Comenius in costume

At Achille Ferris Primary School, Msida, the Comenius project entitled 'Greenlinks' is now in its second year. Having an intercultural dimension, this EU project aims to encourage the children to appreciate more nature and the environment. This year the pupils became more familiar with the local flora and fauna through lessons, outings, games and activities.

They were encouraged to compare this to that of the other countries participating in the project. The schools which are working on the same project hail from Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Romania and Spain.

The Prize Day play, Ried Jara d-Dinja, centred on the natural environment and the authors were two teachers who wrote the script specifically for the occasion. The play's main character was Malta's national bird, il-merill, who was extremely concerned by the damage being done to the environment. The other main characters were animals, while the rest of the pupils were flowers or trees.

The children gave a beautiful rendering of their parts with clear messages for all present. "Let's not spoil our environment any more! Give us hope of an awakening to a true bird's eye view of a cleaner world."

Carnival activities were also linked to the Comenius project. Miss C. Borg, a teacher and member of the Carnival organising committee, said: "Prior to Carnival, all classes were encouraged to have craft sessions dedicated exclusively to 'Carnival in the Plant and Insect World'.

"So the pupils made colourful posters drawn in ultra bright colours depicting flowers and insects with a 'personality' - flowers and insects with human features bearing happy expressions!"

Some children complemented the theme by wearing flower and animal costumes on the day. The idea was to help the children realise that flowers and animals are our friends. They are happy if we care for them.

When asked to comment, the head of school, Ms R. Borg Magro, said: "The pupils were offered an opportunity to work together in school. Carnival and Prize Day's play were just two of the activities when a stimulating atmosphere was created.

"The Comenius project with all the related activities created a network which allowed the senior management team, staff, parents and pupils to come together around one theme. Throughout the year I could feel a happy atmosphere in my school."

Mrs DeBono is Comenius project co-ordinator and assistant head at Achille Ferris Primary School in Msida.