<i>Skolasajf</i> students learn about heritage

About 4,000 students attending Skolasajf, the education division's summer school programme, will be learning about their ancestors through a new venture called 'Hands-On-Heritage'.

The venture is organised by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and has the financial support of Bank of Valletta.

It was officially launched at the Kordin III megalithic site in Paola yesterday during a visit by Education Minister Louis Galea, Labour education spokesman Evarist Bartolo, foundation executive director Mario Farrugia and BOV chief officer retail banking Igino Xuereb.

Students will for now visit two of the 14 heritage sites being managed by the foundation, but Mr Farrugia said he hoped that all the sites will be used in due time.

Dr Galea said the sites will spring to life and not remain another abstract subject of text books.

As he visited the site, children sat under the shade lost in a world of their own as they attempted to recreate the temples using clay.

Each of the activities is designed to acquaint students with the monuments and introduce them to subjects related to the original daily use of the site.

Historical locations which at times can seem drab will be seen in a more colourful and lively light.

During a typical session, students will learn about the life, crafts and skills of the builders or occupiers of the sites.

They will also be able to learn the elementary basics of archaeology, mapping and heritage audits of historic buildings and sites.

Yesterday, for example, they were taught how to make ancient pottery using the skills of their ancestors. The students who visit Fort Rinella will be introduced to aspects of late 19th century life.

Dr Galea also announced that talks were underway to organise an exchange programme between children from Malta and the UK that will give the children an interactive experience of each country's heritage.

The ministry was also looking into the creation of a scheme in which children would be able to 'adopt' cultural sites and take care of them, he said.