Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes Project

As part of a larger initiative to promote environmental awareness, language learning, and cultural identity in Malta, three educational songs have been created to celebrate the Maltese Honey Bee and other national species of Malta. These songs will be released throughout 2025 and aim to engage young audiences with the vital role of pollinators and local biodiversity. The project is supported by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), and backed by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The initiative, led by Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg, seeks to raise awareness of environmental issues while teaching children the importance of caring for nature.

Song 1. In-Naħla Katerina: A Song for the Maltese Honey Bee

Release Date: 20th May 2025 (World Bee Day)

The first song, In-Naħla Katerina (Katerina the Bee), introduces children to the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri), Malta’s National Insect. This song, written and composed by Michael Piscopo, features Phyllisienne Brincat as the performer and will be accompanied by a slideshow video produced by Michael Piscopo. Educational guidance was provided by Professor Suzanne Piscopo to ensure that the content is pedagogically sound and engaging for children aged 0 to 6 years. This song is specifically designed to engage young listeners with the importance of bees in pollination and the wider environment.

The song is filled with playful lyrics and a catchy melody, with In-Naħla Katerina as the central character. The narrative showcases the bee’s journey through gardens, gathering nectar and pollen, while teaching children about the interconnectedness of nature and the vital role that bees play in sustaining life. The video will feature colourful illustrations of Katerina flying around flowers, bringing the song’s messages to life visually.

Through In-Naħla Katerina, children will learn about the significance of pollinators and the need to protect them, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Additionally, the song aims to support early language development by introducing simple vocabulary related to nature, making it an ideal resource for parents and teachers.

Song 2. Festin Għad-Dakkara: A Song to Celebrate the Importance of Pollinators

Release Date: 16th June 2025 (Pollinator Week)

The second song, Festin Għad-Dakkara (A Feast for Pollinators), celebrates the importance of pollinators, such as bees, wasps, and flies. Written by Rita Pace, composed by Augusto Cardinali, and performed by Christabelle Scerri, this song will be released to mark the start of Pollinator Week in June 2025. The video for this song will also be created by Michael Piscopo and will feature colourful, educational visuals to help reinforce the song’s message.

Festin Għad-Dakkara uses an imaginative approach to teach children about the process of pollination. The song portrays pollination as a “wedding” between flowers and their pollinators, with Katerina the Bee leading the celebration. It highlights the role of various pollinators in nature, even including less glamorous species like flies. Through engaging lyrics and a vibrant melody, children will understand how flowers depend on pollinators to produce fruits and vegetables.

In addition to its environmental message, the song is designed to support language development in children aged 7 to 10. By using simple, repetitive language and introducing new vocabulary, Festin Għad-Dakkara provides an opportunity for children to expand their Maltese vocabulary in a fun, musical way.

The accompanying slideshow video will bring the song’s theme to life with lively depictions of Katerina and other pollinators interacting with flowers. This visual element will help children better connect with the song and understand the relationship between pollinators and the natural world.

Song 3. In-Naħla u Sħabha: A Song to Celebrate Malta’s National Species

Release Date: 24th September 2025 (Anniversary of Maltese Honey Bee’s Recognition as National Insect)

The final song in the series, In-Naħla u Sħabha (The Bee and Her Friends), expands the focus to include Malta’s six national species. Set for release on 24th September 2025, the anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s official recognition as Malta’s National Insect, the song was written and composed by Michael Piscopo and is performed by Claire Marie Busuttil. Educational guidance was also provided by Professor Suzanne Piscopo to ensure that the content is pedagogically sound and engaging for children aged 5 to 8.

The song introduces children to the following national species of Malta:

1. The Mediterranean Killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) – il-Bużaqq
2. The Blue Rock-Thrush (Monticola solitarius) – il-Merill
3. The Maltese Rock-Centaury (Cheirolophus crassifolius) – Widnet il-Baħar
4. The Maltese Freshwater Crab (Potamon fluviatile lanfrancoi) – il-Qabru
5. The Sandarac Gum Tree (Tetraclinis articulata) – is-Siġra tal-Għargħar

Through Katerina the Bee’s narration, children will be guided through the natural habitats of these species, learning about where they live, what they do, and how they contribute to Malta’s rich biodiversity. Each verse of the song highlights a different species, teaching children about the interdependence of all living things and the importance of preserving these unique species.

In-Naħla u Sħabha also encourages children to care for the environment and be mindful of their impact on nature, with lyrics that teach respect for local wildlife, plants, and habitats. The song includes simple messages such as:
“Nieħdu ħsieb l-ambjent, fejn immorru ma nħammġux.”
(“Let us care for the environment; wherever we go, let us not litter.”)

The accompanying slideshow video, also produced by Michael Piscopo, will feature vibrant illustrations of each species and their natural habitats, from the fluttering of Katerina’s wings over the rocky cliffs of Widnet il-Baħar to the song of il-Merill. These visuals will enhance the learning experience, making the song an interactive and engaging tool for young learners.

A Celebration of Nature and Language

Each song in this project serves as a multifaceted educational tool. They promote environmental awareness, foster respect for local biodiversity, and provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn Maltese. The combination of music, visuals, and educational content makes these songs a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who wish to introduce children to the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation.

Through In-Naħla Katerina, Festin Għad-Dakkara, and In-Naħla u Sħabha, the project will continue to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards, encouraging them to protect and appreciate the natural world around them.

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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.