[WATCH] Secondary school students create educational comic book

Education Minister discusses the importance of bringing education outside the classroom

A number of students from the Maria Regina secondary school have collaborated with artist Andrea Delicata, youth worker Anna Maria Grech and Learning Support Assistant Margaret Delicata to create a comic book called “Karusu u Flusu”.

The comic, aimed at primary school students, was a part of the “Entrepreneurship for Education” project, under the Ministry of Education and Employment, and there are plans to distribute copies of it to other schools, both public and private.

A presentation given by the students themselves explained that the comic explored how children should save up their pocket money through the eponymous Karusu, a character who explains the importance of saving money to Jake, the protagonist of the story, who spends most of his pocket money on sweets.

Addressing students earlier this morning, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said that the comic was important both for its message in favour of prudence in financial matters, and as it is a clear example of cooperation between various sectors resulting in concrete projects.

“The project was a result of various efforts, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of so many different sectors.”

Bartolo thanked the local council which provided the students with the space to create their comic during the summer months.

“This is a clear example of how communities can integrate with schools. Education cannot be limited to the classroom, but it should go beyond the physical walls of the school.”

Bartolo also mentioned a student visit to the MCAST Institute of Art and Design, which helped the students to better understand the project they were doing.

“Education should not just focus on tests and the formal setting, but it should take the shape of life education more than anything,” Bartolo added.

Bartolo also discussed the values touched upon in the story itself, which was planned by the students themselves.

“The story refers to issues that are valid both for children but even more so in some cases, to adults. Watching what we spend is a mistake many are guilty of, indeed some countries have become bankrupt due to excessive spending.”

Bartolo further explained that the comic also presents other issues that are crucial to healthy development for children, like lifestyle and dietary choices. He discussed the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle  consisting of healthy snacks and practising sports as frequently as possible.

Bartolo concluded the event by presenting participating students with a certificate to honour their efforts.