Ghajnsielem road closed after partial collapse

Jul 19 2022

A road in Ghajnsielem has been temporarily closed to traffic after a portion of the street collapsed, creating a large pot hole.

One driver was left slightly injured with back pain and a mild shock as they drove along the road when the incident happened. The road in question is Triq Wied Rghajjes.

Photos were uploaded by the Ghajnsielem local council to show people the hazard and thus avoid the area. The hole also reveals a stormwater culvert.

Due to a road closure in the Qala Road junction, Triq Wied Rghajjes saw more vehicles passing through than usual. The local council gave special thanks to the Ministry for Gozo and Minister Clint Camilleri for offering immediate assistance.

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Minister Jo Etienne Abela awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Jul 18 2022

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh have just awarded Dr Jo Etienne Abela with the College International Medal.

The award is a prestigious act of recognition which is given as a lifetime award. The award commemorates with appreciation the career of Dr Abela in the practice of surgery dedicated to the elderly as well as his dedication to the college.

The announcement of the award was done by the College President, Professor Mike Griffin – a college which is the biggest of its kind n the world.

It was founded in 1505 by King James IV of Scotland and now brings together well over 20,000 members and fellows from all over the world.

Speaking about the award, Dr Jo Etienne said that when the president informed him about the award, he was struck with disbelief. ‘I am very satisfied that the methodologies and strategies I introduced are being recognised globally.’

‘I am proud that I gave my service so that my country is mentioned in the highest circles of my profession. I am sure that this personal recognition will serve to strengthen the cooperation of the College with our country.

‘As part of the Cabinet of our country, I am sure that this award is also recognition of our work in the medical sector. As a Gozitan, I long to see the award becoming an inspiration to Maltese and Gozitan youth.’

‘My message is this: nothing and no one should stop you from reaching the top of your field – you have nothing less than anyone. Do not be scared to make your dreams a reality. This award encourages me and my country to continue working with more energy in the public life.’

‘I am still 46 years old and I still see so many challenges to overcome. I humbly accept this award with gratitude.’

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Many in mourning following the loss of little footballer Ilyas

Jul 18 2022

Many have entered a period of deep mourning after young Ilyas, a student and a football lover, passed away suddenly.

The news resulted in many issuing tributes to the young Ilyas, who was part of the St George’s Youth Nursery.

‘We have just received an utterly horrific news. With great sadness, we have just discovered that one of our youngest has left us’ said the club.

‘Ilyas will definitely never be forgotten – he will always remain in our hearts – and, however we can, we will be there for his family. A boy who was always smiling and beloved by all. He will undoubtedly remain in our hearts and prayers.

‘The committee, the parents and the kids who form part of the nursery are all saddened by this news and we extend our condolences to his family.’

Responding to the news was also singer and teacher Amber, who wrote a touching tribute to the young boy. ‘I feel so lucky to have been your teacher this year. You dreamt of doing lots of wonderful things in your life. I believed in you so much. You were so special.’

Amber went on to say that Ilyas taught her the meaning of love in its simplicity. You taught me to be positive even when obstacles seem too big to overcome and you taught me that through small acts you can make massive differences in a person’s life.

‘You never left without a hug or without me telling you that I loved you… because you waited for it everyday’ Ilyas, I will never forget you. I will continue to carry you on in my heart for the rest of my life.’

She also went on to issue a plea to other teachers by telling them to never end a day without a smile. ‘Hug the kids and tell them you love them. Remind them that they can find comfort in you and an infinite love without condition.’

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Photo Source: Amber FB, St George’s Youth Nursery

€700,000 goes towards Richmond’s Kids in Development

Jul 18 2022

The NDSF and Richmond Foundation have formally signed an agreement awarding a social grant towards a project that will provide a therapeutic programme of specialised care for children with severe and challenging behaviour conditions.

Kids in Development (K.I.Ds) is a residential therapeutic programme for children aged seven to thirteen who have been severely affected by early trauma, in the form of any type of abuse and/or severe neglect.

These experiences usually result in the children developing severe challenging behaviour that effects the child in all areas of their life such especially in developing meaningful relationships with others. Run by Richmond Foundation, the K.I.Ds Programme provides these children with a nurturing and stimulating environment, and positive experiences from which they may build confidence and resilience.

This includes learning how to develop significant relationships. The programme serves as a bridge for them to be able to move on to a more permanent situation in their lives. Recent studies indicate that one of every four persons of working age will experience a mental health issue at some point in their life and half of all mental health conditions start before the age of 14 years.

K.I.Ds first opened its doors in 2007, through a public-private-partnership between the Ministry of the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity, Curia and Richmond Foundation.

For twelve years, it operated from a wing of the Jesus of Nazareth convent in Żejtun. In 2019, K.I.Ds was required to vacate the Żejtun premises and the Curia offered alternative premises, within Fra Diegu complex.

€700,000 goes towards Richmond’s Kids in Development

These premises require development and finishing to become fully operational. The NDSF’s funding will ensure that the project at the Fra Diegu complex will provide a tailor-made, healing space for the children to fully settle there.

The total capital expenditure for the new premises, which has a total area of 535 sqm, is projected to be around €1,170,000, which will be mainly financed through NDSF’s social grant of €700,000. The facility was carefully designed to facilitate the running of the programme.

It will include an administrative and therapeutic area, an outdoor area for recreational activity, spacious bedrooms for children, and a kitchen and living area. The entire indoor premises will be equipped with air conditioning.

Speaking at the signing, the NDSF’s CEO, Raymond Ellul stated that the purpose of the social grant was to ensure that vulnerable children and young adolescents, together with their families would find the right professional help and support through Richmond’s KIDS programme and hopefully they would eventually be able to fully integrate in society.

The project, like all other social projects currently funded by NDSF, will no doubt enhance the social well-being of the country for current and future generations. Mr. Ellul explained that the NDSF was established as a government agency in 2015 with the purpose of managing and administering 70% of the contributions received from the Individual Investor Programme of Malta.

On behalf of Richmond Foundation, Anthony Guillaumier, Chairperson, held that as more young people are experiencing complex life issues, it is essential that the country offers the appropriate range of services within purposely designed settings to provide the right care and support for them to lead positive lives.

This grant will provide some of the most vulnerable children with a dedicated setting to call home where they can develop in a safe and loving environment.

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