HSBC Cares For Children Fund (HCCF) is supporting a pilot project at Senglea Primary School aimed at helping children aged between 9 and 10 years old to develop self-esteem and a positive approach to life. This is being done through the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. The internationally acclaimed academy was founded in Australia in 1979 and has spread worldwide to provide children with a self-development programme designed to increase their confidence, self-esteem, communicative ability and creative talents through a carefully constructed, progressive drama syllabus.

“Apart from encouraging children to take a positive approach to life, the Helen O’Grady Academies, which now operate in fifteen countries, help children to develop their verbal communication and social interaction skills. These are essential tools which every individual needs and HSBC Cares For Children Fund will help expand the programme should this pilot prove as successful as anticipated,” said HCCF Chairperson, Mrs Catherine Gonzi.

Classes cover speech, movement, creative drama and language development. Although educational and therapeutic in its approach, having fun remains key to the Academy’s success. The programme is designed to tap into children’s inherent creativity and to encourage them to come out of their shells. There are no end-of-term examinations at the Helen O’Grady Academy because children have enough academic pressure as it is. No exams also means there can never ever be a sense of failure – only a rewarding sense of achievement.

The progress which the children taking part in the pilot at Senglea have been making was clearly demonstrated during a recent workshop which took place in front of fellow students. The performance, which was also attended by Mrs Gonzi, proved to be very entertaining and clearly showed that the children had a good command of the English language.

“The introduction of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Malta 2 years ago offers a great opportunity to improve children’s confidence and self-esteem in a fun-filled environment, whilst building life skills and increasing their ability to ask and answer questions with assurance.

This will allow them to integrate with peers more easily and to converse with adults effectively. It is an excellent foundation for their future and, with the support of HSBC Cares For Children Fund, I am determined to see as many youngsters as possible benefit,” said Academy Principal for Malta, Mr Alan Montanaro.