3,200 first year students to receive €300 free internet vouchers

Apr 28 2023

Speaking during a press conference at MCAST’s Paola campus, Education Minister Clifton Grima and Economy Minister Silvio Schembri announced that around 3,200 students in their first post-secondary year will receive €300 in free internet vouchers.

Speaking at the conference, the ministers highlighted the importance of the youth carrying on with their education, saying how this incentive will aid in that endeavour.

The scheme will cost the government €1 million, as in previous years, and will be made available for students in their first year of post-secondary studies.

However, the students can only apply for the vouchers if they continue their studies right after they finish their secondary education.

The students will be handed the vouchers electronically at the beginning of May and can be redeemed between May 5th and August 15th. They will be redeemable at GO, Melita and Epic.

Minister Schembri said that such incentives were not present when he was a student, urging first-years to make use of such support. On his part, Minister Grima said that this is but one measurement that highlight’s the government’s investment in students and their futures.

#MaltaDaily

New centre to offer eyesight screenings for elders aged 60-80

Apr 28 2023

Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela announced the launch of a national program of ophthalmology screenings through the opening of a new centre in St Vincent de Paul Long Term Care Facility.

The new geriatric clinic will offer eyesight screenings for people aged between 60 and 80 years old.

‘The main aim’, wrote Abela, ‘is to raise awareness and take action early when it comes to conditions like glaucoma, cataracts or retina diabetes.’

‘This national program will be offered in the coming weeks in Dar Padova in Gozo so that we can offer a better quality of life to Maltese and Gozitan elders.’

#MaltaDaily

Neil Agius reveals next challenge: 70 hours of swimming

Apr 28 2023

Record breaking local swimmer Neil Agius has unveiled what his next challenge will be – traversing the sea between Mallorca and Ibiza between the 25th of June and 17th July.

The challenge will see Agius swimming for 160 kilometres, or 100 miles, in a whopping 70 hours of swimming and 175,000 strokes.

‘I now understand that I am a by product in all of this, I have been given this gift and it will be selfish of me not to swim again’ wrote Agius in a public statement.

Agius will not be allowed to touch the boat, to have physical assistance, to use flotation devices, to wear a wetsuit or to use a smart watch as he undertakes this Herculean task.

He will also be using food attached to a pole and drinking from a water bottle tied to a 5 metre cord.

‘This endeavour is a true test of resilience against severe sleep deprivation’ he said. ‘I believe I can do it. I have a great team behind me and some amazing sponsors who believe in me and the cause.’

Thanking his team and the sponsors who believe in him, he hopes to share the journey with all of us as we are left once again baffled by this man’s incredible feats.

#MaltaDaily

Falling tiles seriously injure 25 year old man in Ta’ Kerċem

Apr 28 2023

Today, at around 0730hrs, police were informed of an accident that had taken place in Guże Flores in Ta’ Kerċem, Gozo.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that a 25 year old man from Xewkija was hurt after tiles being lifted into a residence fell on him.

He was given first aid by a medical team and taken to Gozo General Hospital. He was later certified to have been seriously injured.

An inquiry has been opened and investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily