FES :: Nwar :: Links

Programmes > Nwar > Dedication

DEDICATION

FES dedicates the Nwar Service in memory of FRANK MALLIA who is very well known in the field of inclusion and special education in Malta. Frank was a well loved and respected Education Officer within the Education Division in Malta.

For many years, he served on the Statementing Board that assessed applications from families and schools for special educational needs support at classroom level for students with learning disabilities in mainstream schools.

Through the years, Frank also served on other Boards and Committees and lectured at University in this specialised field of education. Frank published a number of articles and papers on special educational needs and represented the Education Committee of the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) on University Boards. His membership of the MUT extended back to 1972. Through his long years of association with the MUT, Frank fulfilled roles of a Union delegate and Treasurer. He served as Treasurer of the CMTU as well. Frank was nominated twice for the Worker of the Year national award. Most recently, Frank was instrumental in the setting up and management of the National Support Centre in the field of Inclusion.

Frank's positive attitude towards life and its challenges provided reassurance and stability to hundreds of parents of students with intellectual and other disabilities who thronged his Floriana office for advice, support and often a shoulder to cry on due to the myriad frustrations that they faced. Everyone recalls Frank's friendly smile and genuine compassionate. Everyone recalls his creative attempts at finding solutions that worked for everyone. His was a 'win-win' style of problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Frank passed away on the 17th of January 2002 aged 57. Although he left a huge void in his field of specialisation, he left us innumerable happy memories. His combination of humour and committment brought dignity and mirth to his work mileu. Frank was married to Marianne and had an only son called Frank Jnr.

FES dedicates its Nwar Service aimed at students most at risk of educational failure to Frank.

Other Highlights from Frank's life:

Posts held:
- Education Officer (EO) with responsibility for the Management of the National Support Centre and the co-ordination of the inclusion and special education sector
- Education Assistant
- Education Officer - Remedial Teaching
- Teacher at Mater Dei School for students with emotional and behavioural difficulties
- Teacher at Pieta' and Senglea Primary Schools

Qualifications:
- Diploma in Special Education, University of Malta
- Diploma in Educational Administration and Management, University of Malta
- Teacher's qualification from the St Michael's College, Malta
_ [President of the College's Student Teachers' 1967-68]