The HSBC Malta Foundation has renewed its support for the English-Speaking Union of Malta’s (ESU) Arm of Support programme, an English language programme for kindergarten and Year 1 children that promotes a ‘language through play’ method of teaching.

“ESU Malta is making a tangible difference by offering children the learning opportunities, resources and guidance to ensure that children grow up communicating in English as well as Maltese,” said HSBC Malta Foundation Chairperson Catherine Gonzi.

She said the ESU language programme is in line with one of the main objectives of the HSBC Malta Foundation, which is that of supporting educational programmes amongst children.

Mrs Gonzi experienced the ESU programme in action by joining a class of Kindergarten 2 children at St Margaret College, Zabbar Primary A, together with ESU Chairperson, John de Giorgio and Head of School, Alfred Debattista. She commented that “learning through play is a very effective tool in education, and it is a joy to see children from Maltese speaking backgrounds communicating so well in English.”

ESU Chairperson John de Giorgio said: “It is always rewarding to see the progress students achieve under our wing. HSBC Malta Foundation’s generous sponsorship will go a long way in supporting the programme which is also serving as a test bed for its broader implementation in schools across Malta and Gozo. Arm of Support has been running for four years, however, this is the first scholastic year that the programme is targeting Kinder 1, Kinder 2 and Year 1 students.”

More information about the work of the ESU in Malta can be found at www.esumalta.org