Volunteers awarded for helping children

Aċċess Community Resource Centre awarded certificates to 24 volunteers who participated in Proġett Tagħlim and another 21 volunteers who participated in Klabbsajf.

Operations director of Aġenzija Appoġġ Yvonne Mallia thanked all the volunteers who showed commitment in helping children in need. She noted that various entities, including Aġenzija Appoġġ, Aċċess, St Margaret's College and the volunteers, cooperated and worked together towards one common aim, that of helping children.

Proġett Tagħlim is a homework club held after school hours, aimed at helping children with their homework. Twenty-four young people, most of them attending De La Salle College, worked voluntarily with children from November 2007 to April 2008. Thirty-two children in Year 5 and 6 attending Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea primary schools benefited from this project.

Volunteers assisted these children on a one-to-one basis in their homework and other school issues. The volunteers' support went beyond homework assistance.

They aimed at instilling in children interest and curiosity in learning through games and play in a conducive environment.

Klabbsajf is a summer school organised by Aġenzija Appoġġ which offers children living in Cottonera an alternative community activity during the summer holidays, utilising methods aimed at stimulating the children's creative and critical thinking and sensitivity to socio-educational issues. Drama, sports and crafts were among the various activities organised.

This year around 66 children attended Klabbsajf thanks to the active participation of 21 volunteers who helped in the running of this summer school. The themes tackled included the environment and the universe, health and safety, cartoons/films, sea animals, dance and arts. A total of 16 sessions were held twice a week between July and September.

Both projects were coordinated by the Cottonera Community Services, the Appoġġ service based at Aċċess. All volunteers who participated in both projects were supported and supervised constantly by assigned community workers.

For further information about Aċċess or on any other service within Aġenzija Appoġġ, visit www.appogg.gov.mt.