On February 9, 2026, a group of young students from eleven Church schools in Malta (primary and secondary) took part in the 14th EkoSkola Summit. The theme of this year’s Summit was: “The Call to Renew Our Common Home: The Vision of St. Francis.” The Summit was part of the larger EkoSkola Program run in Malta by Nature Trust – FEE Malta. The Program is part of the international Eco-Schools Initiative, which has been active in the country since 2002. This year’s Summit was organized in collaboration with the Secretariat for Catholic Education in Malta and the friars of the Conventual Franciscan Province of Malta. The event was held at the Animation and Communication Centre in Birkirkara, Malta.
The Summit coincided with the arrival of a relic from the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death: a piece of soft chamois leather that had been placed on the wound of the stigmata on St. Francis’ side. The relic was brought to Malta by the Conventual Franciscan Friars and was venerated in several churches during its stay in the country. Just as St. Francis was wounded out of love, today our common home and its peoples are wounded and in need of care, compassion, and solidarity. At a workshop session during the Summit, each student wrote a prayer to St Francis, which will be placed on the saint’s tomb.
At the conclusion of the Summit, inspired by Laudato Si’ and by St. Francis’ life of simplicity, humility, and harmony with creation, the fifty-four participants approved a collective Declaration, the result of their discussions on two themes. The Declaration opened with the students’ affirmation that the world is “our common home,” which must be cared for with respect and responsibility. Moreover, they pledged to move from words to action. They committed to leading by example, even when adults fall short, and called on local Church and decision-makers to listen to their voices.
First Theme – Care for the Vulnerable: Justice, Solidarity, and Human Dignity
The students identified vulnerable groups that often go unnoticed: people from different cultures, the elderly, those facing mental health challenges, and students who feel marginalized. They proposed that schools foster inclusion through open dialogue, inclusive group work, buddy systems, safe spaces such as “chill rooms,” and lessons on emotional wellbeing, support, and diversity.
They also proposed support systems such as “buddy benches,” adult observers for isolated students, and integration activities. In addition, they called for solidarity initiatives such as community clean-ups, fundraising, volunteer visits to soup kitchens, and programs such as “People for Others.” They advocated for a fairer society that supports those living paycheck to paycheck, that reduces the price of products when they are near their expiration date, offers access to training opportunities, and ensures equal pay and conditions for all workers.
Second theme – Care for Creation: Climate, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Living
The second theme focused on environmental protection. The students called for more trees and plants, stronger action against waste, waste-separation campaigns, and regular clean-ups. They promote a shift away from single-use products, suggesting that stores give discounts to customers who bring their own containers. They promoted solar panels, marine energy, and sustainable mobility such as pedestrian zones, cycling, and mandatory carpooling.
The students also proposed more botanical gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, compost bins, protection of native plants, additional water stations, rainwater reservoirs and less concrete in playgrounds. They opposed the damage being done to biodiversity, especially through invasive species and the sale of souvenirs made from protected plants or animals.
Finally, the students called for a meaningful role in decision-making, ensuring their suggestions are included in the country’s environmental and social policies.
Friar Allister M. AQUILINA, OFM Conv.
Assistant Director for Identity and Pastoral Care
within the Secretariat for Catholic Education in Malta
Photo credits: Ian Noel PACE – Archdiocese of Malta
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