For the fourth consecutive year, Repubblica organized the competition “What does democracy mean to me?” for all secondary and post-secondary schools in Malta. This year’s theme was “I care”, which was the slogan of Don Lorenzo Milani who founded the Barbiana school in Tuscany. The students, who were divided into three categories: the first category for students of levels 7, 8 and 9; the second category for those in levels 10 and 11; and the third category for those at post-secondary level, could write a composition or draw a poster. A specially set-up jury chose the finalists who exhibited their work in the “Democracy Evening” held this week at Santa Monika School, in Birkirkara.
The evening began with a message from Dr. Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, who emphasized the importance of active participation both on a social and political level. Among those present, there were heads of schools, teachers, parents and students.
George Vital Zammit who was the main guest, together with Vicki Ann Cremona, President of Repubblika, distributed the prizes to the finalists and the first students who had submitted their work. For the first time, this year there were 74 students from the Guardian Angel Secondary Education Resource Centre, Hamrun, who participated in groups and made posters, some of which made it to the finals.
After the books were presented, speeches were made by Sr. Marika Briffa, the Head of the School of Santa Monika, Prof Vicki Ann Cremona, President of Repubblica, and Dr George Vital Zammit, our special guest. The three speeches were about the true significance of democracy, the need for commitment in society, freedom of expression, and the values of solidarity and the common good.
The evening was spiced up with musical passages that Jacob Portelli played on the harp. The sub-committee of Repubblika that organized this initiative was led by Mario Grech together with Mary Anne Camilleri and Marion Pace Asciak. A special thanks goes to Sr. Marika Briffa who hosted us at her school.