Dun Salv Vella Nadur Primary School

Nadur, Malta

4th FUNDING CALL

Objectives

At Dun Salv Vella Nadur Primary School, the “Blue Future” project is inspiring students to become active guardians of the sea. Over a five-month period, the initiative tackles three pressing marine challenges: reducing single-use plastics, promoting renewable ocean energy, and introducing algae as a sustainable food alternative. Through hands-on learning, community engagement, and inter-school collaboration, the project blends environmental education with practical action.

The project has four clear goals:

• Deepen students’ understanding of marine environmental issues and the impact of plastic pollution through direct experience.
  
• Reduce the use of single-use plastics within the school community by 70% via awareness campaigns and new school policies.
  
• Increase knowledge of renewable ocean energy through STEM experiments, guest talks, and interactive activities, reaching at least 200 participants.
  
• Promote sustainable dietary habits by introducing algae-based foods, involving students in cultivation activities, and hosting an “Algae Taste Day.”
  

Activities & Collaborations

The programme is built around three themed activity sets.

1. Small Actions, Big Impact – Let’s Go Plastic-Free!
Students aged 9–11 will begin with an online survey to measure plastic use and explore alternatives. This leads into a campaign promoting reusable shopping bags, bottles, and lunchboxes, supported by a public talk at the Nadur Local Council. Younger pupils will join an educational session on the harm of plastics, creating posters to share the message. A field visit to the Dwejra Marine Environmental Education Centre will give children aged 4–7 a first-hand look at marine ecosystems.

2. Power from the Sea – Let’s Use Ocean Energy
During STEM lessons, older pupils will build simple models of tidal and wave energy converters. Guest speakers from the marine energy sector will share insights with both students and community members. An “Ocean Energy Games Day” will bring together children from Dun Salv Vella Nadur Primary and Gharb Primary for quizzes, matching games, and challenges. Finally, students will develop innovative ideas to overcome real-world ocean energy challenges.

3. Fish Out, Algae In!
Experts will introduce the science and benefits of seaweed cultivation to students and the local community. Pupils aged 9–11 will research and present comparisons between algae and traditional seafood at a public exhibition. Younger students will create “Seaweed Farms in a Bottle,” reusing plastic containers to simulate algae growth. The project culminates with “Algae Taste Day,” where pupils sample and vote on their favourite algae-based dishes.

Collaboration with Gharb Primary School ensures all activities have a wider reach, while Eco Marine Malta brings expertise in marine conservation. The Nadur Local Council supports by hosting exhibitions, talks, and providing platforms to share results.

Expected Outputs

By the project’s conclusion, the school will produce:

• Lesson plans, presentations, and printable booklets tailored for primary education.
  
• Infographics comparing algae and fish as food sources.
  
• Photos and videos documenting activities such as the DIY seaweed farms and tasting events.
  
• Pre- and post-activity surveys to track learning progress.
  

All materials will be shared online through the school’s and local council’s platforms, making them freely accessible for other educators and community groups.

Impact

The project is expected to:

• Significantly cut plastic use within the school and encourage long-term behavioural change.
  
• Improve understanding of ocean energy technologies among students and community members.
  
• Increase acceptance of algae as a sustainable food choice, supporting Malta’s shift toward a more resilient Blue Economy.
  
• Strengthen inter-school and community connections through shared learning experiences.
  

Beyond the five-month timeline, Nadur Primary will embed certain activities—such as the algae farm and taste day—into its annual curriculum, ensuring future pupils continue to benefit. With every reusable bottle, seaweed farm, and idea for clean energy, students are learning that even small actions can protect our seas for generations to come.