Foundation for the Maltese Honey Bee Joins 4th Edition of Let’s Talk Farming

The Foundation for the Maltese Honey Bee is thrilled to announce its participation in the fourth edition of the Let’s Talk Farming programme for the scholastic year 2025/26. This initiative offers a unique opportunity for children across Malta & Gozo to engage with agriculture, the environment, and biodiversity in a fun and educational way. The Foundation will deliver appropriate activities that combine learning with hands-on experiences, allowing children to discover Malta’s national insect, the Maltese Honey Bee, in a fun and engaging way. The sessions are designed for students from Kindergarten 1 up to Year 6 of primary school, with age-appropriate activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for nature.

The sessions will be led by either Christabelle Scerri, Andrew Vella, or Dylan Farrugia, each bringing their own expertise and enthusiasm to ensure every child enjoys a lively and memorable experience. Christabelle is the singer of the Foundation’s popular educational song Festin Għad-Dakkara and an experienced educator. Schools that are part of the Let’s Talk Farming programme can book the Foundation’s sessions directly through the programme’s portal.

The Foundation for the Maltese Honey Bee is committed to the conservation of Apis mellifera ruttneri, Malta’s endemic honey bee. It played a pivotal role in the national initiative that led to the official recognition of this unique species as Malta’s National Insect. Protecting the Maltese Honey Bee is central to the Foundation’s mission, as this tiny yet vital insect plays an essential role in pollinating local flora, supporting agriculture, and maintaining Malta’s biodiversity.

To engage children with this important message, the Foundation created Katerina, a cheerful mascot who embodies not only the endemic honey bee but also Malta’s rich natural heritage and agricultural traditions. Katerina serves as a relatable and entertaining ambassador, helping young learners understand the importance of conservation while fostering a deeper connection to their local environment.

At Let’s Talk Farming, the Foundation’s session will offer a lively blend of education, creativity, and interaction. Children will learn about the Maltese Honey Bee’s role in the ecosystem, its contribution to local agriculture, and the urgent need to protect this species. The session also introduces the In-Naħla Katerina trilogy, a set of original songs developed by the Foundation. These songs bring Katerina to life and teach children about pollinators, the importance of national species, and the wider benefits of biodiversity. The songs are designed to be engaging and fun while also supporting Maltese language development and cultural learning.

In addition to music and storytelling, the session features a variety of hands-on activities to spark curiosity and creativity. Children can:

• Listen to the story A Day in the Life of Katerina the Bee, following her adventures and learning about her environment
• Draw Katerina and her bee family, fostering artistic expression and attention to detail
• Dance along to the songs, combining movement with learning
• Participate in karaoke-style singing with Katerina, reinforcing confidence and enjoyment of the Maltese language

By integrating music, storytelling, and interactive activities, the Foundation’s session aims to entertain, educate, and inspire. Children leave not only with a greater understanding of the Maltese Honey Bee but also with a sense of responsibility and pride in their natural environment. The activities encourage them to become young ambassadors for Malta’s biodiversity, promoting conservation in their homes, schools, and communities.

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.