Exploring Malta’s National Insect with Kindergarten Students

Kindergarten students at Maria Regina College, Naxxar Primary School, recently had the opportunity to learn about the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) as part of the “Dinja Waħda“ programme. The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee was invited to give an interactive session about this newly declared National Insect and its crucial role in Malta’s ecology and agriculture.

This educational activity, coordinated by Ms. Lisanne-Marie Bajada, a dedicated kindergarten assistant, aimed to inspire the students to appreciate the importance of native biodiversity. Three passionate volunteers from the Foundation, Andrew Vella, Helen Vella, and Elisa Garroni, led the session, sharing their knowledge in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Kindergarten students engaged in a creative activity, coloring pictures of bees at a table in a classroom.

Kindergarten students participating in an interactive activity about the Maltese Honey Bee, working on flower crafts at colorful tables.

Kindergarten students engaged in a creative activity at a classroom table, with drawing materials and educational worksheets focused on the Maltese Honey Bee.

Why the Maltese Honey Bee Matters

During the session, the students discovered fascinating facts about the Maltese Honey Bee, including its unique dark colouration, which distinguishes it from the imported yellow bees. The latter, often considered invasive alien species, pose a significant threat to Malta’s biodiversity. Hybridisation with these imported bees risks diluting the genetic integrity of the Maltese Honey Bee, an endemic subspecies that has adapted to Malta’s unique environment over centuries.

The volunteers also explained how the Maltese Honey Bee is a vital pollinator, playing an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural productivity. The children learned about the health benefits of honey, one of the bee’s most valuable products.

Craft display featuring colorful paper sunflowers with smiling faces and multiple paper bees, created by kindergarten students.

Collection of colored drawings of bees made by kindergarten students, displayed on a blue table, with the text 'Insert Nazzjonali' at the top of each sheet.

Handcrafted paper bee models made by kindergarten students, featuring smiling faces and striped bodies, displayed on a flat surface.

Celebrating Malta’s National Species

To further enhance the learning experience, the students were introduced to the five other National Species of Malta:

The Mediterranean killifish (Aphanius fasciatus), our National Fish.
The Blue rock-thrush (Monticola solitarius), our National Bird.
The Maltese rock-centaury (Palaeocyanus crassifolius), our National Plant.
The Maltese freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi), our National Crustacean.
The Sandarac gum tree (Tetraclinis articulata), our National Tree.

The Foundation introduced a specially created drawing book featuring all six national species. This fun and educational resource is designed to help young learners explore and appreciate Malta’s unique wildlife. By encouraging creativity and artistic expression, the book supports both teachers and parents in fostering environmental awareness in children.

Free Educational Resource

The drawing book, ideal for kindergarten and early primary school students, is freely available for download. It serves as a fantastic tool for introducing children to Malta’s rich biodiversity and the significance of its National Species. The resource can be accessed through the link provided by the Foundation.

Illustration of the National Bird of Malta, the Blue Rock-Thrush, featuring a simple black outline of the bird alongside a colored depiction.

Inspiring a New Generation of Conservationists

This collaborative effort between Maria Regina College and the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee exemplifies how early education can play a pivotal role in promoting awareness about biodiversity. By engaging young students in interactive learning activities, we can nurture a lifelong appreciation for Malta’s natural heritage and inspire the next generation to safeguard it.

Next year, the Foundation will use funding secured through the 2025 Small Initiatives Support Scheme, managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV), to produce two new videos. The first video will highlight the importance of the Maltese Honey Bee, while the second will focus on Malta’s National Species, tailored specifically for children in kindergarten and early primary schools. Featuring original songs, a charming cartoon-style bee character, and vibrant visuals, these videos are designed to engage and educate young audiences. With plans to promote and distribute the videos across social media platforms and in schools throughout Malta and Gozo, the Foundation hopes to inspire a deep and lasting appreciation for the Maltese Honey Bee and Malta’s unique biodiversity.

To stay up to date with the Foundation’s work, we warmly invite you to join our WhatsApp community. The smooth functioning of our organisation relies on financial resources, and your support is essential. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference in advancing our mission. You can help by joining the Foundation’s cause, become a supporter for just €10 a year or make a donation here: Support the Foundation.