The HSBC Group has made available €25,000 through the HSBC Malta Foundation to fund the NWAR basic literacy skills tuition programme, which is run by the Foundation for Educational Services at the Ministry of Education. This year, over 25 children in primary and secondary schools and their carers will benefit from the programme.

The NWAR programme is a family literacy programme for students in classes from Year 3 to Form II and their carers. Students participate in an intensive literacy support programme with a maximum ratio of three children to one tutor. Through NWAR, referred students who, for years, failed to learn how to read and write, have gained literacy skills in a relatively short time span.

The rapid learning achievements of students in the NWAR programme is attributed to the involvement of their carers who support the child’s learning and growth within the home and to the effective methodologies and approach used by the NWAR tutors.

“The HSBC Group is active in supporting literacy worldwide. The funding of the NWAR programme in Malta is part of the support the HSBC Malta Foundation gives to children and families most at risk of social exclusion brought about primarily by lack of education,” said Alan Richards, HSBC Bank Malta Chief Executive Officer.

On receiving the sponsorship, Dr Stephen Spiteri, Parliamentary Assistant within the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family said that during this phase of education, the participation of parents is crucial in a child’s development. As a matter of fact, this is emphasised in the National Curriculum Framework document that is currently under consultation. The government’s mission is to overcome the obstacle of illiteracy and this programme adequately addresses this issue.