Write Deal Association
500 Interactive Books presented to schools
Write Deal Association has presented 500 interactive books, free-of-charge, to the National Literacy Agency, who in turn will be distributing these books to schools in Malta and Gozo with 4-5 year-old children. Each book, which is called Mhux Widnejn Kollha Huma Xorta, includes a story that both promotes the inclusion and participation of persons with disability in the community, and also helps reduce social inequalities. Since the books make use of interactivity, blind children are also able to enjoy the audio. This means that the NGO is also promoting the use of technology as a means towards inclusion.
The mentioned schools include 52 church schools, 46 independent schools and 238 government schools. Thus, a total of 336 schools will be presented with Mhux Widnejn Kollha Huma Xorta. The rest of the books (which amount to a total of 164 books) will be distributed to the National Literacy Agency’s libraries and to primary schools.
This project was only possible that to the Quality of Life Scheme – Small Grant Scheme 2022 and the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisation and Consumer Rights.
Training
Earlier on this year, one of the Volunteers of Write Deal Association had the opportunity to attend the training called ‘Managing a Diverse Classroom: Facing Upcoming Challenges’. The training was held in Florence, Italy.
This course was especially created for educators working in diverse classrooms due to the presence of disadvantaged learners, including migrant and immigrant students and children with special educational needs. The training was tailored for participants seeking to learn more about managing effectively heterogeneous children by encouraging participation and achievement for all students using the latest inclusive management teaching methods and tools. In addition, our Volunteer learnt about managing through experiential learning and case studies which encourage reflection, discussion and sharing of good practices regarding the contemporary challenging issues.
During the years, our NGO has consistently developed and produced high-quality interactive ebooks and printed books and publications to promote important social and environmental messages. One of these subjects is diversity. In addition, in a few months time, the NGO will be developing and producing a television children's programme which will be called 'F'Idejna', and which will be free from advertisement. Amongst other subjects, 'F'Idejna' will be tackling diversity. This training was thus especially valid and important as our Volunteer will be in charge of handling a pool of diverse children presenters.
This project has been funded through the Training Initiatives Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.
One of the Volunteers of Write Deal Association had the opportunity to attend the training called ‘Tablets and Smartphones: Using Mobile Devices as Educational Tools’ organized by Europass Academy. The training was held in Berlin, Germany.
The course was created for participants interested in Technology Enhanced Learning and M-learning. In fact, the participants discovered how laptops, tablets and smartphones can be integrated in educational projects.
During this training course, our Volunteer came up with fresh ideas on how to incorporate technology into our NGO’s new projects. The Volunteer worked in small groups to carry out practical tasks as he learnt how to use software, platforms and apps to communicate, to manage groups and to foster collaboration. The Volunteer also had the chance to experience how learning can be enhanced by using serious technological games and quizzes. Thus and by the end of the course, our Volunteer became more inspired to use ICT tools in a motivating and pedagogical way.
This project has been funded through the Training Initiatives Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.