Bringing the past to the present with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and BOV

The 19th edition of Hands on Heritage Programme launched ‘Hands on Heritage 2016’. A series of interactive history workshops for school children was officially inaugurated by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and Bank of Valletta at Fort Rinella.

Stefan Abela, Community Relations Officer at Bank of Valletta, met Mario Farrugia, President of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna during a practical session of the Hands on Heritage Programme

‘Hands on Heritage offers school children a unique opportunity to experience the life of our forefathers, both from the military aspect as well as in relation to their day-to-day life, the food they ate and the clothes they wore,” said Mario Farrugia.

“This year’s programme revolves around the Victorian soldier, so participating children are transported back in time to the late 19th century,” continued Mr Farrugia. “Fort Rinella provides the perfect setting for this event. Furthermore, children may then visit the recently inaugurated exhibition about life in the Victorian Garrison.

“At Bank of Valletta, we strongly believe that the appreciation of our history has to start from a very young age,” explained Stefan Abela. “The Hands on Heritage programme provides an unforgettable experience that helps to instill a love for our rich heritage. Such efforts are critical in ensuring broad appreciation of our national heritage and, consequently greater efforts towards its conservation.”

This is the 19th consecutive year during which FWA and BOV are collaborating on this project, which dove-tails the educational and heritage concerns of the bank’s Community Programme, through which the bank implements its Corporate Responsibility.

More information about Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and the Hands on Heritage Programme can be obtained from the FWA website at www.wirtartna.org or by sending an email to info@wirtartna.org.