Ylenia Tabone, Amy Borg, Francesca Gauci, Gilbert Borg and Hafid Massa

On Thursday 7 May, EkoSkola students from 22 different schools participated in the annual Children's Summit.  This summit, organised by Nature Trust Malta and sponsored by HSBC Water programme was held at Le Meridien Hotel and Spa St Julian's. 

Over 100 students met and discussed themes related to the Millennium Development Goals.  

Students in workshops discussed local and global problems and proposed possible solutions. In the workshop regarding water safety, it was suggested, among other things, that Maltese people organise more fundraising activities to collect money for those in need.  Locally it was suggested that farmers stop using - or use less - pesticides,  so our water will be safer to drink.

In workshops focusing on poverty and hunger, both primary and secondary students suggested that the poor people are educated more and taught life skills.  The final workshop concentrated mainly on gender equality. They gave important recommendations on how to protect the 50,000,000 girls who are being denied education by protecting them at the vulnerable age of twelve when many are forced to leave school. Locally it was suggested that the government supports further the NGOs who look after women and girls who are victims of domestic violence.  

Participating students described the day as "wonderful, interesting and educational". Their suggestions will be presented to MPs during the annual EkoSkola Parliament session.

The authors are Young Reporters for the Environment attending St Ignatius College, Handaq Middle School