Gozo College is offering a Mindfulness course for a group of 25 Gozitan professionals, which will be delivered by Ms Helena Fone, a Mindfulness trainer.

Ms Fone explained that "mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally. Based on neuroscience, the course helps one to learn skills in self-regulating behaviour and mindfully engage in focused concentration. Such skills are very beneficial especially when working with energetic pupils/students and those posing challenging behaviours."

Gozo College Principal Mr Victor Galea, advised that this course is partly funded by the Directorate for Early School Leavers (ESL) as one of the measures the Gozo College is undertaking in order to prevent ESL.

He said that, "mindfulness can be used to increase students' capacity of attention and concentration but also well being and empathy. As a State College comprising of 11 primary and 2 secondary schools we not only strive to have a lower rate of early school leavers and thus contribute to EU targets, but above all else our teachers and school leaders are doing their best so that education and schooling become meaningful, engaging and relevant to students."

"Even Gozo have changed over the years in terms of student diversity and schools are trying to look beyond the school perimeters since the contributions of parents and the community at large are crucial in combating Early School Leavers," concluded Mr Galea.

This practical training course consists of 2 hours of contact time, once a week for a period of 6 weeks.

Mindfulness sessions with students from both the secondary and primary level will follow. A Certificate of Participation will be given to those attending all the 12 hours of contact time.

For more information on Mindfulness in Schools Programme, one may visit www.mindfulnessinschools.org.

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