Naxxar Boys' Secondary school has been taking part in a school project entitled Scuole in Amicizia for the past three years. During this time, the secondary school students have been visiting Italy as guests of their partner school ITCS de Viti de Marco of Triggiano, in Bari, Italy.

Last month, a group of students from Naxxar Boys' Secondary School were in Italy where they visited important World Heritage sites and made many new friends. Earlier this month, it was time for the Naxxar students to welcome their Italian guests for the first time. The Italian students and the teachers accompanying them were hosted at the Marsaxlokk Hostel, thanks to YSO, which has always given its support to the Naxxar school.

The Triggiano students had a full week of activities in Malta. Since their project is entitled On the Trail of the Knights, the Italian students visited sites that relate to the Knights, including Valletta, Vittoriosa, Mdina, the Cittadella (Gozo), and a harbour cruise where they could understand better the Knight fortifications of the harbour. The highlight of their stay was the visit to St John's Co-Cathedral where they could admire works by Mattia Preti, whose work they are studying, and Caravaggio.

The Italian students spent Sunday with the Maltese family of the student they hosted in Italy. The Maltese families made sure that the Italian had a truly remarkable day. The students spent many evenings together renewing and strengthening their friendship.

The Maltese students and their families were all at the airport to say arrivederci to the Italians students and their teachers, who promised to return at the earliest opportunity, some with their families this summer.