ICON launches an innovative resource for children

ICON and Miranda Publishers have teamed up to bring educational endeavour into the world of online interactivity like never before. The launch of the innovative portal Tezori Maltin at www.tezorimaltin.com marks a landmark in the efforts to bring history and culture closer to kids through the use of technology.

The new online resource is designed to complement two books published by Miranda Publishers which are being freely distributed to approximately 53,000 children in Government, private and Church schools. The books, one aimed at primary school children and another for teens in secondary schools, are mirrored in the two main sections of the new site. Thus, the two online sections have Malta's rich heritage as their common ground yet are aptly diverse.

Through this initiative Miranda Publishers brings a cross-section of its library of images related to history and culture closer to the kids, giving them the opportunity to download and use them in their educational projects.

As the portal is primarily aimed at such a young audience, ICON has seamlessly incorporated very colourful designs, including relatable characters and a vibrant watercolor motif. These features are designed to encourage high user involvement, and are supplemented with several games related to historical facts. ICON has further integrated various social channels onto the new site, namely Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and the blog to encourage user interaction.

The site is especially commendable for its rich resources for school projects. Both of the sections aimed at the two age groups boast downloadable photographs of iconic Maltese locations, as well as a graphic timeline split into eras in Maltese history and historic places related to them. One is also presented with the possibility of building an own personalised library of sources around the site.

Nevertheless the site does not only cater for students, but also for the general public. Indeed, says Mr. Eddie Aquilina, Director of Miranda Publishers, "the website and books also have the philanthropic mission to crowd-source donations to restore local heritage and have thus teamed up with 'Din l-Art Helwa' to collect funds for the restoration of Wignacourt Tower in St. Paul's Bay. Through such initiatives, Miranda Books aims to create awareness of our Heritage sites and educate children and parents of the importance of preserving our Heritage."

As such, the project is supported by several NGOs, private companies, as well as four Ministries, namely Education, Health, Tourism and Rural Affairs. In the interest of parents and adults, the site contains features such as educational tips, an insightful blog, a periodic newsletter as well as help for parents, educating them on the correct use of online resources for education.

"The website ICON created achieves our aims perfectly," Aquilina said. "Namely those of giving children and their parents a safe and fun learning environment with a plethora of quality content."