Richmond Foundation Announces 2025 Annual Conference: Mind and Body

Apr 24 2025

The Richmond Foundation has announced its upcoming annual conference, “Mind & Body Partners in Mental Wellbeing,” set to take place on May 30, 2025, at Villa Arrigo in Naxxar. This year’s event will explore the powerful synergy between physical and mental health, highlighting how both aspects are essential for overall well-being.

With a diverse programme of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, the conference will tackle a range of topics, from the effects of trauma on the body to how lifestyle choices can influence emotional resilience. Designed for healthcare professionals, educators, and wellness advocates, the event promises to deliver actionable strategies for achieving holistic health.

The impressive speaker lineup includes UK-based physiotherapist Georgie Oldfield MCSP, mental health advocate and psychiatrist Dr. Gabriel Ellul, performance psychologist Dr. Adele Muscat, and Professor Godfrey Grech of the University of Malta, among others.

Richmond Foundation Announces 2025 Annual Conference: Mind and Body

Attendees will benefit from expert insights into integrating physical activity with mental health support, trauma-informed care, and the therapeutic role of movement. The Richmond Foundation encourages early registration to secure a spot at this essential event for those passionate about advancing mental health care.

For more information and the full programme, visit the Richmond Foundation website: https://www.richmond.org.mt/mind-body-partners-in-mental-wellbeing/

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Lidl Malta Opens its 11th store in Zebbug, expanding its presence across the islands

Lidl Malta Opens Eleventh Store in Żebbuġ

Apr 24 2025

Lidl Malta has proudly opened its eleventh store, this time in Żebbuġ, marking another key step in the supermarket chain’s expansion across the Maltese Islands. This milestone not only highlights Lidl’s commitment to delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, but also reinforces its growing presence within the local community.

Lidl Malta Opens Eleventh Store in Żebbuġ Since launching in 2008, Lidl Malta has become a major player in the country’s retail sector, now employing over 500 people across its stores. The new Żebbuġ outlet is expected to generate around 40 new jobs, offering a welcome economic boost to the area.

“We are delighted to inaugurate our eleventh store in Żebbuġ, which demonstrates our continuous commitment to serving the Maltese community,” said Owen Micallef, Director of Lidl Malta. “This expansion reflects our success and ongoing efforts to create further employment opportunities. We look forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers.”

Designed with Lidl’s signature operational efficiency and environmentally friendly practices in mind, the Żebbuġ store will provide a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience. The launch is perfectly aligned with Lidl Malta’s mission: offering top-quality products at the best possible value, while fostering a dynamic and engaged workforce.

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SDM Urges Fair Pay and Stronger Support for Working Students

Apr 24 2025

In early 2024, Studenti Demokristjani Maltin (SDM), a prominent Maltese student organisation, released a policy paper titled “Bridging Books & Paychecks”. This paper, grounded in a comprehensive student survey, sheds light on the financial challenges faced by students balancing academic responsibilities with employment.

The findings underscore that many students are compelled to seek part-time or full-time employment to support their education, often leading to increased stress and potential compromises in academic performance. This situation is exacerbated by Malta’s rising cost of living and wage pressures. A survey by the Malta Chamber of SMES revealed that 63% of businesses had to increase prices due to higher employee wages, with 44% citing employee shortages as a primary concern.

SDM’s policy paper advocates for enhanced financial support systems for students, including increased stipends and more flexible work-study arrangements. The organisation emphasises the need for policies that acknowledge the dual pressures of academic and financial commitments faced by students.
While the policy paper has sparked discussions among student bodies and educational institutions, governmental authorities have not officially responded. SDM continues to engage with stakeholders to promote reforms that address student financial well-being.

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Over 80,000 Foreign Students In Malta To Learn English In 2024

Apr 24 2025

The National Statistics Office (NSO) has announced that in 2024, a total of 80,946 foreign students attended English language courses at approximately 33 local licensed English Language Teaching (ELT) schools in Malta. This marks an increase of 2,370 students compared to 2023.

According to the statistics, the majority of these students came from Italy, followed by France and Germany. Overall, 73.9% of the total students originated from countries within the European Union.

July was reported as the busiest month for local ELT schools, with student attendance during that month accounting for 17.0% of the annual total.

In terms of course type, 77.0% of students were enrolled in General English (Standard) courses. Intensive English courses attracted 14.8% of students, while the remaining 5.4% were enrolled in other types of English language courses.

When broken down by age group, the majority of students were aged 15 and under (28.1%) or between 16 and 17 years old (22.0%). Students aged 18–25 made up 19.8% of the total, followed by those aged 36–49 (11.0%), 26–35 (10.2%), and 50 and over (8.9%).

In total, the number of foreign students in 2023 stood at 78,567, increasing to 80,946 in 2024.

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