A number of students who participated in environmental educational projects in favour of ocean protection were rewarded on Wednesday morning at the National Aquarium, in Qawra.
Presenting the prizes, Education and Employment Minister Owen Bonnici thanked and applauded all the children who participated. "Teachers and parents are teaching you, so that when you are older you will be better than us, and you can help others to learn more about the importance of our environment."
The main scope of the project was to inspire students to learn more about the ocean and instil awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. Students participated by preparing hands-on projects, including the re-use of discarded material to produce artwork or useful artefacts.
Bonnici explained that due to the coronavirus pandemic and the closure of schools, the national ocean literacy Consortium had organised and launched a quiz for all local Primary and Secondary School students.
Alongside the Education Minister, Professor Alan Deidun, representing the University of Malta, reflected that such events, projects and quizzes benefit children to learn more about their environment and ocean. "How can one promote to be more conscious about the ocean, when they do not understand the ocean? We believe that such quizzes will help students to understand just how important ocean life is and the impact it has on our lives."
Deidun pointed out that the quizzes which were launched saw great response, seeing 350 Primary School and over 60 Secondary School students had participated. "Overall we had 500 submissions for both projects and the quiz, which we are very pleased with."
The event acknowledges the winning submissions from students as well as those schools from which the greatest number of submissions were received. The students were awarded with books about Ocean literacy.
The event is in synch with the objectives of the upcoming UN Decade on Ocean Sciences (2021-2030).