Instead of the traditional annual seminars, this year, Nature Trust Malta invited schools to a FEE Fest. The FEE Fest was a three-day event that took place from the 11th to the 13th of January 2017. The FEE fest was officially opened by the Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister of Education & Employment. Then, teachers and students were invited to visit different stalls featuring a range of activities to include ‘Fonzu l-Fenek’, ‘Aqra miegħi’, ESD Games, ‘We Eat Responsibly’, ‘Flick the Switch’ floor games and ‘Caring for trees’ activity.
HESC in liaison with Prof. Susanne Piscopo facilitated two ‘Fonzu l-Fenek’ sessions. The importance of vegetables and fruit as part of our daily diet was addressed. Pupils were actively involved in discussions as well as in games such as the ‘feely bag’ game for the junior classes and a card game for older students. ‘Fonzu l-Fenek’ the popular fruit and vegetable mascot was animated by a HESC member. Pupils had the opportunity to chat about healthy eating with Fonzu l-Fenek and were encouraged to sing and dance the ‘Haxix u Frott’, ‘Fonzu l-Fenek’ and ‘Micu l-Qattus’ songs. A demonstration featuring the making of a fresh smoothie called ‘Orangeska’, targeting all students was facilitated by Prof. Sizanne Piscopo and another HESC support teacher. Pupils and teaching staff tasted the fresh smoothie which included fresh orange juice, pumpkin, banana, milk cubes and beetroot as the main ingredients. Key messages such as good hygiene habits, sustainable use of fresh local ingredients, the importance of brushing teeth after drinking acidic juices/smoothies, food rescue, re-using of plastic cups and adequate storage of fresh ingredients were addressed during these sessions.
Positive and encouraging feedback was provided by both students and teachers that attended the sessions.
