Pupils in bid to protect school environment

The EkoSkola pilot project is well under way in six schools in Malta and Gozo, with the aim of empowering pupils, teachers and parents to take practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of their schools and improve the environment in their locality.

If the pilot is successful, Maltese schools will be able to join some 7,000 other schools in 26 countries in the international Eco-Schools programme.

Government primary schools in St Julian's, Xaghra, Fgura, and Siggiewi, as well as St Joseph Primary School in Blata l-Bajda and St Edwards College are participating in the initiative.

Launched late last year, the project is spearheaded by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority in collaboration with the Education Division.

The parliamentary secretary responsible for the environment, George Pullicino has been visiting the participating schools to meet the pupils.

During visits to the Fgura and St Julian's schools yesterday, he read out the story of Riki Eko, an adventurous environmental character who urges children to protect their school environment.

The story-telling was animated by a mime artist who played the part of Riki Eko, triggering the children's imagination as the story unfolded.

Mepa chairman Andrew Calleja briefly explained the authority's role as environment regulator and encouraged the children to take the safe-keeping of the school environment and their neighbourhood in their own hands.