The Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee is proud to announce that, for the third consecutive year, it has secured funding through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV).
This continued success follows the achievements of our SIS 2024 and SIS 2025 projects, which brought the Maltese Honey Bee to life through the beloved mascot Katerina. What began with the educational video Unique Insect: The Maltese Honey Bee in 2024, and developed into a series of original children’s songs in 2025 has now grown into a much larger movement, creating a multiplier effect.
From Song to Storybook
Building on the popularity of the mascot and the strong engagement achieved through the 2025 song trilogy, our SIS 2026 project takes the next step: the creation of a fully illustrated Maltese-language children’s book, Katerina’s Storybook Adventure.
Written in Maltese and aimed at children aged 7–8 years (Years 3–4), the book will combine factual information about the Maltese Honey Bee with a fun, imaginative storyline designed to inspire both a love for reading and an appreciation of Malta’s biodiversity. The A5 softcover edition will feature 36 pages:
- 4 for an illustrated cover,
- 16 pages of engaging narrative, and
- 16 pages of full-colour illustrations that bring the story to life.
A Lasting Educational Resource
A total of 2,000 copies will be printed and distributed free of charge to primary schools across Malta and Gozo. The book will serve as a long-term educational tool, supporting curriculum objectives in Maltese language, biodiversity awareness, and environmental education.
Through relatable storytelling and vivid illustrations, Katerina’s Storybook Adventure encourages children to reflect on their own role in caring for the environment and protecting Malta’s fragile natural heritage.
Launch Events and Community Engagement
The project will be introduced in two phases:
- A soft launch on World Bee Day 2026 (20th May), aligning with international pollinator awareness campaigns.
- An official Children’s Book Launch Party in autumn 2026, featuring themed decorations, refreshments, performances of the Katerina songs, and a live reading of the new storybook.
Looking Ahead
With Katerina’s Storybook Adventure, we aim to deepen children’s connection to Malta’s natural world, while continuing to grow a culture of active citizenship and environmental responsibility. By educating and inspiring children today, we are helping to nurture the next generation of conservationists, volunteers, and engaged citizens who will protect Malta’s biodiversity for years 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.
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