The Malta Crafts Foundation has launched a new educational booklet entitled X’Se Nagħżel? (What Shall I Choose?), designed specifically for use in primary schools as part of the PSCD curriculum.
Produced by the foundation – which falls under the remit of the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects – in collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, and with the support of MCAST, the booklet was officially unveiled in the presence of PSCD teachers, who will play a central role in introducing this resource to students across Malta and Gozo.
X’Se Nagħżel? aims to inspire young children to explore the rich and diverse world of Maltese artisanal crafts. Through colourful illustrations, simple explanations and engaging activities, the booklet introduces children to over 20 traditional and contemporary crafts, ranging from glassblowing, ceramics and lace to metalwork, jewellery and perfumery.
Written in collaboration with Dunstan Hamilton and featuring illustrations by Christine Mizzi, the booklet takes inspiration from the quċċija tradition to present a number of tools and materials that a child might choose, and then outlines a selection of artisanal careers that could be pursued through the use of that tool or material.
Each page highlights one of these artisanal careers with a colouring-in illustration accompanied by a short description of the artisan’s work.
Forming part of the Malta Crafts Foundation’s efforts to safeguard Malta’s cultural heritage while nurturing the next generation of artisans, the booklet aims to show that crafts are not only part of our local identity but also a viable and rewarding career path, helping students recognise that creativity, innovation, manual skill and craftsmanship can lead to meaningful professional opportunities.
Conscious that several traditional crafts are now at risk of disappearing, the initiative also seeks to spark early interest in younger generations and encourage them to consider vocational pathways such as those offered at MCAST’s Institute for the Creative Arts and Institute for the Trades, including specialised programmes in artisanal skills.
PSCD teachers welcomed the booklet as a valuable addition to their teaching resources. Through guided lessons, children will be able to explore their talents, learn about different professions and understand how craftsmanship forms part of Malta’s living heritage.
The booklet will be distributed free of charge to all primary schools, starting with Years 3, 4 and 5 in the first year, and focusing on Year 3 from the second year onwards. The publication is also supported by online resources available at www.maltacrafts.org/students.
