BOV – FWA collaboration to create Heritage awareness from a young age
Over 4,000 Skolasajf students attended ‘Hands-on-Heritage’ during Summer. Hand-on-Heritage is a collaboration between Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna (FWA) and Bank of Valletta. Now in its 25th year, this initiative, as the name suggests, is based on sessions organised for schoolchildren in various historical sites in Malta, managed by the FWA with a hands-on educational approach.
Charles Azzopardi, Head CSR at Bank of Valletta and Mario Farrugia, Executive Chairman at FWA attended one of the practical sessions held at the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta.
‘This very same room we are in now was the centre where Malta’s air defences were co-ordinated during World War II and decisions taken within these walls were vital in avoiding invasion as well as launching attacks on the European mainland later during the war,’ said Mr Farrugia. ‘The FWA’s mission is not only to ensure that historical sites are maintained and restored for future generations to enjoy, but also to create awareness and appreciation of the importance of our small islands throughout history and of the courage and devotion of its people.’
‘The longevity and success of this collaboration between BOV and the FWA is testament to the commitment from both parties towards education and our rich cultural heritage,’ said Charles Azzopardi. ‘We are now well into the second generation of students attending these sessions, in sites that have continuously been upgraded through the efforts of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, whom we are proud to call our partners.’
More information about Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and its sites and projects can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.wirtartna.org.