"Back to the f(EU)ture”: A Simulation Game Exploring Life in the EU

A total of 11 schools have welcomed the Back to the f(EU)ture Game and engaged in lively discussions about the benefits of being an EU citizen.

Students from St Edward’s College, St Joseph School Sliema, Junior College, Sacred Heart College, the Mediterranean College of Sport, St Clare College, St Augustine College, St Martin’s College, St Benedict, St Dorothy’s, and Carlo Diacono School  played the game with many asking insightful questions and drawing connections between their own lives and the game scenarios.

The idea of the game, which is facilitated by trained volunteers, is to have groups role play as two Maltese families with four members each (Mother, Father, Daughter and Son), one living in 2000 and one in the present day, before and after Malta became a member state of the European Union. Students explore how EU integration effects everyday life, with a particular focus on free movement within the Union. The mother in each family suggests moving to another country in Europe for better opportunities and a better lifestyle. She is running the idea by the other members of her family and gathering their opinions. The activity is intended to enhance participant’s understanding of the EU and the benefits arising from EU membership. It also provides a better understanding on how Maltese citizen’s lives have changed since Malta joined the EU and leads students to a place of understanding and appreciation.

The European Parliament Liaison Office (EPLO) in Malta, together with the European Commission Representation in Malta and the Institute of European Studies at the University of Malta launched the educational simulation game titled ‘Back to the f(EU)ture’ in 2023. Aimed at secondary and post-secondary school students, the game is designed to help participants understand the rights, opportunities and challenges associated with membership of the European Union, and is a great success.

EPLO Valletta hopes ‘Back to the f(EU)ture will remain a valuable tool for civic education and engagement across schools in Malta and Gozo. Plans are already underway to expand the network of trained facilitators, ensuring that more young people have an opportunity to take part in this unique time-travelling journey through Europe’s past and present.

Any interested school or youth organisation interested in acquiring a copy of the simulation game is invited to get in touch with EPLO Valletta.