The Parents' Lifelong Learning Portfolio, a tool for adults seeking an active role in their children's lives and in the development of their own educational journey, was launched last week by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES).

Defined by Minister Louis Galea as "a key tool in the strategy to help parents realise their full potential," the portfolio also provides a guide for parents to monitor and participate in their children's educational development, as well as on how to pursue their own lifelong learning journey, such as re-entering the world of work.

The portfolio was tested with 100 parents by 10 parent mentors. These mentors followed the Parents' Lifelong Learning Portfolio course organised by FES. The portfolio was developed by FES senior executive Sandro Spiteri, and Victor Galea, head of the Parents-in-Education Programme within the FES.

The result is a unique informative tool outlining the parent's growth and development in the pivotal roles of both a parent and a lifelong learner. It is also an ongoing project where the parent can update or modify sections as he or she gains more experience. This innovative tool guides the adult to draw upon this experience, which in turn helps him or her develop and grow. Furthermore, it acts as a tool for cooperation with other parents and teachers and showcases the parent's lifelong learning progress.

During the launch, FES CEO Nora Macelli explained how the final portfolio was the result of extensive feedback received from both mentors and parents who agreed to be mentored. The process formed part of the Community-based Lifelong Centres project, led by FES and partly financed by the EU through the Structural Funds Programme (European Social Fund).

Through this project over 2,000 adults from seven localities participated in over 200 short non-formal adult education courses. The choice for these localities was based on the enthusiastic expression of interest and offers of cooperation received from local councils, schools and NGOs to become project partners.

The aim of these lifelong learning centres was to stimulate a culture that embraces lifelong learning among adults distant from mainstream learning opportunities, to foster an environment which encourages them to re-enter the world of training and the labour market, and to make lifelong learning accessible to them at community level.

Ms Macelli explained that from this project, 215 courses were made available to 2,038 adults. Some of the courses focused on ICT, language competency, self-esteem and communication skills, leadership in schools and running a small business. More than three fourths of the participants were housewives.

During last week's launch, Mr Spiteri presented certificates to the 10 portfolio mentors, while Mr Galea discussed with four of the parent mentors who developed their portfolio, their experience of being both a parent and an adult learner.

The parents, who had also been trained to become lifelong learning mentors to other parents, spoke about their experience, talked to parents and helped them realise the importance of building a personal portfolio. Two of the parents even explained how they landed a job mainly because of their impressive and extensive portfolio.

So far, the Parent Lifelong Learning Portfolio has been distributed to the ETC, the Malta Qualifications Council, the Department of Further Studies and Adult Education within the Education Division, and the Ministry of Education.

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