Embodying the message of conservation, HSBC Malta Water Programme has launched two special songs that are set to make an international debut wherever HSBC Group’s Water Programme is active in global communities. Entitled Water Life and Catch the Drop, the songs are a result of the water programme, part of HSBC Group’s US$100 million worldwide water programme initiative.
A group of nine students who attend Our Lady Immaculate School (Olis) in Ħamrun lent their passionate voices to the catchy tunes of the songs, which saw willing artists from the Philippines to the US extend their help.
The collaboration was led by Olis’s music teacher Maria Cachia Abdilla, who worked with Sandro Crippa from Florence.
We take water for granted and ignore the fact that it is a finite resource
At the first public preview of the songs, the students brought the songs to life with a stirring performance at Olis, where students also showcased their environment-related artwork.
HSBC Malta CEO Mark Watkinson said: “We take water for granted and ignore the fact that it is a finite resource. The songs by the students truly encapsulate the idea behind our water programme, as well as demonstrate that these young kids have taken our message to heart.”
Olis principal Audrey Galea said: “At Our Lady Immaculate School, we believe that educating students to become more sustainable citizens is engrained in the school’s curriculum. This is achieved through various educational experiences such as outings, classroom hands-on activities and talks. The opportunity given to the school by the HSBC Water Programme, to be entrusted with pioneering the two songs, is an honour to the whole school community.”
Olis proposed the idea of the songs to HSBC during a campaign stopover while being visited by HSBC Global Corporate Sustainability senior manager of Environmental Programmes Sue Alexander. The team was moved by the proposal and work began in earnest, from writing of lyrics, and auditions to recording. After the final processing of the songs, they will be used at all HSBC Malta Water Programme events in the current scholastic year.
The water programme is a national environmental and educational water conservation campaign. One of the largest conservation efforts in Malta, the programme is a five-year, $100m partnership with Earthwatch, WaterAid and WWF.