Calling for Volunteers: Help Us Promote In-Naħla Katerina

Malta’s natural heritage includes a remarkable treasure: In-Naħla Maltija — the Maltese Honey Bee (Apis mellifera ruttneri). Officially recognised as Malta’s National Insect in 2024, this endemic bee plays a vital role in pollination and biodiversity across the islands. In-Naħla Katerina is a cheerful and lively mascot created by the Foundation to represent the Maltese Honey Bee. Designed especially for young children, Katerina brings the story of Malta’s unique pollinator to life through educational songs, stories, and artwork. To celebrate and safeguard this important species, the Maltese Honey Bee Education Through Songs and Rhymes Project was created, offering a rich collection of engaging educational materials designed to inspire children and communities alike.

A Range of Engaging Educational Resources

As we continue to share these wonderful resources across schools, families, and community groups, we are calling on passionate volunteers to join us in promoting In-Naħla Katerina — both directly and indirectly. Volunteers are crucial to helping us extend the reach of our work, ensuring that more children and adults learn about the importance of protecting Malta’s natural environment through the story, song, and image of the Maltese Honey Bee.

Our project is anchored in the belief that education and awareness can lead to positive action. That is why we have developed a variety of materials that bring In-Naħla Maltija to life in fun and meaningful ways. From the catchy and joyful song In-Naħla Katerina — which introduces children aged 0 to 6 to the daily life of the Maltese Honey Bee — to a charming illustrated eBook titled A Day in the Life of Katerina the Bee, these resources create an immersive learning experience. The eBook follows Katerina’s journey from dawn to dusk, exploring colourful gardens, collecting nectar, and dancing to share her discoveries with the queen bee, fostering both language development and environmental empathy.

Visual Accuracy and Awareness

Alongside these, the project includes a downloadable drawing book featuring the central bee characters, encouraging children to colour the bees using the correct darker tones that distinguish the native Maltese Honey Bee from imported breeds. This visual accuracy is not just about art — it plays an important role in raising awareness about the threats posed by non-native bees to Malta’s endemic species. You can explore the drawing book and other creative materials on our resources page.

Supporting Educators and Young Learners

Educators can make excellent use of these resources independently. We encourage schools and teachers to integrate our PowerPoint presentation, songs, drawing book, and eBook into their lessons and thematic projects. These materials have been designed to be easy to use and adaptable to different classroom settings.

Moreover, we invite schools to share their experiences and creative uses of the resources with us. Teachers and students can send photos, videos, or other media showcasing how they have engaged with In-Naħla Katerina. We proudly feature these contributions on our social media channels to celebrate their efforts and inspire others.

How Volunteers Can Make a Difference

While schools can use these materials autonomously, the impact of our educational campaign grows with community involvement. That is why we are also seeking volunteers who can help promote In-Naħla Katerina beyond the classroom — whether at community events, libraries, family groups, or through social media. Volunteers can organise activities, assist with presentations, or help spread the message far and wide. Every contribution, big or small, helps raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and Malta’s unique biodiversity.

Join Us as a Volunteer Ambassador

If you are interested in joining this exciting initiative and becoming a volunteer ambassador for In-Naħla Katerina, please contact us at nahlamaltija@gmail.com. We provide all necessary materials, guidance, and ongoing support to help you succeed in this rewarding role.

• Promote In-Naħla Katerina through community events, libraries, family groups, and social media.

• Support schools and educators by encouraging the use of project resources like the song, eBook, PowerPoint, and drawing book.

• Organise or assist with educational activities and presentations to raise awareness about the Maltese Honey Bee.

• Collect and share photos, videos, or creative outputs from schools or communities to inspire others.

• Act as a volunteer ambassador with guidance and materials provided by the project team.

Together, we can ensure that the story of Malta’s national insect reaches every corner of our islands. By volunteering or simply sharing our resources within your community, you will be part of a growing movement to protect and celebrate In-Naħla Maltija — inspiring care for nature and promoting environmental stewardship for generations to come.

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.