President encourages young ones to always share their thoughts

Launching the second edition of the President's Secret Garden, President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca encouraged children to never shy away from expressing their thoughts and sharing their aspirations and wishes.

"You are our present and our future leaders. It is our responsibility as adults to listen and understand what you have to say," Coleiro Preca said, telling the young ones that the garden at San Anton Palace was theirs to make use of.

The President's Secret Garden is an initiative of the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, during which children are provided with a safe and green environment on Saturday mornings and initiatives are organised to familiarise children with the environment, sciences and arts, among others.

"Children are all the time telling us that they want more open spaces where to play and relax. Our educational system is demanding and a lot of pressure is placed upon them. This garden gives them an opportunity to interact and learn in a fun way," Coleiro Preca added.

The President went on to encourage children, especially girls, to show more interest in the sciences. The foundation has, in this regard, prepared initiatives that would bring children closer to the sciences.

11-year-old Jerome Cachia explained how last year he spent every Saturday morning at the secret garden, learning arts and playing the drums along with a new-found friend. The two would also show other children how to play.