Could humble Lego blocks help students build their self-esteem and uncover hidden talents? That is the hope behind a new project at the Cospicua primary school, where educators are combining Lego therapy with coaching to unlock students’ potential.

“Lego therapy is already very popular in the UK to encourage social skills and help children with autism,” said play therapist and existential coach Claire Francica, who is spearheading the project.

“What we’re doing is combining it with existential coaching, which is very future-focused, to encourage children to know themselves better and be more open to possibilities in the way they approach projects.”

Inaugurated yesterday, the project is built on the concept of play therapy, which exploits the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships to help them address and resolve their issues.

In a typical session of Life Coaching through Lego, children will be encouraged to create their own projects out of Lego bricks, which are left in place until the next session. Children will then decide whether to move on to a new idea, or to build and improve on their original piece.

“During these sessions, we will be coaching the children to help them understand themselves better and make meaning out of play,” Ms Francica explained.

Marion Falzon Ghio, head of Cospicua primary school, said the school had come on board with the project in the belief that children could be encouraged to believe in themselves if they were given the opportunity to unleash their creativity.

Lego therapy encourages social skills.

“At Cospicua Primary resources are invested to strengthen children’s self-esteem as we believe that if children believe in themselves, they can succeed,” she said.

The project is financed by the Spiro Mizzi Foundation, which donated €4,300 as part of its ongoing mission to help children in the Cottonera area.

The foundation previously supported projects at Senglea primary school, Cospicua Oratory for Children and the Vittoriosa Sports Club.

Chairman Maurice Mizzi said that, as a young boy, he used to play with Meccano construction kits as well as other toys similar to Lego, and occasionally still played computer games such as Civilisation.

Mr Mizzi said he had seen the benefits such games could have on psychological development and, therefore, fully endorsed the new project.