We would like to thank JUDO – Italian Sensei Mr Denis Braidotti (Malta Judo Federation) and Mr Chris Fava, Sports Promotion Officer & Sports Coach for Gozitan Schools, for giving our students a taste of Judo.Judo offers several benefits for children, including improved physical fitness, enhanced coordination, discipline, and increased self-confidence. It also teaches valuable life skills like respect, teamwork, and effective communication. Additionally, judo helps children develop resilience and adaptability through the challenges of training and competition.

During the scholastic year 2022-2023, students from 11 schools across Gozo measured nitrogen dioxide – a principal pollutant from car exhaust emissions. By focusing on air quality improvement, students were involved in handling a real-world challenge in the classroom and tried to find solutions to this local issue. During a fair at Villa Rundle Commemorating Europe Day, the students shared their findings with the wider community in a panel discussion and proposed practical solutions.

GLOBE students from the various schools participated in different ways. For example:

Students from Laura Vicuna School and Sacred Heart Minor Seminary Gozo participated in an Air Quality Student Virtual Conference, with the students receiving great feedback from the scientists and coordinators present.

With the help of the Rabat – Citta’ Victoria Victoria Local Council and Transport Malta students attending Sacred Heart Minor Seminary Gozo installed four signs in the proximity of their school so that drivers turn off their engines while waiting, thus ensuring better air quality.

Students attending Gozo College Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School Victoria – The Happy School, put up notices to similarly stop idling of cars, and posters to use bicycles or walk to school.

Students attending Gozo College Ġużé Aquilina Primary & Special Unit Sannat planted 7 trees in collaboration with Il-Munxar Local Council

More tree planting was carried out by Gozo College Agius De Soldanis Middle School and Għarb Primary School. Schools also organised walks to encourage students and staff to use active transportation.

Gozo College Ġużé Aquilina Primary & Special Unit Sannat, Gozo College Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School Victoria – The Happy School, St Francis Primary School Victoria Gozo Malta and Gozo College Agius De Soldanis Middle School submitted their research reports for the International Virtual Science Symposium.

Well done to all students and teachers for their hard work and commitment.

Special thanks to Ms Ramona Mercieca, GLOBE Malta Deputy Coordinator, and Mr Jesmond Buttigieg and Mr Daniel Borg from Europe Direct Gozo. Thanks to their support, students and teachers were provided with the necessary training, resources and tools to conduct this hands-on STEM environmental research.

The GLOBE ProgramU.S. Embassy Valletta, MaltaEdukazzjoniGozo College – Administration CentreMaltaGovIs-Servizz Pubbliku University of Malta Keith Azzopardi Tanti Esplora Interactive Science Centre