson Planning & Assessment
11–15 Jan 2027
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
Feb
8
Open for booking
Teacher Resilience & Work-Life Balance
8–12 Feb 2027
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
Mar
8
Open for booking
AI Tools for Special Educational Needs
8–12 Mar 2027
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators & SEN staff
Apr
12
Open for booking
Mindfulness & Stress Management for Educators
12–16 Apr 2027
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators
May
10
Open for booking
Digital Wellness & Healthy Screen Habits
10–14 May 2027
5 days
Gharb, Gozo
Educators & Youth workers
Why Gozo?
An island that turns training into transformation.
Gozo is more than a destination — it is a learning environment. Surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, shaped by 7,000 years of history and recognised by UNESCO, the island offers educators the rare combination of focus, beauty and warmth.
300+ days of sun a year
UNESCO heritage sites
Coastal, walkable, safe
Videos
Moments from our projects.
Short clips from trainings, youth exchanges and mobility activities on Gozo.
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Gozo gallery
More of the island your participants will experience.
From coastal viewpoints to village evenings, Gozo adds atmosphere, focus and a strong sense of place to every visit.
Arrival in Gozo
Easy island access for visiting groups and project partners.
Coastal landscapes
A setting that gives training weeks space, calm and perspective.
Village culture
Local traditions, community life and a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Gharb from above
The village where Genista is based, surrounded by heritage and open landscape.
Golden-hour coast
Evenings that make study visits, workshops and mobility programmes memorable.
Cultural visits
Shared visits to Gozo's landmarks help groups connect with local heritage and place.
Partners
Trusted across Europe.
A growing network of universities, NGOs, schools and civic organisations.
Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais – EsitpaFrance
Uludag UniversityTurkeyHacettepe UniversityTurkeyEurope DirectRéunion Island
Matej Bel University, Banská BystricaSlovakiaSlovak University of NitraSlovakiaIstanbul Technical UniversityTurkeyKırşehir Milli Eğitim Müdürlüğü AR-GETurkeyYusuf K-GEM AssociationTurkeyLamartine High School, MâconFrance
University of CataniaItalyJules Verne University, AmiensFranceUniversité de PicardieFranceUniversity Institute of Technology, LyonFranceAdana Science and Technology UniversityTurkeySOŠ Hotelových Služieb, ZvolenSlovakiaAcadémie de DijonFranceCCI Île de la RéunionFranceOrdu UniversityTurkeyStredná odborná škola obchodu a služiebSlovakiaConsiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)Italy
Pomorska Szkoła Wyższa w Starogardzie GdańskimPolandSzkoła Podstawowa im. Wspólnej Europy w NawodnejPoland
Sredno elektrotehnicko uciliste na Grad Skopje "Mihajlo Pupin"North Macedonia
Centre scolaire St-Joseph – St-Raphaël, RemouchampsBelgium
National Center for Fighting Disaster and AccidentsBulgaria26 active internship & collaboration agreements with universities and institutions across Europe.
Network on Malta & Gozo
Rooted locally, working with everyone.
Long-standing collaborations with local councils, schools, regional bodies and civic organisations across the Maltese islands.
Local Councils
- Gharb
- Birgu
- Sannat
- Mdina
- Għajnsielem
- Luqa
- Marsaskala
- Xagħra
- Bormla
Schools & Colleges
- Gozo College
- Mikiel Anton Vassalli College of Visual & Performing Arts
- Malta School of Music
- Malta School of Art
- Malta School of Drama and Dance
- Gozo Performing Arts School
- Visual and Performing Arts School (4,000 learners · 200+ educators)
- Gozo MCAST (Further Studies College)
Regional & Institutional
- Gozo Regional Council (14 councils)
- Reġjun Tramuntana (12 local councils)
- Gozo Ministry
- Gozo Regional Development Foundation
- Gozo Agricultural Cooperative
- Gozo Business Chamber
- Gozo Tourism Association
- Gharb Football Club
- Xagħra Football Club
Contact
Let's build something together.
Whether you're looking for a project partner, a training course or simply have an idea you'd like to explore — we'd love to hear from you.