Appreciating our cultural heritage

Learning to appreciate our unique heritage is the main objective of a project, entitled "Valletta Belt Gawhra" currently at St Elmo Primary School in Valletta, involving pupils and parents.

The two major activities held this year were the celebration of the capital city's 440 th anniversary and a visit to the Presidential Palace.

The first event was held on foundation day proper - March 28 - during which students participated in a heritage trail along the capital's streets learning about various historical buildings and monuments as they went along.

On May 2 Year 6 students and their parents visited the Palace, thanks to Ms Rosella Schembri of Heritage Malta and Dr Ray Bondin, who not only organised the event, but also acted as tour leader.

The tour included a visit to the Armoury, Parliament and State Rooms. Children and parents were amazed by the intricate details of the Belgian tapestries which, according to Dr Bondin, are the best preserved in Europe.

Our visit came to an end with a brief meeting with the President, Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, who, in a brief speech, encouraged all present to appreciate our unique cultural heritage.