The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, visited the Natural Science Museum within the Citadel bastions in Victoria, Gozo. Heritage Malta Chief Executive Officer, Mr Luciano Mulè Stagno together with Mr Godwin Vella Acting Manager Gozo Area Office accompanied Minister Debono during her visit.

The Minister had the opportunity to see ongoing upgrading works being effected by Heritage Malta at the Natural Science Museum particularly those connected with new educational services. These include an open-air activity area, a sheltered activity area, new restrooms, as well as a small garden in which endemic plants are to be planted. The permanent display at first floor level is also being redesigned in order to give a more clear focus on Gozo's natural Heritage and how the use and misuse by inhabitants may affect these resources.

During this visit Minister Debono also met with a group of students presently attending one of the eleven Skola Sajf centres in Gozo. Around five hundred children are participating in activities coordinated through the Skola Sajf section within the Education Division in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo. These activities are held in ten centres at government schools within the Gozo College and another centre at the Don Bosco Oratory.

Through its services in Gozo, Heritage Malta is participating with Skola Sajf coordinators for the second year running. The main aim of this participation is to enhance the educational programme with a cultural perspective that promotes interest and knowledge on historical heritage amongst young children. During visits to museums and historical sites students are given the opportunity to have fun whilst learning as well as to participate in teams in activities within these sites.

In Heritage Malta's last year's programme, Skola Sajf participants took part in activities organised in four different heritage sites. These activities included excavation, drawing and clay graffiti. This year activities have been given another turn where children from Skola Sajf centres are participating in a treasure hunt within the Citadel walls with another activity held at the Ta' Kola Windmill in Xag?ra. This activity presents a hands-on experience to these children where they make different kinds of dough and pastry at this typical site.

Minister Debono praised the initiative taken by Heritage Malta in this respect. The Ministry for Gozo continuously supports and collaborates with Heritage Malta's Gozo Area Office in its endeavours to safeguard and promote Gozo's historical heritage. The Minister urged the students who were present, to increase their knowledge of our country's history while they also learn to appreciate the historical and cultural heritage of our islands.