Carlo Diacono girls let imagination run wild

Carlo Diacono Girls Junior Lyceum in Zejtun has just published a book entitled Tizwiqa Letterarja. As the title implies, the book is an anthology of literary works of different genres. In the book one finds poems, short stories and other writings in innovative literary form.

The works in the book were all penned by girls aged 14 and 15. All the writings were inspired by a set of pictures set before them during a Maltese lesson by their teacher Sharon Micallef Cann.

Each student chose a picture that fired their imagination. Some chose pictures related to dance; others chose pictures about life; a few were inspired by a pebble or a baby's hand in the hand of an adult.

Others were touched by pictures, such as a drop, a bridge, a door or a rainbow which to them all represented challenges or dreams, both experienced or desired. Other students chose pictures relating to fantasy.

These girls composed poems and short stories referring to imaginary creatures and places. The name of this book was chosen because besides being a kaleidoscope of images and colour, the anthology is a collection of literary works, each unique in itself but all marrying the tool of language to thoughts, dreams, experiences and ideas.

The picture on the cover is by Shaylah Grech. It consists of a girl, a flame and a circle. The girl represents the authors. The flame represents the inspiration, that muse that finds embodiment in the variety of literary forms (poetry, novels...) employed by the authors. The circle (woven with details from each picture used in this book), starting from the girl's hand, circles round the girl without stopping. This is precisely the goal of this book, that of helping each girl release the creative power within her.

The publication of this book would not have been possible without the invaluable help and untiring work of the head of school, Ms Maria Ciappara, who was a firm supporter of this project since its inception.

The publication of this book was financed primarily by the National Curriculum Council (NCC) together with the School Council at Carlo Diacono GJL and Merlin Library. Special thanks go to Mr Johann Fenech who, together with Ms Micallef Cann, edited and compiled this anthology in the most colourful and original manner possible.

The NCC must also be lauded for the opportunity given to these girls to discover the beauty and power of literature. In addition, it has made it possible for these girls to tap into their creative ability and to express through a variety of words woven together in literary works in Maltese, the thoughts and dreams that dwell in the core of their being.