BirdLife Malta and Bank of Valletta today signed an agreement rendering them education partners within the Dinja Wahda (One World) education programme. Bank of Valletta (BOV) will be making a significant contribution over the next two scholastic years to Dinja Wahda, BirdLife's environmental education programme for students at primary level in Malta and Gozo.

With BOV's support, Dinja Wahda will become bigger and more exciting than ever, with activities increased from 18 to 30. Furthermore, Dinja Wahda will now continue running on an annual basis, as opposed to once every two years as has been done in the past. It was announced that the Dinja Wahda Action Guide will be launched in the coming days during an event in which all primary schools of Malta and Gozo will be invited to participate.

Joseph Mangion, BirdLife President welcomed Michael Galea - Head CEO Office at Bank of Valletta who paid an official visit to the Ghadira Nature Reserve to mark this partnership. Mr Galea was accompanied by Karl Spiteri Manager Corporate Branding and Quality and Joyce Tabone Manager Quality and CSR. A visit to BirdLife's reserve represents one of the activities outlined in the Dinja Wahda action guide for classes to carry out under the programme.

"Bank of Valletta has stepped up its efforts towards the environment over the past years," commented Mr Galea. "We strongly feel that this forms part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. The Bank was keen to form this partnership because it gives us the opportunity to play a key role in investing in the education of the young generation".

Speaking during the visit, Joseph Mangion remarked that Dinja Wahda is an exceptional tool in teaching children about environmental concerns through a hands-on approach. "BirdLife has always believed that education is the key to enhancing our world and its environment. Through the vision and corporate social responsibility of Bank of Valletta, these efforts can be expanded upon and strengthened further," Mr Mangion concluded.

BirdLife Malta has been carrying out the Dinja Wahda education programme since 1994 and has reached more than 80,000 children over the years. Dinja Wahda provides school teachers with an Action Guide that outlines a number of activities through which children not only learn about the importance of nature conservation but also have fun while doing so.

For more information please contact: Marija Schranz, Communications Coordinator, BirdLife Malta on mobile: +356-7906-2028, email: marija.schranz@birdlifemalta.org.... Websites: www.birdlifemalta.org... and www.bov.com....