Wardija's Dun Manwel Attard School was buzzing with activity when it hosted the first ever Wardijafest.

The event was organised by the Wardija Residents Association, Marsovin, Wardija Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Sunripe products to showcase the 'fruit' of Wardija. Besides, it also served to raise funds for Dun Manwel Attard School's programmes. There were stalls with colourful, flawless fresh local produce, Sammy Cremona's olive oil, local plants and flowers, and Sunripe preserves for sale.

Marsovin's DOK wines featured at the event, including Cheval Franc and Cassar de Malte - two private estate selection wines produced from grapes grown only in Wardija. St Peter's Foundation, local farmers, NGOs, the ever-supportive local residents and their friends also lent a hand.

Matty Cremona, Mark Camilleri and Pippa Mattei later prepared a rustic lunch for about 200 people in the school hall. The school, led by head Anthony Galea, has 44 pupils and students aged eight to 19 in six classes, all of whom are students which special needs.

Mr Galea and his staff take a holistic approach to children's education geared towards preparing a transition programme for their eventual move to the Adult Training Centre.

The school, currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, offers hydrotherapy and opti-music facilities.

But Mr Galea's ambition is to have an open flatlet in the school which the staff could use to help the children acquire domestic skills and to improve upon the students' individual programmes to raise independence levels as far as possible.

He also hopes to have a fully equipped multi-sensory room installed to help his staff apply their skills better in their work with the children. Meanwhile the idea is being mooted to hold similar events in other localities to raise the profile of the 'fruit' of Malta's villages.