Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ: from a derelict area into a new open space for the Gudja community

Jun 13 2023

Gudja residents will start enjoying a new garden within their community following works carried out by Project Green at Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ.

The garden was given a new lease on life thanks to the regeneration works carried out on it by utilising sustainable materials. It further ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Accompanied by Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, together with Mayor Marija Sara Vella Gafà and members of the Gudja Local Council, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli commended the work carried out, turning the 1,100 square metre open space into an enjoyable garden.

The upgrading of the area included the installation of accessible picnic benches, made from sustainable materials. The area has also been secured with high wooden fencing. The pathway was designed using a geogrid to stabilise the soil and provide an accessible pathway while retaining the natural elements of the ground.

Minister Miriam Dalli thanked all Project Green workers for their dedication as well as their commitment to ensuring that all projects completed are sustainable.

“Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is another project in line with the government’s commitment to regenerate and create open spaces, close to residents’ homes. Open spaces help improve the quality of life of our residents while providing the younger generations with a safe space to play or study”, Minister Miriam Dalli added.

Minister Dalli continued by encouraging the public to make responsible use of these open spaces and to keep the area clean.

Project Green CEO Steve Ellul remarked how 3,000 Gudja residents will benefit from an open space within a ten-minute walk of their homes. Through this regeneration project, more trees were added to provide better air quality, considering there is a main road that thousands of cars pass through on a daily basis. Ellul highlighted that these holistic projects take into account the needs of the people and the surrounding area.

Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is among various other projects already concluded this year, such as the picnic area at San Klement in Ħaż-Żabbar, the regeneration of Ta’ Qali Dog Park, the first Green Open Campus at Milbrae Grove in Mosta, and the completion of the first phase of Ġnien San Filippu in Floriana, amongst others.

This year, more than 40,000m² of green open spaces have been opened to the public.

#MaltaDaily

Over 4000 people trained in Maltese and English through “I Belong”

Over 4000 people trained as part of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project

Jun 13 2023

During the closing conference of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, themed “Looking back. Looking forward,” the results achieved through this project, co-funded by the European Union under the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), were presented.

During this conference, it was announced that through the “I Belong” program, which is part of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, over 4000 individuals were trained in the Maltese and English languages, as well as local culture. This program was an integral part of the implementation of the First National Integration Strategy and Action Plan. The program, which began in March 2018, was conducted in collaboration with MCAST, the University of Malta, and the Department of Lifelong Learning.

The conference was attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, who emphasized the importance of outreach not only to foreigners but also to the rest of the population, so that everyone feels included and valued.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the role that individuals should play in understanding better the significant diversity and intersectional identities within communities. Therefore, services provided should meet these diverse needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She also emphasized the importance of education in strengthening integration in the country.

“As a government, we strongly believe that education is essential for strengthening integration. As time passes, we are realizing how the world is becoming one global village. Therefore, to continue improving our work in favor of integration, I encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and proposals in the Public Consultation for the Second National Integration Strategy and Action Plan, which is currently open until the end of June. Our ultimate goal is to have a more equal and prosperous society,” said Buttigieg.

During the conference, Mr. Alexander Tortell from the Directorate for Human Rights also spoke, explaining that numerous information sessions on various topics of interest to the Directorate’s clients were organized throughout this project. These topics included documentation, access to education, sexual and reproductive health, and many others. He also mentioned that the Directorate for Human Rights, in collaboration with the University of Malta, developed and offered the first Diploma in Education for Cultural Mediation, which provides professional training for cultural mediators, who are crucial in intercultural contexts like our country.

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Alesso: From Champions League Final to Isle of MTV Malta

Jun 13 2023

Worldwide renowned DJ Alesso will soon be making his way to our Mediterranean island for Isle of MTV Malta 2023, shortly after having played at the Final Kick Off show for the UEFA Champions League.

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Alesso has just been announced as one of the big acts set to be taking to the Fosos stage on the 18th of July, alongside One Republic, Tom Grennan and Mimi Webb.

Posting to social media, the renowned Swedish DJ and producer shared a snippet of his set at the match which saw Manchester City beating Inter Milan. ‘What an unreal experience’, he wrote. ‘So thankful to be a part of Football’s biggest night’.

If his performance, alongside Anitta and Burna Boy, is anything to go by, then Alesso will be a massive addition to the Isle of MTV Malta roster.

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Will you be attending of Isle of MTV Malta 2023?

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Jon Mallia dedicates school speech to struggling students

Jun 13 2023

Jon Mallia, who hosts arguably one of the biggest podcast shows on the Maltese islands, was invited by Stella Maris College to give a speech to graduating students, which Jon dedicated especially to struggling students.

During his speech, Jon spoke about his transformation from outcast to influential figure, detailing the difficulties his mother faced due to his reckless behaviour as well as his years after Stella Maris.

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Despite having gotten involved with drugs and other mischief, he insists that it was his mother’s undying resolve that saved his life. He joked about his mother’s ‘permanent’ parking space outside the headmaster’s office to highlight how often he got into trouble.

He reiterated numerous times how students who find themselves in a dark place need to reach out to someone that truly loves them to work with them and find a way out together.

As a token of gratitude, Jon was gifted a drawing by one of the students. The painting depicted two bare feet, symbolising Jon’s long journey towards becoming an influential person within the local scene.

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