PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND BY THE MINISTRY FOR EDUCATION, SPORT, YOUTH, RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Ekonomija b'Saħħitha – Futur għal Uliedna: Budget 2026 with a strong investment in the environment, education and our children

€10 million investment in 35 schools for environmental space projects

Government has continued to invest in the future of our children, as 35 primary and secondary schools across Malta and Gozo will begin new projects to create more green spaces, educational gardens, and sustainable recreational areas within their school grounds. This is the first phase of proposals selected through the Green School Initiative, led by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness through Project Green.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima awarded the participating schools that came up with innovative ideas during an activity held at St. Benedict's College in Kirkop.

Through this initiative, schools proposed a variety of projects, ranging from pollinator and biodiversity gardens, kitchen gardens, to quiet zones, and accessible areas for all. The aim is to provide students with a more beautiful environment at school.

“This initiative originated from what students themselves have been asking for: schools that bring nature closer to them. Today we are seeing students, educators and communities working together to create green spaces that not only beautify the school but offer outdoor learning. The selected projects show how essential creativity, inclusion, and environmental awareness are in shaping the younger generation," said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Clifton Grima congratulated the students and school administrations who proposed these projects. “In all schools we are ensuring that the environment is a priority, because this is part of what we are doing for the well-being of students and educators. Our work in the educational sector is also to ensure that our students have everything possible to help them in their educational path. Therefore, we have announced several measures in the budget for next year, including financial assistance through an increase in stipends, assistance to those who continue their studies and also a number of other measures", said Minister Grima.

“As an agency, we work with many children and young people in our projects because we believe their involvement is just as important as that of any other stakeholder. This is precisely why initiatives like this matter where students can actively participate in shaping what they want to see in their schools and then enjoy these spaces while improving their educational experience," said Project Green COO, Perit Beverley Costa.