11-14

Tradition Tradition Tradition

submitted by Gozo College Boys Secondary : EkoSkola Committee  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos

We met this lovely ‘niċċa’ on our outing. Traditions are an essential part of the culture of our people. We applaud the effort already being made by some local councils to restore such niches to their glorious past so that they can stand the ravishes of time and hope that this one receives the same treatment.



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Pick up point?

submitted by St Clare's College Girls Secondary : Sarah Galea  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school magazine, website
filed under Photos

This unsightly heap of litter was left to be picked up at the corner of a main road in Naxxar close to my house. Much of the items that have been disposed of, such as cardboard boxes and plastic water bottles could have easily been placed in bags for recycling and placed outside to be collected on appropriate days. Other items such as the computer monitor and carpet underlay seen in the photograph should have been taken to one of the bring- in- sites available on the island. How is it that in this day and age, with so much awareness from the media, some people still persist in disposing of their litter in such an irresponsible way? When will we learn to care for the environment we live in?



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Don’t throw me away!

submitted by Gozo College Boys Secondary : EkoSkola Committee  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos

These two colourful bags are waiting for the garbage collector. Looking closer you can see that they are filled with recyclable materials. Why do some people ignore all the efforts being made to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and throw all that comes to hand outside for the garbage collector? Why do they insist to continue making the world uglier for us, the next generation?



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Mother Nature’s Cry

submitted by St.Benedict College Girls' Secondary School Tarxien : Carmen Galea  for 11-14
dissemination(s): other, Participation in School Photographic Competition & School Open Day, school media, website
filed under Photos

Chadwick Lakes is a scenic natural place where several creatures live in such as: the Maltese Painted frog (an endemic species), dragonflies and bees. These photos show the greenery of this picturesque place. The smell of moist soil, streams of natural water and “waterfalls” make this place unique for a serene walk in the countryside. The dams in this valley were built under the direction of Sir Osbert Chadwick in 1886. Unfortunately, Mother Nature cries as people spoil this beautiful environment by throwing rubbish in this valley. The accumulation of rubbish can cause fire posing a serious threat to flora and fauna. Moreover, litter can harm wildlife as small creatures may eat it. As children we hope that this valley is well protected for all of us to enjoy. More rubbish bins should be placed along the pathways. People should be encouraged to reduce waste by re-using containers and bags.



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A Need For a Cleaner Environment!

submitted by Gozo College Girls' Secondary : Simone Said  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos

Some people are taking their trash out very early and others are leaving their pets running around in the street. These animals tear the rubbish bags and spill out the contents and make a mess on the pavements. The rubbish scatters around the whole area because of the strong winter wind. Plastic bags get caught in the trees and when it rains the rubbish gets carried to the valleys. The local council should take stricter measures and fine the owners of dogs that are left running without a leash and the people caught taking their trash out too early.



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The Mighty Wave

submitted by The Archbishop's Seminary : William Curmi  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school media
filed under Photos

The sea plays a very important role in shaping the coastal landscape. Waves such as the one shown in the picture hit the shore numerous times each day and as a result they wear away and break up the rocky coastline of the Maltese Islands. Most of the eroded pieces of rock are then transported and deposited somewhere else along the shore or sea bed. Despite their somewhat destructive nature in some places, waves are truly magnificent to watch!



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The corbelled stone hut

submitted by The Archbishop's Seminary : Sheldon Farrugia  for 11-14
dissemination(s): newspaper, school magazine, website
filed under Photos

This is the corbelled stone hut and it is known as the girna in Maltese. The farmer used this room to keep various things such as tools and harvested crops inside. It is interesting to note that no type of cement was used to keep the stones in place! Unfortunately the one in the picture has suffered some damage throughout the years since it was abandoned. Let’s use the media properly to encourage the proper restoration of this important architectural heritage.



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A need to protect our rural heritage

submitted by St. Clare's College Girls' Secondary Pembroke : Sarah Galea  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school magazine, website
filed under Photos

Many times on my way to my grandmother’s house in Naxxar, I have passed by this old farmstead. It has always fascinated me as it is about 200 years old and I have always wondered how the life of our ancestors working in the fields nearby might have been very different to ours. About two winters ago, heavy storms hit this area, large parts of the farmhouse collapsed and stones trailed into the road below. Unfortunately since then nothing has been done to repair and conserve what remains of this farmhouse. Besides being a hazard to motorists passing by during heavy rainfall, it is such a pity to see this farmhouse which has fallen into such neglect. I appeal to whoever is conserved to intervene and save this part of our rural heritage.



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The ghost towns of Malta

submitted by St. Clare's College Girls' Secondary Pembroke : Janice Bugeja, Mariah Attard  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school magazine, website
filed under Photos

Anyone driving along Xemxija Bay can admire views of the beautiful Mediterranean Sea . Decades ago the road along the bay was lined with beautiful two storey sea side residences. Nowadays high rise buildings consisting of numerous apartments have sprouted, towering imposingly over the bay. Old properties have become vacant and many are in a dilapidated state. The national consensus, 2011, shows that there are around 70 000 vacant properties in Malta. It has been said that this is equivalent to 9 ghost towns. Some of these properties can be made habitable with some investment. Why do we keep constructing new buildings which claim more land? This issue needs to be tackled and people should be encouraged to rehabilitate old properties rather than build new ones.



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Standing in the hall of fame?

submitted by St. Clare's College Girls' Secondary Pembroke : Alexia Formosa  for 11-14
dissemination(s): school magazine, website
filed under Photos

The Australia Hall in Pembroke, built for the benefit of wounded soldiers in the First World War served as a recreation centre in its glory days. Drama, bingo and stage productions were held in this hall which could accommodate some 2000 men. Today, almost one hundred years since its completion, this historic hall lies in a piteous state where the only culture being promoted is that of the occult. This derelict building is strewn with litter and bulky refuse which besides being an eyesore can be dangerous for youngsters who decide to explore the place. Legal action was taken some years ago by Lands department to recover the building but as yet no significant results have been achieved. How many more years must elapse before serious action is taken? Pembroke would benefit from having a restored town hall. Let’s hope it will not be too late!



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