The Malta Youth in Agriculture (MaYA) Foundation explained that December is normally a quiet month for Maltese beekeepers, with less work required for the bee colonies and more focus on preparing for spring.
It was the perfect opportunity therefore for one of MaYA’s administrators, Mr. Jorge Spiteri, to mentor and showcase the next generation of Maltese beekeepers.
Three A-Level Biology students from Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School were selected to represent Malta at the 13th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Accompanying them was their educator, Ms. Maria Lourdes Attard, who played a pivotal role in preparing the young team with skills in honey bee product marketing and guiding them on how to confidently approach their presentations.
This event, held las month, brought together the most promising young beekeepers, or prospective ones, from twenty countries across five continents to exchange cultures, knowledge, and innovations while engaging in friendly competition.
Last year’s IMYB in Slovenia also marked a milestone for Malta, with three students from St. Paul’s Missionary College Secondary School in Rabat achieving commendable results.
This year, the Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation once again coordinated a delegation of young apiculture enthusiasts aged 11-17 to serve as ambassadors for Malta on this international stage.
With dedicated support from Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, the team secured the top award in the Country Competition for their compelling narratives about Maltese honey and solutions to challenges faced by bees and beekeepers in arid regions.
MaYA said that individual team members further distinguished themselves by earning Gold and Bronze placements in mixed-team theoretical and practical assessments.
Beyond competition, the Foundation explained that IMYB experience provided these young students with invaluable opportunities to develop marketing and packaging skills, encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset as they explored innovative ways to present and promote Maltese honey to a global audience.
“The event consistently fosters cross-cultural connections, inspires new ideas, and helps participants uncover their potential,” it said.
The MaYA Foundation extended its gratitude to VisitMalta, Wellbee’s Supermarket, and Safi “for their invaluable support in facilitating the Maltese delegation’s participation this year.”
The Maltese representatives were also supported by cultural ambassador Tenor Joseph Calleja, who contributed in various ways, particularly through his belief in Malta’s potential and its enduring apiculture legacy, the Foundation said.
On behalf of Team Malta, MaYA also thanked Mr. Ji?í Píza, President of the International Centre for Young Beekeepers, and the team from the Beekeepers Foundation of UAE for providing Malta with another opportunity to shine on this prestigious platform.
The Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation was established in 2014 to advocate for the interests of young people within the Maltese islands who contribute towards sustainable agriculture. To learn more about the Foundation’s mission and ESG impact over the past decade please click here [1].
Photos: MaYA