Gratitude to Foundation for Educational Services

I recently received an invitation for parents from the Foundation for Educational Services (FES), through Mellieha Primary School, to attend a course on how to help children enjoy reading. The course was organised by parents from Mellieha with the help of a teacher employed within the FES's Id f'Id Parent Educational Support Programme.

The course programme was spread over five sessions covering: Shared Reading; Paired Reading; the Book As Best Friend; and practical activities for parents and children together.

The sessions were extremely beneficial and interesting. First of all we were not presented with lecture-type sessions, but with involvement ones. The Id f'Id facilitator, who was a qualified mature teacher, assisted by three parent leaders from Mellieha, introduced the topics.

The parents were then invited to express their views and share their individual experiences. Throughout the course, we were given handouts as practical guidelines to follow at home. These mostly emphasised the need to give time to our children and be present when they are reading; the need to read stories together with the children and always to encourage and praise them.

The FES works with the Educational Division and other organisations, like the school councils. Their aim is to ensure learning and personal development for both parents and children.

This is done through various programmes, including Id f'Id, Klabb Hilti, Hilti fl-Isports, Klabb Kittieba Zghar, Hilti Tezor, Servizz Nwar, and others.

I would like to show my gratitude and appreciation to the foundation for giving us parents the opportunity to understand and help our children better. What is being done is really a mission and all those involved are doing impeccable and expert work.