Government has launched the Family Community School Link (FCSL) program at the Bormla Primary School, a programme that connects family, community, and school.
A government statement said that this program will be an important tool in further nurturing a democratic culture in Maltese and Gozitan schools through a more integrated and transversal approach, as the intervention at the school level is being extended to the family, as well as entities that form part of the community.
The programme is currently being implemented in four schools as a pilot project. Government said the program launched today is a testament to the Ministry's commitment in implementing the National Education Strategy 2024-2030.
"This program is not only fundamental for the holistic development of the student, but also for schools as an institution, and for the community. Democracy is a function of all aspects of school life, including learning and the active involvement of all parties." Education Minister Clifton Grima said.
He continued that students who feel part of the school community, and enjoy good relationships with their families and teachers, are more likely to fulfil their potential in an environment that encourages the development of their skills and talents.
He said that as a solid foundation for this program, the Ministry has invested in the expansion of the Directorate for Planning and Strategic Prospects, which, among other initiatives, is actively working to reduce the early school-leaving rate.
This means that all students are being given the opportunity to develop their skills and prospects through quality education, the statement said.
This will be achieved through proactive interventions, personalized support, and the fostering of a collaborative environment that prioritizes the success of every student.
Government said that with the FCSL programme, the connection between families, schools, and the community will be strengthened, and this will be ensured through the FCSL Outreach Officers who have been engaged in the four schools where the program is being implemented as part of a pilot project: St. George Preca College, Ħamrun Primary School; St. Theresa College, Msida Primary School; St. Margaret College, Bormla Primary School, and St. Clare College, St. John's Primary School.
"With the FCSL program, the Ministry will build on the national commitment to education and other areas that directly affect individuals in schools, including health and social well-being," Grima said.
He continued that this will ensure better access to use of services that are already offered in schools and in the community and that, through the FCSL program, will now be used in a more integrated way.
The pilot project was based on the key aspects of the program, which include the active involvement of parents in the education of their children, support for further training for educators through their professional development, access to learning opportunities within the community, as well as the organization of joint projects and events involving families, students, and community members.
In this way, the FCSL program emphasizes the importance of collaboration in education by fostering strong ties between families, schools, and communities.
Permanent Secretary Matthew Vella stated that the program, in addition to working with influential adults in students' lives, aims to operate at broader levels within the community by utilizing community resources, partnering with NGOs, and collaborating with public services, including the Health, Social Services, and Finance sectors, to develop multidisciplinary strategies and holistic plans.
He said that this collective effort is designed to provide more efficient and seamless services through improved coordination and communication, with the aim of maximizing capacity building.
The goal of the FCSL program is to truly achieve justice for students at risk of early school leaving through these direct interventions by FCSL officers, working within the school community and beyond.
This will be accomplished by creating a system around the school based on support and by continuing continuous monitoring regarding indicators of early school-leaving risks, which, among others, consider absenteeism rates, social background, academic achievement, and personal challenges such as learning difficulties.