Today was the end of the end of the campaign of awareness, education and promotion of animal welfare, which has been taking place in various SkolaSajf centres scattered around Gozo and Malta.
About 700 students from 35 schools took part in a competition, where they were asked to take a photo with their pet. The winners were announced in a brief ceremony which was attended by the Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo and the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Roderick Galdes.
The winners in Gozo and Malta were divided into four categories according to age, educational books were given as a prize for their creativity and enthusiasm.
Minister Bartolo said that it is important that children grow up with the awareness of showing love towards animals and respect for life, both of which are important values in their education.
Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said that such campaigns are designed to raise awareness about animal rights, with education as the tool to prevent the animals possibly ending up sick or abandoned.
He noted with satisfaction that the Directorate for Animal Welfare will be drawing up a programme to continue what was started during SkolaSajf sessions in the summer, which will be implemented during the 2015/16 school year in primary and secondary schools.
The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the Office of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare, the Department of Animal Welfare, and the Foundation for Educational Services of their collaboration in these campaigns.
Some of the winning photos in the competition are shown above.