Keeping Kids Active With Skip A Rope For Fitness Campaign

Jan 25 2024

A recent study reveals that a notable percentage of Maltese children are not meeting recommended daily physical activity levels.

The Institute for Physical Education and Sport (IPES), in collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), initiated an experimental project called SkaRF – Skip a Rope for Fitness in 2023.

Led by Professor Andrew Decelis, the project aimed to teach rope skipping to primary school learners at San Gwann Primary School, improving fundamental movement skills, fitness, and reducing sedentary time.

In the first phase, Year 4 learners participated, with two classes as an experimental group and two as a control group. The second phase involved Year 5 learners, including the initial control group, who received skipping ropes and engaged in daily 15-minute sessions, encouraged to practice during breaks and outside school hours.

Initial analysis showed improved skills and confidence in the experimental group. The project plans to provide skipping ropes for all learners in the next phase and extend the initiative to other schools, with the ultimate goal of fostering skipping confidence in all primary school students. Funding for the project is being sought for further development.

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70 Kilometres Of New Underground Cables Being Set Around Malta

Jan 25 2024

The implementation of the government’s plan to accelerate the reinforcement of the country’s electricity infrastructure is advancing rapidly, with several projects currently underway in twelve localities and in many other localities starting soon. As part of this extensive investment, Enemalta is collaborating with Infrastructure Malta, Transport Malta, and many local councils to add more than 70 kilometres of new underground 11-kilovolt cables to the national grid in the coming months.

The roadwork to lay these cables started towards the end of last month. The three entities are currently coordinating works in Dingli, Mtarfa, Mosta, Naxxar, Kirkop, Zurrieq, Bormla, Żabbar, Kalkara, Gudja, Ta’ Qali, and Xgħajra. Other workers will be mobilised to start network upgrades in several other localities in Malta and Gozo in the coming weeks. Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett, and Dingli Mayor Raymond Schembri met some of the 100+ workers engaged on these projects during a visit to ongoing cable laying works in Dingli.

Minister Miriam Dalli reminded that last summer, the government pledged to double its 2024 investment in Malta’s electricity infrastructure to continue improving the quality of electricity services to families and businesses and to meet the requirements of climate change and future demand. “Enemalta, Infrastructure Malta, and Transport Malta are pooling resources to add a record length of new cables to the network within a few months, almost four times as many kilometres of cables as those added in the last two years.

This important reinforcement is creating more alternative connections between different parts of the country, reducing the risk of supply disruptions to our customers, while facilitating quicker restoration when difficulties arise,” Minister Dalli said. “Together with other ongoing and upcoming projects, including new distribution centres and substations, this investment will contribute to more reliable electricity services,” she added.

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Dog Left For Dead In The Streets Is Healing Wonderfully

Jan 25 2024

The Association for Abandoned Animals revealed that Bobby, a dog left for dead in the streets, has been treated and has his wounds healing wonderfully.

It was first assumed that Bobby’s wound came from a car injury, but it turned out that it was a mauling by another dog.

‘He has wounds everywhere, but the one on his neck is just one gaping hole. Because of the severe infection on his skin, it cannot be stitched right away, but hopefully soon’, said AAA.

Another update from today revealed that the wound is starting to heal and is no longer infected. ‘Hopefully, very soon, it will be in a state good enough to close it surgically.’

‘And from here, we thank the lovely Tamara, a vet nurse in Dr Trevor’s Clinic, who took Bobby to her home and is taking care of him and his medical needs, especially the non stop wound dressings.’

‘We of AAA are taking care of his expenses, but all work is being done voluntary by her.

We have no words, thank you and our respect.’

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Feeling Broke? Over Half Of Maltese Businesses Raised Prices

Jan 25 2024

A recent survey by the Central Bank of Malta revealed that 58% of Maltese businesses, spanning various sectors, increased prices due to rising expenses.

Conducted over the last three months, the survey focused on construction, property, agriculture, services, and manufacturing sectors.

Concerns over employment conditions were raised, with 52% noting a deterioration, while only 17% reported improvements for autumn of 2023. In the construction and property sector, 33% anticipated a reduction in work in the coming months.

Regarding investment plans, 42% intended to invest more, while 27% planned to invest less in 2024. A majority (67%) acknowledged increased expenses, resulting in 58% raising prices.

Concerns about rising wages were prevalent, with 65% expecting an increase of over 5% in 2024. Importers were informed of potential higher shipping costs from Levant countries. This survey indicates a complex economic landscape for businesses in Malta, with challenges and uncertainties affecting various aspects of their operations.

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