Mrs Mary Fenech Adami visited a number of schools in Gozo yesterday during the collection of funds from school children towards L-Istrina 2006. Today it was the turn of Gozitan children to participate in the the BOV Istrina Campaign 2006 that has seen the involvement of over 65,000 children making small donations from their pocket money to support L-Istrina 2006.

For this occasion, two large piggy banks boarded the Gozo Channel ferry early in the morning and crossed the stretch of sea between Malta and Gozo. Assisted by Bank of Valletta and L-Istrina volunteers, the collection from all schools in Gozo was completed in just one day.

Mrs Fenech Adami visited six schools in Gozo, starting with the Anton Cassar primary school in Ghajnsielem. She them proceeded to the Dun Salv Vella primary school in Nadur, the Sannat primary school and Special Unit, Agius de Soldanis girls’ secondary school in Victoria, Patri Mattew Sultana primary school in Xaghra and Mons. Giov. Andrea Vella primary school in Zebbug.

Mrs Fenech Adami received a warm welcome from the students at all the schools she visited. The students enthusiastically placed their donations in the large L-Istrina piggy bank that has been the centre of attraction throughout this second phase of the BOV Istrina campaign 2006.

Mrs Fenech Adami had words of praise for the support and enthusiasm shown by all students and teachers in support of this campaign. “I am extremely happy to witness such generosity from our children. Donating a small part from one’s savings to those who are more in need is a valuable and commendable gesture that should be encouraged among children of all ages. Generosity is a major characteristic in our people and efforts to help those in need should be encouraged,” she said.

The amount of money collected by schoolchildren during this year’s campaign will be announced during the live transmission of L-Istrina 2006 on 30 December on local television stations.