Be Positive Bipolar Self-Help Malta
Informative talk on Bipolar condition and its symptoms
Saturday 6 October - 10am at Sliema Local Council, Depiro Street, Sliema
Contact: selfhelp@bipolarmalta.org
www.bipolarmalta.org
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Lessons in Maltese and English Reading and Writing for Primary Level Students
Lessons in Maltese and English Reading and Writing for
Primary Level Students (Maltese and foreign).
- Each course is made up of 5 two hour lessons.
- Emphasis will be given to both reading and writing in both languages.
- Pupils will be put in groups according to their age.
- The lessons will be held at the Sliema Primary School.
- Qualified and experienced teachers.
- Handouts will be provided for free.
- Children who attend Summer School will be taken from their classes by the teachers and taken back to class by said teachers.
- The dates of the lessons would be 12th, 19th, 26th July, 2nd August and 9th August
- The course fee is €20
per child
Anyone interested in sending
his child is kindly requested to fill in the form below and submit it together
with the payment at the Sliema Local Council by not later than Thursday 28th
June 2018.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Student
_______________________
School
__________________________
Academic year the student has
just finished _________________
Mobile number of a parent or
guardian of the student ___________
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
LifeLong Learning Applications 2017/8
Lifelong learning courses applications will be open from Wednesday 12th July to Friday 4th August.
The information booklet will be distributed in your local council in the coming days.
Courses can be viewed online on www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt
One can apply through various channels:
one can apply online
one can apply at the Directorate's office in Floriana - guidance services will be offered to provide necessary information on level and type of courses - payment is accepted either as card payment or by cheque - opening hours are from 8:30am till 12:00pm
one can apply at the one stop shops in local communities found in;
i. Vittoriosa (Birgu): Leap Center for the Southeastern Region, St Edward Str Vittoriosa
ii. Qormi: Oratory Str, Qormi
iii. Paola: Paola Local Council, Gnein Pawlu Boffa, Triq il-Knisja, Paola
iv. Birkirkara: Birkirkara Social Security District Office, Civic Centre, Floor 1, Triq Tumas Fenech, Birkirkara
v. Qawra Social Security District Office, Leap Centre, Triq il-Frejgatina, Qawra
Payment in the one stop shops is accepted either by card or by cash.
4. one can apply through the local councils - payment can only be accepted by card, if the person only has cash available kindly direct them to the closest one stop shop in the local community.
#Malta
www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt
The information booklet will be distributed in your local council in the coming days.
Courses can be viewed online on www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt
One can apply through various channels:
one can apply online
one can apply at the Directorate's office in Floriana - guidance services will be offered to provide necessary information on level and type of courses - payment is accepted either as card payment or by cheque - opening hours are from 8:30am till 12:00pm
one can apply at the one stop shops in local communities found in;
i. Vittoriosa (Birgu): Leap Center for the Southeastern Region, St Edward Str Vittoriosa
ii. Qormi: Oratory Str, Qormi
iii. Paola: Paola Local Council, Gnein Pawlu Boffa, Triq il-Knisja, Paola
iv. Birkirkara: Birkirkara Social Security District Office, Civic Centre, Floor 1, Triq Tumas Fenech, Birkirkara
v. Qawra Social Security District Office, Leap Centre, Triq il-Frejgatina, Qawra
Payment in the one stop shops is accepted either by card or by cash.
4. one can apply through the local councils - payment can only be accepted by card, if the person only has cash available kindly direct them to the closest one stop shop in the local community.
#Malta
www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Lessons in Maltese & English for Primary Level Students - Sliema Local Council
Lessons in Maltese and English Reading and Writing for
Primary Level Students (both Maltese and foreigners).
- Each course is made up of 5 two hour lessons.
- Emphasis will be given to both reading and writing
in both languages.
- Pupils will be put in groups according to their age.
- The lessons will be held every Friday at 8.30 am at
Sliema Local Council or Sliema Primary School.
- Qualified and experienced teachers.
- Handouts will be provided for free.
- Children who attend Summer School will be taken from
their classes by the teachers and taken back to class by said teachers.
- The lessons will be held on 14th, 21st, 28th July ,4th, 11th August
- The course fee is €20 per child
Anyone interested in sending
his child is kindly requested to fill in the form below and submit it together
with the payment at the Sliema Local Council by not later than Friday 30th
June.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Student
_______________________
School
__________________________
Academic year the student has
just finished _________________
Mobile number of a parent or
guardian of the student ___________
Monday, February 6, 2017
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Read with me - For Kids Aged 0-3
Read With Me FREE sessions will commence on Wednesday 15th February, 10.15am-11.15am at Sliema Local Council, Depiro Street, Sliema.
Click on image for larger version.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Lifelong Learning Courses 2016/7
A wide range of courses for children and adults are being offered for upcoming academic year, including courses held with the collaboration of Sliema Local Council.
Applications are open from 12th July to 7th August.
The full list of courses is available here:
http://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/Home.aspx
Website is available in Maltese and English
Monday, May 23, 2016
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Educational initiatives in Sliema: A good year
Michael
Briguglio - Local Councillor
(This article appears in Tas-Sliema magazine, December 2015)
2015 was a good year in terms of
educational initiatives involving Sliema Local Council. The council has tried to reach out
to people from different backgrounds so as to increase social inclusion and
educational potential. On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all educators for their
work.
The storytelling initiative for kids
aged between 5 and 7 is now in its fourth year. The initiative is held on
Saturday mornings at the Margaret Mortimer Public Library, Blanche Huber
Street, and helps encourage children to discover the wonderful world of libraries.
For the second consecutive year, a
reading and writing course for kids was held in Summer. This course helps
primary school children improve their skills in English and Maltese. This
summer, 25 children participated in the course.
Beading, a consistently-popular course,
is once again being held during the current months. This year’s course started
in October and attracted 16 participants.
During the
year, Sliema Local Council also held a number of talks in philosophy, art,
health education, and heritage.
219 persons applied for the Sliema
Lifelong Learning Courses, which are organized by the Ministry of Education
with the collaboration of Sliema Local Council. Sliema council is proud that 11
courses are being held in this regard, namely:
- English as a
foreign language Level 2 – 25 applicants
- English – 12
applicants
- English as a
foreign language level 1 – 22 applicants
- English
conversation – 24 applicants
- French – 20
applicants
- Health Wellbeing
and successful Ageing – 16 applicants
- Lace Making
(open class) – 24 applicants
- Maltese as a
foreign language Level 1 – 24 applicants
- Maltese as a
foreign language Level 2 – 20 applicants
- Spanish level
1 – 20 applicants
- Spanish level
2 – 12 applicants
Sliema Council has also had very
positive feedback for fitness classes (yoga and pilates), which are held in
conjunction with SkolaSport.
Sliema Local Council also proposed some
other courses, which unfortunately did not attract a significant number of
applicants. We hope that such courses will attract more interest in the future.
The Local Council is currently looking
into new initiatives, and we welcome feedback from the public in this
regard. Indeed, when deciding on which
courses to offer, two main considerations include public demand as well as
success of previous courses.
We also look into the social and
educational priorities of our locality. In this regard, Sliema Council is
giving increased importance to the concepts of social inclusion and
integration, and we are looking into possibilities of more courses which
emphasize such concepts, particularly since Sliema is a locality characterised
by much diversity.
I therefore invite those interested to
send me any feedback or proposals regarding the possibility of new courses.
Feedback on courses currently
in place and queries related to education are also most welcome.
Best wishes
for the festive season.
mbrig@hotmail.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Lifelong Learning and Performing Arts Course Applications 2015/6
https://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/Home.aspx
Website is available in Maltese and English
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Investing in Social Capital
The Times of Malta, April 27, 2015
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150427/opinion/Investing-in-social-capital.565723
.jpg)
Civic engagement, voluntary work, social networks and trust are all key elements of social capital. In turn, these help foster social cohesion, integration and a better quality of life. In his new book ‘Our Kids’, sociologist Robert Putnam makes a compelling argument for the importance of investment in social capital.
Putnam had previously achieved international scholarly acclaim through his book ‘Bowling Alone’ in 2000. He had highlighted what he saw as the decline of social capital as evidenced through loneliness, lack of trust and lack of reciprocity. The book inspired a generation of sociologists and policy-makers involved in areas such as community, education and social networks, though the reasons given by Putnam for a decline in social capital have been subject to much debate.
In his most recent book, Putnam carefully analyses how American children from higher social classes tend to do have better educational outcomes than children from lower classes. This is hardly a novel argument, and studies in many countries around the world, including Malta, had similar conclusions. If anything, however, this shows the importance of such findings. In ‘Our Kids’, one reads how upper-middle class families tend to provide nurturing to their kids which is more in synch with the demands of the educational system and which, consequently, provides for more social mobility.
Such nurturing includes more dialogue between parents and kids and encouraging them to be reflexive. This is less common in working-class families, for various reasons, which can also include less social networks which can assist kids for their personal development.
Putnam suggests a mix of policies which can help improve children from poorer families, and this includes educational, psychological and social assistance. This ranges from subsidies to increased access to clubs and childcare, as well as the teaching of parenting skills.
Even though Putnam’s arguments have an American focus, the lessons he provides can have a wider appeal. In a small society like Malta, where social networks are of great importance, perhaps this is very relevant.
Malta is not lacking in volunteering and civic engagement, as can be witnessed from the high participation in charitable events, political candidatures and a whole range of voluntary activities, including NGO membership. Like other social characteristics, however, social networks are not equal. There are those whose economic wealth and social status can buy them easier access to certain networks. And there are those whose precarious situations is resulting in exclusion, daily hardships and stress.
At the same time, however, political, religious and civic networks can transverse social classes, where people from different backgrounds encounter opportunities and obligations. Yet, in an increasingly individualised setting, not everyone belongs to such networks, and here one should also include non-Maltese persons living in Malta, who should not be excluded from community life.
Local councils and educational authorities have a very strong role to play in this regard, and there are some positive policy-directions which should be replicated across the country. These include lifelong learning courses for adults and kids in languages and in other areas – such as reading, drama and sports – which can help increase social integration. Here, persons who have lack of financial capital and lack of access to certain networks, can obtain social capital though participation.
Malta’s educational policy is adopting positive measures based on equity and universalism by giving targeted consideration to particular needs, as I argued in a recent article in The Times. Indeed, one-size-fits-all approaches can often unintentionally result in exclusion of those who do not belong to mainstream networks and higher social classes. More focus should be given to the concept of schools as universally-accessible community centres which can provide after-school activities such as sports, social events and various courses. The comprehensive extension of Klabb 3-16 should -be emulated.
Investment in social capital should also enable local councils to have increased say in community initiatives and local development. This should not only include having local councils being responsible for facilities such as playing areas and libraries – as is already the case, albeit with limited funds – but also to give them a stronger voice in decisions by national authorities.
More consideration should be given to the voice of local councils when Mepa and Transport Malta take decisions and devise policy. Very often, economic concerns ride roughshod over other considerations relating to people’s quality of life and community development. For example, if a development proposal will lead to increased traffic, lack of open spaces and more pollution, this can have a strong impact on family and community life. Why should the latter be relegated to minor concerns by decision makers?
Some argue that Malta has too many local councils given its small size and that this is an unnecessary waste of resources. But from a social capital perspective, one can take the opposite view and argue that, if anything, local councils are closer to everyday concerns of residents. Consequently, they should be equipped with stronger fiscal and legislative authority to invest in initiatives which increase social inclusion and strengthen the sense of community belonging.
Seen from this perspective, the smallness of Malta’s localities could be seen as a boon which merits more recognition.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20150427/opinion/Investing-in-social-capital.565723
.jpg)
Civic engagement, voluntary work, social networks and trust are all key elements of social capital. In turn, these help foster social cohesion, integration and a better quality of life. In his new book ‘Our Kids’, sociologist Robert Putnam makes a compelling argument for the importance of investment in social capital.
Putnam had previously achieved international scholarly acclaim through his book ‘Bowling Alone’ in 2000. He had highlighted what he saw as the decline of social capital as evidenced through loneliness, lack of trust and lack of reciprocity. The book inspired a generation of sociologists and policy-makers involved in areas such as community, education and social networks, though the reasons given by Putnam for a decline in social capital have been subject to much debate.
In his most recent book, Putnam carefully analyses how American children from higher social classes tend to do have better educational outcomes than children from lower classes. This is hardly a novel argument, and studies in many countries around the world, including Malta, had similar conclusions. If anything, however, this shows the importance of such findings. In ‘Our Kids’, one reads how upper-middle class families tend to provide nurturing to their kids which is more in synch with the demands of the educational system and which, consequently, provides for more social mobility.
Such nurturing includes more dialogue between parents and kids and encouraging them to be reflexive. This is less common in working-class families, for various reasons, which can also include less social networks which can assist kids for their personal development.
Putnam suggests a mix of policies which can help improve children from poorer families, and this includes educational, psychological and social assistance. This ranges from subsidies to increased access to clubs and childcare, as well as the teaching of parenting skills.
Even though Putnam’s arguments have an American focus, the lessons he provides can have a wider appeal. In a small society like Malta, where social networks are of great importance, perhaps this is very relevant.
Malta is not lacking in volunteering and civic engagement, as can be witnessed from the high participation in charitable events, political candidatures and a whole range of voluntary activities, including NGO membership. Like other social characteristics, however, social networks are not equal. There are those whose economic wealth and social status can buy them easier access to certain networks. And there are those whose precarious situations is resulting in exclusion, daily hardships and stress.
At the same time, however, political, religious and civic networks can transverse social classes, where people from different backgrounds encounter opportunities and obligations. Yet, in an increasingly individualised setting, not everyone belongs to such networks, and here one should also include non-Maltese persons living in Malta, who should not be excluded from community life.
Local councils and educational authorities have a very strong role to play in this regard, and there are some positive policy-directions which should be replicated across the country. These include lifelong learning courses for adults and kids in languages and in other areas – such as reading, drama and sports – which can help increase social integration. Here, persons who have lack of financial capital and lack of access to certain networks, can obtain social capital though participation.
Malta’s educational policy is adopting positive measures based on equity and universalism by giving targeted consideration to particular needs, as I argued in a recent article in The Times. Indeed, one-size-fits-all approaches can often unintentionally result in exclusion of those who do not belong to mainstream networks and higher social classes. More focus should be given to the concept of schools as universally-accessible community centres which can provide after-school activities such as sports, social events and various courses. The comprehensive extension of Klabb 3-16 should -be emulated.
Investment in social capital should also enable local councils to have increased say in community initiatives and local development. This should not only include having local councils being responsible for facilities such as playing areas and libraries – as is already the case, albeit with limited funds – but also to give them a stronger voice in decisions by national authorities.
More consideration should be given to the voice of local councils when Mepa and Transport Malta take decisions and devise policy. Very often, economic concerns ride roughshod over other considerations relating to people’s quality of life and community development. For example, if a development proposal will lead to increased traffic, lack of open spaces and more pollution, this can have a strong impact on family and community life. Why should the latter be relegated to minor concerns by decision makers?
Some argue that Malta has too many local councils given its small size and that this is an unnecessary waste of resources. But from a social capital perspective, one can take the opposite view and argue that, if anything, local councils are closer to everyday concerns of residents. Consequently, they should be equipped with stronger fiscal and legislative authority to invest in initiatives which increase social inclusion and strengthen the sense of community belonging.
Seen from this perspective, the smallness of Malta’s localities could be seen as a boon which merits more recognition.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
New Responsibilities as Councillor
In yesterday's Local Council meeting, Sliema Mayor Anthony Chircop re-assigned resposibilities to councillors. My responsibilities are as follows:
Chairperson Education;
Chairperson Committee for Accessibility and Disability;
Member - Committee for Public Gardens, Playing Fields and Promenade;
Member - Finance Committee;
Member - Tenders Committee;
Coastal Environment;
Environmental Pollution (Air, Traffic, Noise);
Member - EU Funding Committee
Those willing to assist in any of these areas are welcome to contact me at mbrig@hotmail.com
Chairperson Education;
Chairperson Committee for Accessibility and Disability;
Member - Committee for Public Gardens, Playing Fields and Promenade;
Member - Finance Committee;
Member - Tenders Committee;
Coastal Environment;
Environmental Pollution (Air, Traffic, Noise);
Member - EU Funding Committee
Those willing to assist in any of these areas are welcome to contact me at mbrig@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Monday, December 22, 2014
Educational Courses by Sliema Local Council - A brief overview of 2014/5 scholastic year
As the new scholastic year is progressing, Sliema Local Council is once again providing a wide range of courses at different levels and for different age groups. As an inclusive council, we strongly believe that courses should be accessible to everyone, including foreign residents, who are most welcome to participate.
Storytelling sessions for kids aged 5-7 are being held for the third consecutive year in the Council Library in Blanche Huber Street. The sessions are held on Saturday mornings between 900 and 1000 and are proving to be popular with participants.
Kids up to 3 years old are now being offered a new scheme called ‘Read With Me – Aqra Mieghi’ , which involves stories and rhymes in English every Tuesday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council, and stories and rhymes in Maltese every Thursday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council. This initiative is being organized under the auspices of the Ministry for Education.
As regards the national lifelong learning scheme for adults, Sliema Local Council is hosting the following courses: Literacy – Maltese; Literacy – English; Literacy – Science; Literacy – Maths; English as a foreign language; Maltese as a foreign language; Spanish Language and Culture; Zumba; Yoga; Understanding Child Development; Lace Making and Maltese Cultural and Natural Heritage. More information about this scheme may be obtained from https://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/
Sliema Local Council has also offered its popular course in beading, and will be once again organizing a course in basic computer skills for adults. More information can be obtained from the council.
In the coming weeks, the Committee for Education, which I chair, will be proposing a range of courses for the coming year, also taking into account the results obtained from courses offered in previous years. Sliema residents are most welcome to send any suggestions and feedback to mbrig@hotmail.com.
Note: This article features in Sliema Local Council magazine, December 2014
Storytelling sessions for kids aged 5-7 are being held for the third consecutive year in the Council Library in Blanche Huber Street. The sessions are held on Saturday mornings between 900 and 1000 and are proving to be popular with participants.
Kids up to 3 years old are now being offered a new scheme called ‘Read With Me – Aqra Mieghi’ , which involves stories and rhymes in English every Tuesday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council, and stories and rhymes in Maltese every Thursday between 4pm and 5pm at Sliema Local Council. This initiative is being organized under the auspices of the Ministry for Education.
As regards the national lifelong learning scheme for adults, Sliema Local Council is hosting the following courses: Literacy – Maltese; Literacy – English; Literacy – Science; Literacy – Maths; English as a foreign language; Maltese as a foreign language; Spanish Language and Culture; Zumba; Yoga; Understanding Child Development; Lace Making and Maltese Cultural and Natural Heritage. More information about this scheme may be obtained from https://lifelonglearning.gov.mt/
Sliema Local Council has also offered its popular course in beading, and will be once again organizing a course in basic computer skills for adults. More information can be obtained from the council.
In the coming weeks, the Committee for Education, which I chair, will be proposing a range of courses for the coming year, also taking into account the results obtained from courses offered in previous years. Sliema residents are most welcome to send any suggestions and feedback to mbrig@hotmail.com.
Note: This article features in Sliema Local Council magazine, December 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Aqra Mieghi - Read With Me: Stories and Rhymes for Children aged 0-3
Also check out: Storytelling for Kids aged 5-7 at Sliema Public Library
Link here: http://sliemanews.blogspot.com/2014/09/story-telling-for-kids-at-sliema-public.html
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