Melita Foundation has sponsored a unique developmental programme run by the international Helen O’Grady Drama Academy which falls under the Malta Drama umbrella, it announced on Tuesday.

Children at risk of social exclusion were able to develop their English language skills, build self-confidence, and explore their creative talent.

The project, run in collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Church-run homes for children and other NGOs, was attended by 60 children from over 26 countries. The children were all attending the Naxxar Induction Centre within Maria Regina College.

“The main aim of our centre is to provide a holistic learning experience to children who do not understand English or Maltese and give them the skills to be able to integrate into mainstream schools as quickly as possible,” Head of School at Naxxar Induction Hub Jonathan Portanier Mifsud said.

“Projects like this one, run by the Helen O’Grady Academy with support from Melita Foundation, help these children go on to achieve their full potential after their year with us,” he added.

Melita Foundation Chair Tanya Sammut Bonnici remarked that “self-confidence plays such a crucial role in helping all of us to fulfil our potential. This programme has helped dozens of the youngest and most vulnerable members of our community to acquire skills that will really help them integrate and progress.”

“In supporting this programme, Melita Foundation remains focused on funding projects that offer people of all ages the opportunity to improve their skills,” Prof Sammut Bonnici added.

“Through this programme and others by Malta Drama, we aim to give children the opportunity to build their confidence and make them better able to deal with the challenges life throws at us all,” Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Principal David Hirst said.

Drama Malta Director Alan Montanaro thanked Melita Foundation, the Ministry, and all the NGOs who collaborated on this programme through which “we have been able to pass vital life skills on to those children who need them most”.

Melita Foundation was founded in 2020 by Melita Ltd, in an effort to support and collaborate with non-profit organisations and individuals to enhance Malta’s digital skills, creativity, environment, and heritage development.