One Week to Go: Launch of In-Naħla Katerina to Mark World Bee Day in Malta

With one week remaining until World Bee Day, Malta is abuzz with anticipation for the launch of In-Naħla Katerina—a joyful new children’s song and mascot set to inspire a love for nature and language learning across the islands. Scheduled for release on 20th May, this special initiative celebrates the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri) while supporting early childhood education through music, movement, and meaningful storytelling.

The launch forms part of the broader project Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes, made possible through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector. The project is being coordinated by Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg, the Founders of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee.

Celebrating Malta’s National Insect

In-Naħla Katerina introduces children aged 0 to 6 to Malta’s very own endemic honey bee through a charming original song. Set to a catchy melody, the lyrics follow the daily routine of Katerina the Bee—from foraging for nectar to returning home at sunset. Designed to engage both the imagination and the intellect, the song uses sounds like “Bzz Bzz Bzz” to develop phonemic awareness and invites children to mimic wing-fluttering motions, helping them practice gross motor skills in a joyful, cooperative way.

The song was written and composed by Michael Piscopo, one of Malta’s most cherished songwriters, best known for the iconic children’s tune Fonzu l-Fenek. Michael’s decades of experience in crafting memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics have made him a leading voice in children’s music. His contributions to this project reflect his deep commitment to environmental sustainability and his ability to connect young audiences with important themes through song.

In addition to composing the music, Michael is also producing the music video that will accompany the release. His work as videographer across all three songs in the project ensures that each track is supported by vibrant visuals that extend and enrich the educational experience. His keen eye for visual storytelling and long-standing dedication to children’s media make him an essential figure in the project’s success.

An Educational Vision

Supporting the song’s pedagogical integrity is Professor Suzanne Piscopo, an expert in education and an advocate for sustainability. Suzanne, who co-created Fonzu l-Fenek alongside her husband Michael, brings a wealth of academic expertise to the project. As a professor at the University of Malta, she specialises in educational theory, health promotion, and child development. Her role has been crucial in ensuring that In-Naħla Katerina is not only age-appropriate and engaging, but also rooted in sound educational principles.

Through Suzanne’s guidance, the project links musical play with developmental milestones, especially in the areas of language, literacy, and environmental awareness. Her input ensures that the songs do more than entertain—they help shape a generation of children who are linguistically confident and environmentally conscious.

A Voice Full of Joy

Bringing Katerina to life is Phyllisienne Brincat, an accomplished Maltese singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Phyllisienne has long been a vibrant figure in Malta’s music scene. Her performances at various festivals, including Konkors Kanzunetta Indipendenza, have earned her critical acclaim. In addition to running her own recording studio, she is a piano tutor, actress, choreographer, and music video director.

Phyllisienne’s powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery bring warmth and energy to In-Naħla Katerina. Her dynamic voice and strong connection to the material make her the perfect person to introduce young children to Katerina and the values she represents—community, curiosity, and care for nature.

A Mascot with a Mission

The song launch will be accompanied by the unveiling of a new educational mascot: In-Naħla Katerina herself. Designed to reflect the distinctive dark colouration of the Maltese Honey Bee, this friendly character will soon be touring schools across the country. Through classroom visits, sing-alongs, and interactive activities, Katerina will help children make a personal connection to the island’s national insect and the environment at large.

To add to the excitement, stickers featuring Katerina have also been printed and will be distributed to children. These bright and cheerful designs will give children a tangible way to remember Katerina and the important messages she shares. Whether placed on school bags, notebooks or lunchboxes, these stickers will help keep the conversation about bees and biodiversity going well beyond the classroom.

The character’s name, derived from the Greek word for “pure”, symbolises both the purity of Maltese honey and the importance of preserving the native traits of this unique bee subspecies. As she flits from school to school, Katerina will become a recognisable and trusted figure in early childhood settings, helping children understand and appreciate the world of pollinators.

A Buzzing Beginning

In-Naħla Katerina is the first of three original songs to be released in 2025 as part of the Foundation’s broader initiative. The second song, Festin Għad-Dakkara (A Feast for Pollinators), will be released on 16th June to coincide with Pollinator Week. The third and final song, In-Naħla u Sħabha: L-Għanja tal-Ispeċi Nazzjonali (The Bee and Her Friends: The Song of the National Species), will launch on 24th September, marking the first anniversary of the Maltese Honey Bee’s designation as a national species.

Together, these songs form a joyful trilogy that celebrates biodiversity, language, and learning—placing the Maltese Honey Bee at the heart of a movement to educate and inspire the next generation.

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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.