Whether you love or fear the little buzzing insects, there's no denying the essential role bees play in Malta's – and the world’s – ecosystems. In celebration of World Bee Day, a group of passionate educators and conservationists have released a cheerful children’s song in Maltese, ‘In-Naħla Katerina’ (Katerina the Bee), to shine a spotlight on Malta’s very own native honeybee.
Developed under the ‘Maltese HoneyBee Education Through Songs and Rhymes’ project, this initiative aims to inspire curiosity, ecological awareness, and language development in young children through music and interactive learning.
The star of the show, ‘In-Naħla Katerina’, introduces kids to Apis mellifera ruttneri, Malta’s endemic honeybee, through a catchy original song written and composed by Michael Piscopo, and sung by Phyllisienne Brincat – the same beloved duo behind ‘Fonzu l-Fenek’.
Through lively lyrics and melody, children learn about the daily life of this important pollinator, from buzzing between flowers to returning to her hive at sunset. It's a sweet and memorable way to get children thinking about biodiversity and the importance of preserving nature from a young age.
In addition to the music, the project introduces ‘In-Naħla Katerina’ as an engaging educational mascot, complete with her signature dark colouration, reflecting the appearance of the Maltese honey bee. Her name, Katerina, comes from the Greek word for ‘pure’, symbolising both the purity of Maltese honey and efforts to preserve this unique species’ genetic traits.
Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee
Katerina won’t just live online – she’ll be buzzing her way into classrooms across Malta as part of a nationwide school tour, bringing her message of environmental stewardship directly to students through song, stories, and hands-on activities.
Fans of Katerina have more to look forward to! Two more songs will be released throughout 2025 as part of the Foundation’s broader educational effort. Each song focuses on a different theme:
- 16 June – ‘Festin Għad-Dakkara’ (A Feast for Pollinators): A fun-filled look at how bees and other pollinators support our food systems and biodiversity.
- 24 September – ‘In-Naħla u Sħabha: L-Għanja tal-Ispeċi Nazzjonali’ (The Bee and Her Friends: The Song of the National Species): A finale celebrating the Maltese honey bee’s official designation as a national species, alongside other native flora and fauna.
This initiative is made possible through the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The project is being coordinated by Dylan Farrugia and Abner Joe Buttigieg on behalf of the Foundation for the Conservation of the Maltese Honey Bee.
Bees may be small, but their impact is monumental. ‘In-Naħla Katerina’ is a symbol of hope, sustainability, and education. So have a listen and soon enough, you’ll be singing along too!
Next time you go to swat one , be gentle!