As part of her regular visits to schools, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Preca recently visited the children attending the Skolasajf Centre in Siggiewi.  For the visit she was accompanied by Charles Borg, CEO at Bank of Valletta, Elizabeth Pisani CEO Foundation for Educational Services and Rodianne Fenech, centre coordinator.

During her visit, the President was given an overview of the activities being undertaken by the children and the carers of this Centre, including initiatives focusing on raising funds for the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign during the summer season.

As Mr Borg explained: "In line with the wish expressed by the President the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank campaign is being extended to the summer months giving more opportunity to children to actively support others through their actions." He continued: "Today, we are witnessing a whole spectrum of activities in which both the children and their parents have been actively involved. In this manner, we believe that this campaign will be reaching the goal of instilling the spirit of solidarity and altruism in our children."

Ms Pisani added: "We are pleased to see the extension of the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign being piloted during the Skolasajf programme. This summer, there are over 60 centres around Malta and Gozo offering this programme. Our main goal is to provide an informal educational experience that helps students develop their holistic development while providing them with recreation. We believe that their active involvement in raising funds towards the Malta Community Chest Fund merges with the goal of the Skolasajf programme."

While touring the Skolasajf Centre in Siggiewi, the President expressed her gratitude towards the children and their carers for this initiative. Addressing the children, she said: "Your small gesture has a multiple effect. It shows each and every one of us the true value of altruism and what it means to be part of a community. After all, this is what the Malta Community Chest Fund is all about - everyone of us contributes towards this fund so that we will always be in a position to assist the Maltese and Gozitan people when the need arises."

Bank of Valletta is actively involved in the drive towards L-Istrina. In addition to the L-Istrina BOV Piggy Bank Campaign, the bank supports other initiatives including Rockestra, Paqpaqli ghall-Istrina, the August Moon Ball and Tisjir mill-Qalb.