Summer is all about fun for most children, but for a significant number it’s also an opportunity for learning… in an enjoyable way!

Over the past three years of Skolasajf, Transport Malta has engaged with 1,500 schoolchildren each year, reaching a total of 4,500 students during the summer periods from 2022 to 2024. In the Winter sessions, they have engaged with approximately 5,500 students over two academic years, and they look forward to another successful year in 2024/2025. Collectively, Transport Malta has reached nearly 10,000 students. The majority are between the ages of 6 and 10, although they have also been invited to conduct sessions in Middle and Secondary Schools (government, church, and private).

You might be wondering what all this outreach is about. Well, how many times have you walked the streets wishing people were more mindful of road safety, for example? Transport Malta is working hard to instil these values in our citizens from a very young age. Their Sustainable Campaigns aim to raise awareness among younger generations about alternative modes of transport, road safety, and sustainability. These sessions help foster a sense of belonging to the environment, encouraging children to develop a different perspective on alternative transport options, such as public transport, ferries, walking and cycling, and micro-mobility in general.

We spoke to Laura Galea, Assistant Manager for Sustainability & EU Affairs within the Corporate Services Directorate.

“The sessions are a way to showcase the available services, and in no way are they intended to impose decisions on the students. We strongly believe in our future generations, and we are here to help them flourish and grow more sustainably. During these sessions, students engage in discussions where they can share their opinions, comments, and concerns while also providing possible solutions,” said Laura.

She added that these awareness campaigns have been running for three consecutive years, and over this time, Transport Malta has sought out several partners to collaborate with, including the Civil Protection Department, the Community Police, and the Environment and Resources Authority.

The sustainable campaigns also run during the academic year, albeit in a slightly different format to accommodate students’ educational needs. Whether it’s a Skolasajf or a Winter session, the aim remains to create a shift in mentality where each of us becomes aware of the importance of being responsible and environmentally conscious, thereby caring for ourselves as well.

The sessions primarily focus on encouraging children and adolescents to move away from the habit of using their vehicles for every journey. Transport Malta advocates for the use of public transport, ferries, walking, and cycling. They also promote micro-mobility, such as the use of scooters, and explain the concept of a multimodal journey, where different modes of transport are utilised for a single journey.

Road safety is another crucial aspect they address, reminding students of the basic but invaluable safety measures, such as using seatbelts, helmets, knee pads, and arm pads; walking on the pavement; obeying traffic lights; using zebra crossings; and, most importantly, always following traffic rules when using any form of transport. In addition to PowerPoint presentations and discussions, other teaching aids are utilised, such as a drinking and driving simulator (see main photo) and costumes for younger children. They also highlight the importance of the emergency number 112 and explain that in the event of an accident or emergency, children should use it.

“At the heart of all this, we emphasise the need to always respect one another and to help whenever and however we can. Rules are there to be followed not because we risk a fine, but because it is the right thing to do,” said Laura Galea, who is so dedicated to her work that during the academic year, she also writes articles for the magazine Sagħtar, with inserts featured in Sagħtarin for younger children.

Transport Malta’s efforts are not merely about educating students on road safety and sustainable transport but are part of a broader mission to cultivate a responsible and environmentally conscious society. By reaching thousands of students over the past few years, they are laying the groundwork for a future where road safety, respect for rules, and sustainable living become second nature to the next generation. Their work ensures that children grow up with the values and knowledge necessary to contribute to a safer and more sustainable Malta.

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