President Myriam Spiteri Debono paid a visit to the Archbishop's Minor Seminary as part of the BOV Piggy Bank campaign in aid of L-Istrina.

During her visit, the President was accompanied by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima.

Addressing the students, President Spiteri Debono encouraged them to actively participate in this year's L-Istrina by contributing, even in small ways, to the Piggy Bank campaign. She explained that throughout the year she has met young people who, after school, have no family to return to, as well as others who are struggling due to illness affecting them or their families. She reminded students that these individuals find comfort and support through the Malta Community Chest Fund, which is the beneficiary of funds raised through the Piggy Bank initiative.

The President also referred to the Christian values that form the ethos of education at the Seminary, urging students to keep their hearts and minds open to others and to be supportive when someone is in need. She stressed that small daily acts of kindness are essential in building a compassionate society that ensures no one is left behind.

While at the Archbishop's Minor Seminary, the President encouraged students to show appreciation and recognition towards their educators, describing education as the foundation for preparing future leaders. She noted that leadership is not limited to the country's highest authorities, but can be found at every level of society, including among students themselves, whom she urged to be leaders among their peers.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna thanked the President for her visit, stating that through her presence and her initiative to help those in need via the Malta Community Chest Fund, she is demonstrating that "part of the role of those called to represent our State is to truly care for people when they are most in need." He added that the greater the responsibility one carries, the stronger the call to care for one's neighbour, describing this as the true spirit of Christmas.

Minister Clifton Grima praised the students who, together with their educators and Learning Support Educators, participated generously in the initiative in support of the Community Chest Fund. In a brief message, he reflected on the name of the institution, noting that the word "Seminary" comes from the Latin seminarium, meaning seed. "In our students, we are sowing not only faith and knowledge, but also all that makes you worthy citizens of our country," the Minister said. He reminded students that the noble gestures they are taking part in today form the foundation of a responsible future, both individually and as tomorrow's leaders.

At the end of her visit, the President answered a number of questions prepared by the students, giving them the opportunity to learn more about her personally, the values and traditions she was brought up with, and her work during her presidency.