Helen O'Grady Academy in state schools

A Joe Borg from Cospicua (The Sunday Times, February 17) seemed concerned that drama is being taught in some state schools by "a foreign franchise". If he is referring to the Helen O'Grady Academy development programme, then I would like to alleviate some of his fears.

It is an easy mistake to assume that the Helen O'Grady Academy is a drama school; however, I can assure Mr Borg that drama is merely the tool we use to help children develop holistically, act confidently and speak clearly, and give them social skills that do not often come out at academic level.

The programme addresses the prevailing 'fear of making a mistake' that often results in lack of participation in other academic areas. One added benefit is that the children are also learning English in a fun, stress-free environment, through usage of the language.

Class teachers and facilitators are present during the lessons and indirectly acquire additional teaching methods using the creative and innovative modes of communication practiced by the academy.

In no way does the academy compete with the sterling work I am sure the Drama Unit is doing. On the contrary, the programme is complementary to it.

All teachers of the academy are Maltese and undergo intense training in the philosophy and implementation of the award-winning curriculum, and training is on-going to ensure that we keep up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques.

Classes at Cospicua, Senglea and Kirkop were specifically targeted because of the unfortunate high ratio of social problems in those areas.

These are supported by leading institutions who believe that the Helen O'Grady development programme is beneficial to these children who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend classes. A substantial number of these children are also supported by the academy.

Mr Borg states that rules of employment are there to be respected by all, but fails to appreciate that we are not public service employees and are not on the government payroll. We are, however, offering a unique service to these children.

Mr Borg suggests that lessons be held after school. Although this is indeed an option away from red tape, given their social backgrounds, I suspect many of the children would simply not turn up for classes for myriad genuine reasons. Often these would be the children who need it most.

We are very much operating a win-win-win situation. The schools are happy with the results, the sponsors are happy in spite of the minimal publicity they get, the academy is happy to teach with no burden on the state and, most important of all, the children are very happy and benefiting from the classes - and surely this is the most important win of all.

The internationally acclaimed Helen O'Grady Academy has been operating in 25 countries for the last 29 years, making it the largest operation of its kind. It has a proven track record and over 75,000 children worldwide attend the programme. Locally, the programme has been recommended by experts in the field of education, including the ex-Commissioner for Children.

I invite Mr Borg to attend one of our weekly sessions to see first-hand the curriculum in progress.