Walk to School Day

Students and teachers attending the MCAST Institute of Community Services recently walked to their institute to promote personal health, a cleaner environment and safer communities.

The students met up in Valletta and made their way to the Institute on foot. In their colourful T-shirts promoting a healthier lifestyle, safer streets, and fun, the students managed to grab the attention of many drivers and passers-by.

The Walk to School Day was co-ordinated by the National Sports Diploma students designed to make streets and communities safer, and also improve the health of students and the environment.

It is hoped that this exercise will begin to reverse the habit of driving to school. One of the biggest community problems Malta faces is the high percentage of obesity, especially among young teenagers.

Some of the health risks of inactivity include earlier onset heart disease, osteoporosis, Type-2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Calling it an opportunity to celebrate the joy of walking, a teacher said the Walk to School Day would expose students to the ease and benefits of the walking alternative and hopefully this message would be passed on to other schools.