Education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms, and the Heritage Malta Student Passport Summer Programme recognizes this by offering a unique opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of natural history. Through a variety of interactive activities, this program aims to enhance knowledge, encourage active participation, promote environmental awareness, and foster a love of learning in a captivating museum environment.

While the break from regular academic routines offers students a chance to unwind and recharge, it also presents an opportunity for a different kind of learning. Summer programs, like the Student Passport Summer Programme, provide interactive and engaging activities that expand students' knowledge, nurture their curiosity, and encourage active participation. These programs offer a dynamic learning environment outside the traditional confines of a classroom, enabling students to explore new subjects, develop new skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Summer holidays become a valuable time for students to broaden their horizons, gain diverse experiences, and discover the joy of education in unconventional settings.

At the core of the Student Passport Summer Programme lies the goal of knowledge enhancement. By engaging in a wide array of interactive activities such as art, storytelling, model making, virtual reality, talks, and cave exploration, students are immersed in the fascinating world of natural history. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and allows students to explore it from various angles, igniting their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

The program places a strong emphasis on active participation, recognizing that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Through hands-on activities, students are encouraged to ask questions, conduct experiments, and pursue their own interests within the realm of natural history. This active engagement not only deepens their understanding but also instills a sense of ownership over their learning, fostering motivation and making the entire experience more meaningful and enjoyable.

The Student Passport Summer Programme aims to cultivate students' interest and appreciation for the natural world. By immersing students, the program sparks their curiosity and inspires them to become advocates for environmental preservation. Through interactive activities, students and accompanying adults discover the wonders of nature, forging a connection that compels them to take action in protecting and conserving the environment.

This program will offer students a unique opportunity to explore exhibits, interact with artefacts, and learn from experts in the field. This exposure to a museum environment enhances their appreciation for both cultural and scientific knowledge, creating a lasting love of learning that extends far beyond the program itself.

Heritage Malta’s calendar for summer and autumn with a total of 52 events

It has been a very busy week for Heritage Malta.  The Agency has also launched its calendar of events for the second half of 2023, offering a wide variety of activities and experiences for people of all ages. The calendar includes a total of 52 events, ranging from educational activities to exhibitions, which provide interactive and hands-on experiences for children of all ages.

This year, all the events in the program are themed around natural history, as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Natural History, which is particularly popular among children. The program aims to increase accessibility to our cultural heritage for children and young teens during their school holidays.

It is important for people to find time to attend events such as these which knowledge through interactive participation. Kids and adults are likely to find something of interest in these activities, which will motivate them to contribute to the preservation of the natural world. Moreover, engaging in these activities in a museum environment strengthens their love for learning while also acquiring new knowledge.

I would like to wholeheartedly thank all the employees at Heritage Malta for doing so much in order to instill a love for our cultural patrimony amongst the people at large. 

30 band clubs benefit from a fund aimed at strengthening the cultural work done by band clubs

30 different band clubs benefitted from the total amount of €160,000 through a fund aimed at strengthening the cultural work done by band clubs, which is administered by Arts Council Malta (ACM).

We are fully committed towards preserving and promoting community-based culture. We recognize the value of community engagement through arts and culture and we also understand the significant role that local feasts play in fostering active participation in diverse art forms while preserving the traditional essence that gives our islands a unique identity.

Band clubs, in particular, hold a crucial place in the community by creating a sense of belonging and serving as a gateway for individuals to engage with the arts. These clubs have ongoing activities focused on teaching music to children and young people. In addition to music education, they also organize cultural and traditional activities, which reach their pinnacle during the village feasts. These feasts bring the community together, allowing them to celebrate their heritage through music, dance, creativity, and various artistic expressions.

Moreover, the buildings that house these band clubs often hold objects of historical value and possess historical significance themselves. These spaces serve as cultural hubs, preserving the collective memory and traditions of the community. By supporting band clubs and providing funds, the government is actively contributing to the nurturing of musical culture, safeguarding and enhancing cultural traditions, and facilitating the organization of artistic endeavours within the community.

Through these efforts, the government recognizes the importance of community-based culture in strengthening social cohesion, preserving local heritage, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents. By encouraging active participation in the arts, particularly during local feasts, the government enables the community to showcase its creativity, promote cultural diversity, and uphold the values that define our unique identity. 

This scheme operates in collaboration with the Għaqda Nazzjonali Każini tal-Banda, facilitated by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Council and the Association, aiming to strengthen and streamline their partnership.

I augur all the volunteers engaged with the diverse Band Clubs a successful festa season and thank them for the fantastic energy they put in everything they do.