I write to show my lack of agreement with the idea of having schoolchildren in both primary and secondary schools carry out projects that turn out to be simply competition between the parents.

Let me explain.

Several schools tell their students to carry out projects about any given subject. There is nothing wrong in this at first glance. Such projects are intended to give the students the opportunity to research on the theme chosen, and come up with something that goes beyond their normal school duties.

Yet, very often, the project is so vast and complicated that they would need their parents’ help.

Nothing wrong in this too, because the intention is for the parents to do something with their children.

But what happens on most occasions is that it is the parents themselves, many times on their own, who do the work for their children. This is evident when one goes to see the exhibition in school. There is no way that six- and seven-year-olds, perhaps even 10-year-olds, could come up with some of the projects that are on display.

The school authorities are intelligent enough to notice this, but this goes on year after year. It is clear that it is the parents who are doing the projects, and so what is the benefit of such projects for the children?

I wonder.

Maria Abela

Sliema