For the fourth year running more than a thousand students attending schools in Gozo are being hosted at the Government Experimental Farm in Xewkija for an interesting half day experience which brings them closer to nature. Students participate in a short lecture, a visit round the farm and a hands-on experience that sees them planting trees which they are then given to take home.

On arriving at the farm the students follow a short talk about agriculture and the environment during which they are also invited to air their views and ask questions. The students are then taken around the main areas of the farm, mainly the glass houses and sections where different trees including citrus and other fruit trees are planted. They also visit the area where endemic plants are grown. The students are also able to see the irrigation system at the farm and how this works through the use of drips and sprinklers. This practical session also includes a visit to the potting shed where children are able to put into practice some of what they would have learned during the morning.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, visited the Government Experimental Farm in Xewkija, where she joined students from Kercem and Xewkija Primary schools during their potting session. Minister Debono commented upon the importance of a holistic approach to education including a special focus on nature and the environment. She urged students to make the most of the educational experiences they are being presented with even at a tender age as these provide them with additional tools that foster learning in its wider sense.

Throughout this year the farm administration continued in its endeavours to provide schools in Gozo with trees and plants amongst which the Rock Centaury (Widnet il-Bahar) and the Araar Tree (l-Gharghar). Through this initiative students in all schools in Gozo will have an opportunity to become familiar with the National Plant and the National Tree of the Maltese Islands. It is interesting to note that these trees were planted in earlier years by children of the same age during previous sessions of Hands On Farming.

All students attending Year 6 Primary School classes together with students in other classes from all schools in Gozo are expected to participate in this year's Hands on Farming experience. The Hands on Farming (Gozo) Programme was initiated four years ago on the initiative of the Ministry for Gozo with the collaboration of the management and staff of the Government Experimental Farm in Gozo and the Gozo College.