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March 2012 Newsletter
Welcome
Welcome to Centru Tbexbix’s newsletter of March 2012
With the warmer weather obviously with us, the creative ideas at Centru Tbexbix bloomed - language lessons in the kitchen, circus certificates and art projects about love among other activities.
Yoga Shoots
During March Centru Tbexbix hosted one Yoga Shoots with kindergarten children from Bormla School. Despite their young age and difficulties in English, the children had no problem imitating the yoga positions during the yoga session with Corinna and Alice. The Yoga Shoots also included a finger-puppet show by Lena and Erika and an Arts & Crafts session where the children had the chance, after a short visualisation exercise, to freely express themselves with paint.
Language lessons in the Kitchen
In both Italian and English Club this month one lesson was scheduled outside the classroom. precisely in the kitchen, learning food vocabulary, kitchen tools, following written instructions... In Italian the children made a vegetarian lasagne while in English Club scones were on the lesson plan.
Arts & Crafts
This month we started the first long- term project in Arts & Crafts for this year with the elder groups Mangos and Pineapples. The subject was “Love” and the children needed to create their own artwork, right from the planning stage, working more independently in small groups, experimenting with material of their own choice. With the younger age group, Cherries/Strawberries, the project of this month was for the children to paint their own shapes, the result of which you can see below
Circus certificate
In March we also started the exciting project of the Circus Certificate. The children had to pass nine tests to get this certificate. They did their best to pass the tests: hoola-hoops, rope skipping, somersaults, headstand, cartwheels... Their skills in gymnastics, accuracy and coordination improved greatly.
The older group was introduced to volleyball. The aim was to play a game of volleyball but before that, some time was spent in understanding the basic rules and improving technical skills. |
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Goodbye David
After a whole year with us, it was time for David to return to the Czech Republic. He was a very dedicated volunteer who introduced new ideas to our project and in no time proved to be a pillar of support not only for the children but also for his colleagues. We wish him a bright future full of opportunities to help more children and families.
He writes:
In the beginning they were a bit naughty and I was under stress. I was a lone man in the centre and children knew it and they tried their borders. Thanks for this! Without this experience I would not have grown. I devoted myself to the beauty of plants and I shared this love with the children. At first they protested: “we’ll be dirty from the soil, ugh it stinks!” But they changed their opinion after a while. We established a small vegetable garden with a composter; We built bird feeders and insect-houses. Malta and my EVS at Centru Tbexbix was mainly about people. When I remember them all, my heart rejoices. I've never met so many wonderful and open people in one place.. I never forget the keen, philosophical debates, the conflicts, the first climbing and diving, the first tentative kiirtans and meditations, our discussions at lunch, the pick-ups from the airport and discussion after the cries and smiles, the sprouting of seeds, camping in Gozo, sleeping in a cave, theships and rocks, the sun and sunsets, the sound mixer, the smell of asafoetida, old buses on the road, menhirs and temples, astrology, the theatre, the painting.. ...
The experience is still very fresh.... and my heart open. I will never forget you. |
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... and Jill
Another volunteer who left in March was Jill from Germany. Jill was only with us for two months but she still left a mark on children and colleagues with her sweet personality, apart from her daily songs and music. We thank her for her contribution to the project.
She writes:
I have probably been the shortest EVS ever in the centre but I am convinced that I gained as much experiences as someone who stayed for a year. This time changed, influenced and enriched my life in so many ways. When I got out of the plane I immediately felt myself getting more relaxed since Germany can sometimes be very strict and based on efficiency and Kamala welcomed me cordially. The other volunteers and other people from the centre became my little short term family and I felt home from the first day, which is really no exaggeration. I loved spending time at the centre. I noticed how much effort was put into the centre and the work with the children the years before and how this positively influenced them and still does. For some children the centre is their second and maybe first home. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed being absolutely free with my tasks (which again was an enormous contrast to the German way of working). Before I left I saw some new things being introduced, like the very important new supervision trainer or the women project and this convinced me that this project will continue being a huge enrichment for Malta and its inhabitants. This magical little island and the people from all over the world together created a perfect but also personally challenging 2 ½ months I will never forget.
Thank you again for everything. |
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New arrival
Replacing Jill with professional music activities is Manuel, also from Germany.
He writes:
Circle time is a nice opportunity for the children to meet and to calm down before lessons. For me it is an interesting job to prepare the music and to sing with the children. In general my first impressions are positive, because with nine volunteers we are an international team and all people are very nice. Looking forward to spend the upcoming months in Malta!
A visit from an old friend
During March we also had the pleasure of hosting former EVS-volunteer Corinna who came back to visit us for three weeks and lend us a helping hand. Our new volunteers found support in her experience and expertise and the children were delighted to see her again.
Want to know more?
For more information about the centre and our activities also visit our new blog
http://centrutbexbix.blogspot.com/or why not follow us on twitter @Centru Tbexbix.
There are many different ways how to contribute to the
success of Centru Tbexbix. Through volunteering (in classes,
administration, odd jobs, maintenance), donations in kind or financially,
etc. The opportunities are endless.
One way to support the efforts of Centru Tbexbix is
through the "Friends of Centru Tbexbix" scheme with a small monthly
contribution by standing order. Centru Tbexbix holds the following
accounts: HSBC 013-085675-001 and BoV 400-1705136-1.
For more information on how you can help, call us on
21/27 805130 or send an email to tbexbix@gmail.com.
This newsletter will be coming to you
every end of the month, with the intention of keeping regular contact with
the growing circle of friends of Centru Tbexbix, keeping everyone informed
of what is happening as well as sharing the inspiration of this blossoming
community project. The intention is to keep it brief and factual. Your
comments and suggestions are appreciated.
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