Students now have a 7,400-square-metre outdoor area where they can work and study, complete with free Wi-Fi and charging points. Following work by Project Green at Milbrae Grove, the site—right next door to MCAST’s Institute of Creative Arts in Mosta—has become the island’s first Green Open Campus.

Ministers Miriam Dalli and Clifton Grima, together with Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, stressed the importance of open spaces where students can study, noting the benefits for young people’s mental health.

The Green Open Campus is equipped with device-charging stations and public Wi-Fi so that both students and the general public can use the space for study or work. Internet connectivity is free and open to everyone.

Environment, Energy and Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli explained that, as part of the project, five MCAST students are collaborating with Project Green to design the park’s benches so the space feels attractive and truly “belongs” to the youth who use it.

“With one initiative after another, we want to show that open spaces have multiple uses. They are not only for leisure but can also serve as relaxed areas where people can study, read or work. By weaving the environment into our daily activities, we improve quality of life and have a positive impact on mental health,” said Minister Dalli.

Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Minister Clifton Grima spoke about the importance of open, green spaces in educational settings: “In every infrastructure project in recent years, we have made sure not only to provide the best possible educational environment but also to create open and green areas for the wellbeing of our students. Major infrastructure upgrades are under way at this institution too, giving MCAST a modern look and adequate spaces for all who attend,” Minister Grima said.

CEO Steve Ellul added:“This project was carried out in collaboration with MCAST students. Every open space should have its own theme, and this one is dedicated specifically to students—a project by young people, for young people.”

The Milbrae Grove Green Open Campus contains some 205 trees, 155 of which were planted through an initiative with Puttinu Cares. Each tree represents a €300 donation to Puttinu Cares. The project is intended to serve as a model for similar initiatives planned for the future.