Europe Day - June 11, 2006

Europe Day 2006 has been a memorable event for young people from all over Malta.

Spring Day in Europe, launched at the beginning of spring, kicked off a series of events leading up to May 9, Europe Day. The aim of these events was to strengthen links between citizens of all ages and the EU institutions in all the EU's member states.

In Malta, children of all ages were invited to participate in a number of activities organised by the Education Division in collaboration with the European Commission Representation, Malta and Europe Forum Malta.

Through these initiatives, young people could express their concerns and ideas on what sort of future they want and how the EU can help them make sure their ideals are realised.

One of these initiatives was to write a peace poem. Young people from all over Europe were also encouraged, through the Spring Day for Europe Website, to submit a rhyming couplet to contribute to the crafting of a long poem expressing their wishes for peace. This was indeed an exciting experience for the students.

In another activity, Form IV students took part in a lively discussion, sharing ideas with the Austrian Ambassador, Dr Elisabeth Kehrer, at St Joseph School, Blata l-Bjada.

Dr Kehrer explained the functions of the different EU institutions, the EU Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the Commission and encouraged students to participate in public discussions on issues affecting their country.

Other themes tackled were the environment, energy-saving resources and alternative sources of energy, and study and work opportunities in the EU for young people.

The proposals were then presented to the EU Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallstrom, as part of the Commission's Communication programme Plan D.

Perhaps the most memorable event that the students participated in was the celebration organised on Europe Day for state, Church and private schools.

During this event, held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta, schools in their presentations addressed important issues which they felt strongly about in their life and in the life of the country.

Some of the proposals made highlighted the importance of understanding different cultures as a means of bringing about peace. They also tackled the need for more opportunities for developing the arts, music and drama as a career, campaigns to safeguard endemic species on land and sea, facilitating learning for the disabled, care for the environment and finally financial assistance for Maltese students to visit the EU Parliament in Strasbourg.

At the end of this event, all students representing their respective schools marched along Republic Street, carrying the flags of the 25 member states, making this a very colourful parade.

The celebration ended on St George's Square, Valletta, with the reading of the Schuman Declaration.

This was followed by the raising of the flags while the band of the Armed Forces played the European anthem as a sign of unity and peace.