As part of its ongoing effort to promote reading among children, for the second year running, the voluntary organisation Ħamrun Ħanin presented a set of books from the much-loved series Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel, written by Charles Buttigieg, to the Ħamrun Primary School (St George Preca College SS).
During the event, members of Ħamrun Ħanin engaged with the children, read out a few excerpts from these books and shared a few light moments together. The author himself was present for this occasion.
The Karamellu tar-Raħal t’Isfel books are a collection of stories about childhood in a Maltese village at a time when the television, the computer, the internet and mobile phones were yet to arrive.
Karamellu represents a boy who was born and raised in a worker’s family, which lived on the outskirts of Żejtun’s ‘ir-Raħal t’Isfel’. The stories portray how children and families used to live many years ago, together with their customs, in a calm and serene environment where everyone knew everyone and where mischief among children and adults alike was never lacking.
Literacy is a fundamental tool in achieving the key objectives of this voluntary organisation, which include child safeguarding and inclusion. By promoting literacy, the organisation aims to encourage a safe, inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Promoting early literacy is essential as it establishes the foundation for a child’s academic success and lifelong learning, the group believes. Early exposure to reading and language skills boosts cognitive development, improves attention span and nurtures a love for learning.
The donation of books was presented to Marouska M. Farrugia, on behalf of head teacher Johanna Cauchi.
For the past three years, Ħamrun Ħanin has organised numerous activities in the community, advocating causes associated with inclusion, diversity and non-discrimination, linking the love towards sports with community development.
In recent weeks, the organisation, which serves as the social arm of Ħamrun Spartans FC, carried out visits to places such as Corradino Correctional Facility, the Rainbow Ward at Mater Dei Hospital and Dar Bjorn, spreading the joy of sporting victory among the more vulnerable members of society. These activities are supported by Alberta Group, the voluntary organisation’s main sponsor.
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