Fr. Marcellino Micallef Wins The ‘Active Ageing Award’

Oct 31 2023

The President of Malta George Vella said that the elderly should be provided every space and opportunity to continue using their knowledge and abilities for their own good and for the good of the community. “We cannot lose this wisdom and experience. These are not something old or superfluous, but a necessity in every modern society. Everyone has a role to play in this process”, stated the President during the ‘Active Ageing Award’ event, which this year was won by Father Marcellino Micallef.

The President said that age should not impede a person from continuing to get involved and play a civic role in the community. He noted that entities such as Local Councils, government entities and non-governmental organisations can offer various opportunities to encourage the elderly to learn and share their knowledge, their experience in the world of work, their traditions and values and much more between themselves and with other generations.

Today’s event, said the President, is a celebration of work, commitment, and dedication in the active ageing sector. In his speech, the President fully welcomed the idea of this annual event dedicated to the elderly which clearly shows the appreciation towards those who over the years have contributed to Maltese society.

The President remarked that this year’s event presents new elements because in addition to awards for the elderly who stayed active, there are also categories for projects or initiatives, that could have been carried out by individuals of all ages, entities or organisations, that facilitated active ageing. He mentioned, among others, areas such as innovation, technology, and solidarity between generations.

The Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela thanked all the elderly for their great contribution throughout their lives. He said that the life we are enjoying today is the result of the work and efforts of those who came before us. While describing the Active Ageing Award as a celebration of work, commitment, and dedication in this sector, Minister Abela stated that it is great that there is still a good number of participants for this award.

The winners are:

Active Ageing Award – Fr Marcellino Micallef

Innovation and Technology in Active Ageing Award – Project CLIVE

Sports Active Ageing Award – Mr Carmel Mizzi

Volunteering Award in Active Ageing – Mr Joseph Vella

Intergenerational Solidarity Award – Xewkija Primary School and Xewkija Local Council for the Intergenerational Project on trades

Cultural Award – Mr Charles Bellia

Photos: OPR

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Petition To Add Maltese Language To Duolingo

Oct 31 2023

A petition has been started by Julia Muscat to add the Maltese language to Duolingo, a popular educational technology company which produces learning apps and provides language certification.

The app offers courses on well over 40 languages, as well as music and mathematics. However, the Maltese language seems to be missing from the roster of potential languages one can learn.

The petition, launched on change.org, is listed in Italian and asks the app to introduce the language so that it is made easier to be learned as well as preserve it from the risks of being lost to time.

‘Little by little, the Maltese language is disappearing. It is extremely difficult to learn Maltese outside the country. There are many people of Maltese origin abroad who wish to learn the language but do not have the right resources. Duolingo, one of the most popular language learning platforms with over 300 million users (source: Duolingo), could be an ideal solution if it offered a Maltese course’, the description reads.

‘We therefore ask Duolingo to consider adding the Maltese course to its platform to help keep this beautiful and unique language alive. Sign this petition to support our request.’

You can check out the petition here.

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Kurdt Busuttil Identified As Late 28 Year Old Motorcyclist

Oct 31 2023

Kurdt Busuttil has been identified as the victim of the three vehicle accident which took place yesterday evening in Ħal Lija.

Tributes have started pouring out for the 28 year old Birżebbuġa resident as many mourn the loss of such a young man.

Rest in peace Kurdt, and condolences to all loved ones.

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5 Things Announced During Budget Speech

Oct 31 2023

Here is a quick recap of the main points from yesterday’s Budget 2024.

In a parliamentary sitting, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana read out the text for Budget 2024 and how the government plans on spending and investing in the upcoming year.

Some of the most notable points include a wage increase of €12.81 per week, a stipend increase of €64 per year, a €15 increase per week for pensioners, as well as a continuation of energy subsidies.

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During the speech, the Finance Minister also revealed that a €10,000 grant increase for first time buyers purchasing UCA or vacant property in Gozo will be issued.

Furthermore, parents are set to receive €500 for their first child as well as up to €1,000 for every other child. Special allowances for continuing education beyond mandatory age was also announced.

For more on the Budget 2024 pledges, visit MaltaDaily.mt for further information.

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