Schoolchildren follow heritage trail

Some 150 children, between seven and 15 years of age, from Chiswick and St Martin's School are following a heritage trail through several of Din L-Art Helwa's historic properties.

All children are youth members of the heritage NGO whose volunteers have organised rotas to ensure its properties are accessible on certain days throughout the summer months.

About eight groups of children have discovered Malta's early religious heritage at the chapel of the Annunciation, in Hal Millieri, the church of St Mary, at Bir Miftuh and St Roque, in Zebbug while the towers of Wignacourt, at St Paul's Bay, the Red Tower, at Mellieha and the Msida Bastion Garden of Rest have provided topics on Malta's military history dating from the time of the Knights.

History teachers from Chiswick and St Martin's have assigned project work regarding the historic sites and the children are being asked to carry out specific non-physical tasks as their summer assignments. The schools became members of Teenagers Din L-Art Helwa in the wake of the tragic vandalism of the Mnajdra temples.

The principal of the two schools, Bernie Mizzi, said the schools would continue with such programmes as they were fundamental if children were to gain awareness of the nation's historic legacy from an early age.

All properties have been restored and are being maintained by Din L-Art Helwa.