A Memorandum of
Understanding was signed between the Foundation for Educational Services
and the Karl Vella Foundation, in the presence of H.E. Dr George Vella, the
Minister for Education and Employment, Hon Evarist Bartolo, the Parliamentary
Secretary for Sports, Youth and Voluntary Organisations Dr Clifton Grima M.P.,
and the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education Dr Frank Fabri.
Through this MOU, the
Foundation for Educational Services is pledging to offer support that enables
the Karl Vella Foundation to continue operating its services from the KVF
Centre, within the grounds of the President’s Kitchen Garden.
Within this Centre, around
40 children find a nook of solace as they to put their worries behind them, and
enjoy their lives as normal children. These are the same children who, during
the rest of the week, are facing the impact of a serious illness or death of a
close family. Their weekly visits to the KVF Centre enable them to receive
educational and psychological support. This includes HW help and recreational
activities, that bring them together as a group of peers going through a
similar experience, while enjoying their childhood.
The Karl Vella
Foundation employs 2 full-timers and 3 part-timers for the administrative side
of things. The educational and creative aspect of the activities will be
supported by the Foundation for Educational Services. Speaking about this contribution,
the Chairperson of FES, Ms Elena Borg commented that when two entities
collaborate, a very rewarding achievement can emerge. This time the
collaboration saw the emergence of a service that will help children and
families during a particularly stressful period in their lives. It is
with great respect and appreciation of the work involved, that FES will work
hand in hand with KVF, to offer a space of growth and healing for the children
attending the Klabb 3-16 service at KVF.
The children attending the
service at the KVF Centre are between 5 years and 17 years of age. This cohort
is similar to the one catered for by the Klabb 3-16 service, currently in
operation in 28 state primary schools. The FES CEO Mr Dermot Galea expressed
his satisfaction at being able to reach these children through the Karl Vella
Foundation, and enable them to experience the benefits of a non formal
education during after-school hours. In this way, FES is continuing to
re-enforce its social commitment to make the Klabb 3-16 service accessible to
children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
The co-founder and Chairperson of the Karl Vella Foundation, Ms Claire Chircop,
talked about the stability brought in these children’s lives through the hours
spent at the KVF Centre. The set-up and structure of the service will be
strengthened thanks to the MOU with the Foundation for Educational Services, as
it is providing additional help for the children's care plans when it comes to
educational support and behavioural issues. This support will help in
identifying any problems as early as possible, in order to provide the
required support.