Students from the Qrendi Primary School enjoyed an outdoor art lesson at Ġnejnet Nikol Aquilina, a recently opened pocket garden in the Maqluba area. This 1,000-square-meter green open space is the result of collaboration between the local community, Project Green, and the Qrendi Local Council.

Named in honor of Nikol Aquilina, the first Mayor of Qrendi, the garden features picnic benches, new trees, and shrubs, providing an enhanced and accessible natural space for residents and visitors alike.

The outdoor art lesson allowed the students to connect with the environment, bringing them closer to nature while providing an educational opportunity that fosters understanding of environmental conservation and community engagement.

Minister Miriam Dalli, Minister for Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, commended the collaborative efforts that led to this green space. She emphasized the dual role of green open spaces as both recreational areas and hubs for environmental education. Minister Dalli encouraged schools to seize such opportunities for creating environmental awareness initiatives.

“Open spaces are not only recreational areas but also places of environmental education. I encourage schools and teachers to take every opportunity to bring children to open spaces in their communities and create more environmental awareness opportunities like these,” said Minister Dalli.

Steve Ellul, Chief Executive Officer of Project Green, highlighted the central location of this open space within the community, making the garden easily accessible to children and the elderly. He also invited more local councils to collaborate on similar initiatives, following the successful model of pocket gardens like Ġnejnet Ziam in Kalkara.

“This open space is at the heart of the community, easily accessed by children and the elderly in the area visiting the chapel and the surroundings of Maqluba. The objective of Project Green is always to give open spaces back to the community,” said Ellul.

Qrendi Mayor David Schembri, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of the community, local council, and dedicated residents. He emphasized the importance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the locality.