Tree Planting Initiative with School Children

Organised by Europe Direct Valletta and Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta

Europe Direct Valletta and Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta organised a tree-planting initiative with the objective to highlight the EU’s commitment to climate action with specific reference to children’s engagement to the ambitious EU targets.

This activity was organised with the collaboration of Nature Trust Malta, who coordinate the EkoSkola initiative. Four local schools were invited and accepted to participate in this activity, being Immaculate Conception Secondary School - St Jeanne Antide College Tarxien, St Thomas More College - Sta Lucia Secondary School, San Ġorġ Preca College - Paola Primary School and St Thomas More College - Tarxien Middle School.

Tree planting ceremonies were held, during which a number of fruit trees, which were donated to these schools, were planted with the participation of their respective students. This initiative strongly contributed to greening school spaces, where children spend a lot of time during the academic year.

The ceremony which was held on November 29 at San Ġorġ Preca College Paola Primary School, was presided by the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Dr Chris Bonett.

In addressing the students, Dr Bonett highlighted the fact that we are all invited to behave as active citizens of the European Union by working together to protect and take care of the environment, especially to save on energy and water and green the places we live in. Initiatives like this are the proof of how EU funds can play a main role in achieving these targets.

Planting fruit trees reminds us of an important word – sustainability – meaning that whatever we do, we do not just think of ourselves but those around us and the whole world which needs our example.

Accompanying the Parliamentary Secretary were: Paola Primary Head of School, Alexandra Vella; CEO of SEM, Denise Fiorentino; Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta, Lorenzo Vella; CEO of Nature Trust Malta, Vince Attard; school staff and Year 4 students.