Children from twenty schools raised concerns for various sectors of the environment in need of protection with Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs, George Pullicino, at an event organized at the Mosta Community Hall by BirdLife Malta and Bank of Valletta as part of the Dinja Wahda education program.
As one of the Dinja Wahda activities children have been preparing their letters over the past few months, to address Minister Pullicino in person.
“The children were enthusiastic and clearly excited about having Minister Pullicino listen and respond to their concerns in person.” said Nicolette Falzon, Dinja Wahda Schools Coordinator. “We want to empower the children by showing them that their concerns matter and that they too can make a difference.”
Children from the twenty schools wrote about environmental issues including alternative energy and climate change, the seas, waste management, the countryside and national parks and the protection of wild animals.
Concerned about pollution, 11 year old Chryseida May Grillo attending Our Lady Immaculate School in Hamrun wrote: “Sometimes, when I am swimming, I see plastic bags in the sea. I pick them and throw them in a bin to give a good example to everyone around me.”
Mr Alan Cassar, Executive Head for Sales & Product Development at Bank of Valletta addressed the children. He said that BOV is fully committed towards environmental matters. Our Community Programme has a pillar dedicated solely towards environmental projects and initiatives. Furthermore, the Bank designs eco-friendly products with added benefits to consumers who take the environment to heart.
“This is an occasion where you can let your concerns be heard. Your contribution can result in decisions being taken which are important for the future and so we are enthusiastic about listening to you” Concluded Mr Cassar.
The letter written by Milena Borg, attending Birkikara Primary, was chosen as the best letter by panel of judges, Ray Camilleri, Director of Curriculum and e-Learning, Victor Fiott, BirdLife Malta council member, Dr Paul Pace, Director of the Centre for Environmental Education and Research at the University of Malta. In her letter Milena Borg said “We are very careful not to waste electricity and water. We now switch on the water heater only an hour before we use it. We use energy-saving bulbs and we do not leave electrical appliances on if we are not using them.”
Minister Pullicino replied by agreeing with a sentiment she expressed and quoting from her letter “If everyone does these little simple things our country will be a better place to live in and everyone will be happier and healthier.”
Photo: As part of the Dinja Wahda education program, Minister Pullicino listened and replied to primary school children, as they read letters addressed to him raising their environmental concerns. Photo by Andrew Gauci Attard.