New Schemes Introduced to Support Youth and Voluntary Organisations

Nov 20 2024

The Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Research and Innovation has introduced two new schemes to provide more opportunities for young people in Malta and support voluntary organisations.

The BOOST Scheme, with a budget of €400,000, will offer €3,000 grants to eligible youth organisations to help them expand their activities and reach more participants. The Band Club Music Learning Scheme, with €80,000 in funding, is designed to promote Malta’s musical heritage and provide educational opportunities for young people.

The initiatives were launched during an event in collaboration with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ and the National Band Clubs Association. Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti described the schemes as part of the Government’s effort to support youth and their communities.

Miriam Teuma, CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, emphasised the importance of these schemes in supporting organisations that work with young people. She noted that they align with the National Youth Policy’s goals of encouraging youth participation and collaboration with voluntary organisations.

The application process has been simplified to ensure accessibility. These schemes aim to provide practical support for organisations while encouraging young people to participate in cultural and community initiatives.

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Instagram Will Let You ‘Reset’ Your Algorithm

Nov 20 2024

If you’re fed up with Instagram’s suggested content, Meta is testing a way to give you a clean slate. In a recent blog post, the company announced a feature that allows users to reset their recommendations across Explore, Reels, and Feed.

This update is set to launch worldwide soon.

By resetting your recommendations, Instagram essentially starts over, treating your account as if it doesn’t know your interests.

Over time, the algorithm will adapt based on the content you engage with. Users can also review and unfollow accounts they no longer want to see. However, Meta has emphasized that this reset cannot be undone.

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A post shared by Adam Mosseri (@mosseri)

Although designed with teens in mind, the feature will be accessible to all users. Meta said it aims to make Instagram a more positive and safe space, especially for younger audiences.

“We want Instagram to evolve with users’ interests and provide meaningful, age-appropriate experiences,” the company shared.

Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, explained the feature in a video, noting it might make your feed less tailored at first but offers a helpful reset option. TikTok introduced a similar tool last year.

Meta has also strengthened protections for users under 18 with stricter messaging rules and limited exposure to sensitive content. Instagram remains a top app for U.S. teens, according to a recent Piper Sandler report.

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72 Year Old Bryan Is This Year’s Oldest UOM Graduate

Nov 20 2024

In a wholesome video shared by the University of Malta, we got to meet Bryan Corlett, this year’s oldest graduate from the UOM at the age of 72!

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A post shared by University of Malta (@ummalta)

In a get-to-know style video, Bryan talks about his past and return to education, as well as his gratitude for his professors and family.

The father of four daughters and originally from New Zealand, this is Bryan’s first time graduating and has some words of encouragement for anyone seeking to seek further higher education.

Congratulations Bryan! For the full video, visit @ummalta

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Our 1st Teaser For ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ Live Action

Nov 20 2024

Universal Pictures has released the first teaser trailer for the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon, offering a first look at Hiccup and Toothless, including the pivotal moment where Hiccup spares the dragon’s life, forever altering the dynamics in Berk.

Set on the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been sworn enemies for generations, the story follows Hiccup (Mason Thames; The Black Phone, For All Mankind), the inventive but underestimated son of Chief Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler, reprising his voice role from the animated series).

Hiccup’s decision to befriend Toothless, a feared Night Fury, upends centuries of tradition, challenging his society’s deep-seated fears of dragons.

Joining him are Astrid (Nico Parker; Dumbo, The Last of Us), the bold warrior, and Gobber (Nick Frost; Shaun of the Dead), Berk’s eccentric blacksmith.

Together, they face an emerging ancient threat that jeopardizes both Vikings and dragons. Hiccup and Toothless must navigate a fragile path toward peace, redefining leadership and heroism along the way.

Directed by Dean DeBlois, who helmed the original trilogy, the live-action film debuts June 13, 2025. The ensemble cast includes Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Ruth Codd, and more, based on Cressida Cowell’s beloved books.

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