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Marigold Foundation and parents of children with Autism mark World Autism Month

Apr 22 2023 Share

April is World Autism Month and The Marigold Foundation, joined the rest of the International Autism community to mark World Autism Month by symbolically lighting up blue The Meeting Place… a space inspired and created for people on the spectrum amongst others.

This year’s European-wide awareness raising campaign theme, led by Autism Europe ‘Building an inclusive society for autistic people’, provides an opportunity to reflect on the advances made so far for the autism community and the work that remains to improve the lives of autistic people.

Addressing the event, Chair of The Marigold Foundation, Global Ambassador of Autism Speaks and Honorary Chairperson of APA, Michelle Muscat referred to this year’s European theme which amongst others raises awareness about the need to create spaces where persons on the spectrum feel comfortable and can frequent.

Muscat said that in fact this year this event is being held precisely in a space which was inspired by people on the spectrum and which today is fully utilized by people on the spectrum too amongst others, therefore providing an opportunity for their full inclusivity in the community.

Michelle Muscat said that on both local level and European level it is now high time that people on the spectrum are looked at holistically so that they can truly have a fulfilling journey through life where services needed are available for every stage.

The music literary evening at The Meeting Place celebrated the many talents that Maltese youths on the spectrum have. In fact the event was animated by fifteen year old Master Daniel Pisani who composed a Key transformation for the occasion.

Eleven-year old Beppe Caruana presented his fourth book in Maltese, which was read out to the audience present.

Thirteen year old Laura Abela read the poem ‘My Love Language by Tina Bryant whilst 20 year old Mariah Micallef performed one of her favourite music pop songs.

Against the lighting up blue background, the band ‘Different Minds’ closed the event with their new released song ‘Different Not Less’, written by one of their guitarists who is a parent to an autistic 17 year old.

Addressing this symbolic occasion was Mr. Omar Farrugia President of the Association of Parents of Children with Autism who thanked The Marigold Foundation for their support and their work of advocacy to the cause.

If you would like to donate to help spread more awareness on autism and help more families who have members on the spectrum, you can do so by:

Calling +356 5170 2052 to donate €15

Calling +356 5180 2053 to donate €25

Sending an SMS to +356 5061 9238 to donate €11.65

OR BOV mobile pay, +356 9991 2373 to donate any amount

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Malta develops multi-drone system to enhance divers’ safety at sea

Apr 22 2023 Share

The Institute for Aerospace Technologies at the University of Malta and Divers Code have developed the world’s first multi-drone system to enhance divers’ safety at sea. The BEA project was made possible by a €200,000 investment from the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), which is aimed at mitigating the risk of diving accidents through a system of drones.

The multi-drone system consists of a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV), a floating platform, and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). While the ROV follows the diver, the floating platform acts as a resting platform and also hosts critical support and first aid kit. It acts as the communication link between the underwater ROV and the hovering drone. On the other hand, the drone detects boats and relays the message, ensuring that it is safe for the diver to surface.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, emphasized the importance of technology in improving people’s lives and growing the economy in local and international markets. He highlighted the government’s commitment to research and innovation, particularly in the maritime sector, to achieve the goals set for the Smart Specialisation strategy. He also expressed his pride in the Malta Council for Science and Technology, which continues to support and incentivize more projects for the benefit of society.

Dr. Tonio Portughese, MCST Chairman, added that such projects contribute not only to economic growth but also to improving the quality of the products that Malta offers, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasized that the tourism sector is a significant pillar of Malta’s economy and includes niche tourism, with over 5% of visitors coming to the island for diving, where the clear waters and unique diving sites, many with great historical value, are available.

Dr. Robert Camilleri, the BEA project coordinator, highlighted the importance of research on collaboration between drones, given the increasing role they play in many aspects of our lives.

The BEA project is financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through the FUSION: R&I Technology Development Programme. It represents a significant step forward in enhancing the safety of divers at sea, as well as in promoting Malta’s position as a leader in innovative research and development. With continued support from the government and other stakeholders, such projects will continue to pave the way for further advances in technology, research, and innovation, benefiting not only the economy but also the wider society.

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More than 2,800 families will benefit from a strengthening of the Rent Benefit

Apr 22 2023 Share

More than 2,800 families in Malta are set to benefit from the strengthened Rent Benefit, according to an announcement made by the Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Roderick Galdes. Introduced in 2019, the benefit aims to ensure affordability in the property market and prevent families from paying more than they can afford.

During a recent news conference, Minister Galdes highlighted the success of the Rent Benefit, stating that it is comprehensive, flexible and effective. The benefit was introduced as part of the residential rent reform, which made it mandatory for all rental contracts to be registered.

With the strengthening of the Rent Benefit, families with a maximum income of just over €13,500 and an annual rent of €9,600 will receive up to a maximum of €5,000 per year or €416 per month. This represents an increase of €1,200 per year or €100 per month. The increase will be calculated based on a specific formula that takes into account the individual needs of each family.

Minister Galdes stressed that the ultimate goal of the Rent Benefit is to ensure that no family pays more than they can afford, regardless of market conditions. He emphasized that the government is committed to helping families move forward and will continue to listen, understand and act for the good of the Maltese and Gozitan people.

The CEO of the Housing Authority, Matthew Zerafa, praised the implementation of the strengthened Rent Benefit as a leap in quality in the rental sector. He emphasized that the increase in the benefit will be calculated based on various factors to ensure that each family’s individual needs are taken into account.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mark Musu, highlighted the success of the Ministry’s budget measures, stating that 86% of the measures announced for the year 2023 have already been implemented. He announced that the final measure will be carried out by July.

In addition to the strengthened Rent Benefit, the Ministry is also working on a number of social housing projects in various localities around Malta. The implementation of these projects, combined with the Rent Benefit, is expected to provide affordable and adequate accommodation options for families in need.

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Sarah Zerafa asks Marco Parascandalo to be her Man of Honour

Sarah Zerafa asks Marco Parascandalo to be her Man of Honour
Apr 22 2023 Share

Only a few hours after Sosa went live with her first set of engagement shoot photos with fiancée David, we now know that Sosa asked local fashion designer Marco Parascandalo to be her Man of Honour.

The local designer took to Instagram to share the heartwarming news, stating he feels incredibly blessed and honoured to stand by Sosa’s side as she begins a new chapter of her life in marriage.

“Our friendship has brought us this far, and I am excited to continue to support and love you as we embark on this new journey. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and creating new memories together,” the post concluded.

Marco will join 3 others bridesmaids, who Sarah revealed in a recent reel.

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