Having participated in the EkoSkola programme, which is coordinated by Nature Trust (Malta) the Xewkija Primary School was rewarded with a Green Flag, to make them the second school in Gozo to do so. The first school awarded the honour was Xaghra Primary School.

EkoSkola is an international programme run by the Foundation for Environmental Education and focuses on environmental management. The Nature Trust (Malta) programme introduced it in 2002-2003 in 6 schools in Malta. Currently there are a hundred schools (61%) taking part in the programme in Malta and Gozo. The objectives of this programme are to offer an opportunity to young students to begin adopting participatory roles in environmental decisions and to be active in this respect, both within schools and in the community. In the international sphere this programme was adopted in 47 countries. This stamp gives a unique and prestigious dimension to those schools that meet high the level in this field and can then be rewarded with a Green Flag. This is particularly true during this year where there have been intensive discussions on the protection of our environment and the global challenge of climate change.

A Special ceremony was organised, during which the Green flag was raised for the first time in the Xewkija Primary School. After Mass was celebrated the children had organised activities on environmental themes that focus on the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, attended the ceremony as well as Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Consultation, Chris Said, the Principal of the College of Gozo, Chev. Frank Gatt together with Mr. Vince Attard, President of Nature Trust (Malta). They were welcomed by Mr Savior Tabone, Head of the school, along with teachers, pupils and parents who were also invited for the occasion.

In her address the Minister for Gozo expressed satisfaction for the participation by schools in Gozo in EkoSkola. The Minister said, “‘It is therefore to be one of the first initiatives in implementing the eco-Gozo vision, and we will be launching an informative package for teachers on this Government’s aspiration for Gozo. This ensures that the message is received and understood by Government and by children, who are the future of the island of Gozo.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information Chris Said congratulated the Eskola Committee of Xewkija primary school for the prestigious honor that they had acquired, thanks to the dedication of teachers and students who were aiming for a greener environment. Chris Said also appealed to students to continue with their work at the school, but also that it dit not stop there but to extend and transmit their commitment to the environment in their family and home, so the result of their work would spread and have a good impact on Gozo. He also encouraged more schools to take an example from Xewkija School, to create more awareness for the importance of environmental protection in every village in Gozo.

Photo by George Scerri.

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