Students from St Catherine's High School in Pembroke have managed to collect enough clothing and blankets to fill a van, all of which are being donated to refugees who disembarked in Malta this week.

The school had asked parents to donate blankets, warm jackets, tracksuits, sweaters, socks, underwear and beanies for the migrants who were stranded on two refugee boats.

The response was overwhelming and the students managed to fill dozens of large bags with the required items. The donated items were picked up on Friday morning by members of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

JRS Malta director Katrine Camilleri spoke with the students about the hardships and abuse that refugees often face when fleeing their countries in search of a better life.

The students asked if some of the migrant children could visit the school, and if they can collect clothes and other necessities for other groups of refugees.

Head of School Sue Midolo explained that the school had been willing to house the stranded migrants in its assembly hall if space was lacking.

Midolo said that St Catherine's High School upholds the values of care and solidarity, and had also been organizing a walk in solidarity with the stranded migrants. The event was cancelled when an agreement was eventually reached, she said, but the students were very enthusiastic about the event, with one even telling her that the event should be held even if it rained.

The school also organized Special Assemblies for the Junior and the Senior School to raise awareness on the plight of the 49 persons and situations similar to these. The Juniors and Seniors Council prepared posters with Humanity First written on them, which were meant to be deposited in Mellieha, where the 2 rescue boats were moored, if an agreement had not been reached.

Flutterby students prepared hand printed wreaths in cardboard which would have also been deposited in Mellieha.

"All these will now be on display at the school corridors to remind us that no matter what, Humanity always comes first," the Head of School said, adding that she was extremely proud of all the students.

Photos: Neil Camilleri