Children taught value of care for animals

About 3,800 children from state, Church and independent schools throughout Malta took part in this year's Skolasajf Animal Awareness Day organised by the Education Department.

Education Minister Louis Galea paid a visit to the Dr Frans Chetcuti Skolasajf Centre, in Zabbar, where the special programme themed Together For The Environment was underway.

This year's annual event, which customarily takes place during the first week of August, focused on topics of awareness, appreciation and initiative, with the aim of increasing students' understanding of animal welfare and influencing them to love, respect and be responsible for their pets.

Dr Galea commented that caring for animals shows respect for life's values, whereas education is the best means to put to an end to animal cruelty.

Apart from singing, essay reading, performing in plays and other such activities, pupils had the opportunity to bring along their pets.

As part of this initiative, the SPCA is holding three-hour educational and practical sessions in various schools across the island.