Minister visits tree-planting project

Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino recenty visited St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara, where he was given a tour of the Bank of Valletta St Aloysius' Tree-Planting Project by co-ordinator Michel Spiteri, in the presence of College Rector Fr Patrick Magro and Igino Xuereb, BoV chief officer.

The BoV St Aloysius' College Tree-Planting Project, now in its fourth year, sees students and teachers planting trees of various species, which after a couple of years are then passed on to the government to be used in various embellishment works around Malta.

Speaking about the project, Mr Spiteri said: "Throughout the year students and teachers have been working together and dedicating their free time to a project that, to date, has produced over 2,000 saplings.

"Apart from increasing awareness about the environment and increasing knowledge about the process of tree-planting, the project also produces actual tree saplings that are used for landscaping purposes. We thank BoV for their support throughout the years."

Mr Xuereb said: "BoV is proud to collaborate with St Aloysius' College in a project that combines the educational element with investment in the natural environment of our islands. Environment is a main concern for the bank and we are constantly seeking new opportunities to assist the community in the protection and enhancement of our natural habitat."

The participating students from St Aloysius' College briefed the minister on the practical and theoretical aspects of the project and illustrated samples of the saplings that will become fully-grown trees in the near future.