Up to 400 students from the Institute of Art and Design at Mcast recently to engage in a week-long series of voluntary activities at St Francis primary school in Cospicua and 10 other primaries and kindergartens forming part of St Margaret, St Benedict and St Claire colleges.

Many of the students worked with the young children on art and crafts projects while others producedartwork in the form of wall paintings and murals. This was the second year this event, know as 'Progress Week' has been held.

"Through such activities, students nurture a number of soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, which are essential in any sphere of one's life," explained Stephen Vella, director of the institute. He said that, as educators, they had a duty to expose the students to the values of solidarity, sharing and giving.

Deputy director Melanie Mizzi added that the students demonstrated their ability to perform and work to given briefs and within set time constraints. "They gave evidence of maturity in their approach and attitude, in their sense of initiative and their determination to deliver work of the highest standards," she added.