On the 18th of February 2025, a Grant Awards Ceremony took place, during which the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee was honoured for the second consecutive year with a grant from the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS). This initiative is managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).
For 2025, the Foundation’s project is titled “Discovering the Maltese Honey Bee with Songs and Rhymes Project.” Building on the success of their previous video, Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee, which targeted beekeepers, researchers, academics, and the general public, this new project is designed to engage a younger audience—children in kindergarten and early primary schools. Starting in March 2025, the Foundation will produce three songs:
- One focusing on the importance of the Maltese Honey Bee.
- Another highlighting Malta’s National Species, namely the Mediterranean killifish, Blue Rock-thrush, Maltese Rock-centaury, Maltese honey bee, Maltese freshwater crab, and Sandarac gum tree. Last September, the Maltese Honey Bee was officially declared as the National Insect of Malta – an initiative led by the Foundation.
- And a song about Pollinators.
The song videos will incorporate original songs, a cartoon-style bee character, and vibrant visuals to captivate young audiences. The project aims to promote the videos across social media platforms and schools in Malta and Gozo, inspiring a wide viewership and encouraging a deeper appreciation for both the Maltese Honey Bee and the local biodiversity.
Given the endangered status of the Maltese Honey Bee, it is crucial to educate children early about this unique insect. The videos will not only introduce young viewers and educators to Malta’s rich biodiversity but also help develop Maltese language skills through singing, making the learning process enjoyable and interactive. The hope is that this early education will inspire some children to become beekeepers or influence their families to support the local honey bee population rather than relying on imported breeds, which have contributed to the decline of native bees.
At the event, Ms. Gertrude Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, shared that “85 projects are receiving funds to carry out work in our community. These projects reflect the positive impact the sector has on our society. They range from improving infrastructure and resources for organisations in fields such as health, disability, youth, sports, and music, to community learning initiatives and even two vans to help organisations improve their services.”
In a message delivered during the ceremony, Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Julia Farrugia, highlighted the legacy created by voluntary organisations through these projects. “This government will continue to support the voluntary sector, as we believe that voluntary organisations are the backbone of stronger, more inclusive communities. The projects funded through these schemes not only make a significant difference in people’s lives but also create opportunities and innovative solutions that enrich our society. Our support extends beyond financial investment, offering other resources that enhance the capacity of organisations to better serve those in need.”
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.
Disclaimer: This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). This project/ publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Small Initiatives Support Scheme 2025
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