Students Meet Minister To Have Their Say On Environment

Dec 28 2023

Students from nine different schools gathered at Buskett to discuss their ideas for a better environment with Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).

The activity followed similar ones held last year, in which Minister Dalli and schoolchildren agreed to continue meeting every year to discuss new proposals and assess progress on several green initiatives.

The children talked about different topics, including urban greening, sustainable transport, access to natural sites, groundwater, marine litter, climate change, waste management and energy efficiency. Among different ideas, they proposed organic farming on roofs, more family picnic areas, information campaigns on the impacts of littering, increased greenery in classrooms and adventure zones in parks, such as the recently opened obstacle course race (OCR) area at the San Klement Park.

Students from St Thomas More College Santa Lucija Secondary School, Sacred Heart College, St Ignatius College Qormi San Gorg Primary School, St Nicholas College Rabat Primary School and Dingli Secondary School, Maria Regina College Mosta Secondary School, St Margaret College Senglea Primary School, San Andrea School and St Benedict College Kirkop Secondary School participated in the event, which was hosted at Ambjent Malta’s new educational centre, within the grounds of the Buskett Woodlands.

Minister Miriam Dalli thanked the students for accepting ERA’s invitation to share their ideas on the environment.

“Last year we met and discussed many interesting ideas. ERA presented an update on how Malta is implementing many of them as part of our shared mission for a more sustainable future. I encourage children and youths to continue to come forward and join in the public debate about our environment. Your ideas are very important to us. All institutions must make sure to listen to what you have to say, as ERA is doing with these meetings. I look forward to meeting you again next year,” Miriam Dalli said.

ERA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Mercieca also emphasised the importance of listening to younger generations during the development of long-term plans and strategies which will address the future of the environment. “The views, opinions and proposals offered by children and youths give us food for thought in shaping a future which will be most fitting for their wellbeing and quality of life,” he said.

Following the discussion, Ambjent Malta guided the children to an educational walk at the Buskett Woodlands, where they also participated in a hands-on session on sustainable Christmas crafts. The event was also supported by Ekoskola, a Nature Trust – FEE Malta initiative across all schools in Malta and Gozo, to empower students to appreciate the environment and seek sustainable actions in their lives.

ERA Chairperson Vince Cassar and Ekoskola coordinator Paul Pace and other educators and officials also participated in this event.

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Disciplined Forces Help Donate Animal Food Collected By Jake Vella

Dec 28 2023

The Disciplined Forces of the Civil Protection Department took to Mater Dei to help deliver the collected animal food and other resources donated on behalf of Jake Vella’s initiative.

The young sports ambassador, in collaboration with wife of the Prime Minister Lydia Abela, had issued a call for people to donate for the animals at the Association for Abandoned Animals.

Jake also held an adorable Paw Walk, which saw many dog owners and their four legged friends walk together outside Mater Dei Hospital, where Jake currently resides.

All that was left to do was get the food collected to the animals themselves – and for that, the disciplined forces are right on the job!

#MaltaDaily

New HIV Medical Testing At Raħal Ġdid’s LGBTIQ+ Hub

Dec 28 2023

The Directorate for Human Rights and CheckPoint Malta have entered into a collaborative agreement to introduce HIV medical testing at the LGBTIQ+ Hub in Raħal Ġdid.

This collaboration aims to strengthen the efforts of CheckPoint Malta, a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting sexual health, particularly concerning HIV, and the Directorate for Human Rights, which oversees the LGBTIQ+ Hub—a pivotal space for providing services to Malta’s LGBTIQ+ community.

Rebecca Buttigieg, the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing stigma across sectors. The agreement between the Directorate for Human Rights and CheckPoint Malta marks a significant step in enhancing the services offered at the LGBTIQ Hub.

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Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the agreement’s significance in creating a more efficient service, enabling the community to utilize the facility for testing. Simultaneously, the government remains focused on intensifying efforts to ensure equal access for everyone.

Marc Buhagiar, President of CheckPoint Malta, expressed satisfaction with the added facilities for testing services, particularly for HIV. Buhagiar emphasized the NGO’s primary goal of improving testing accessibility, providing a more comfortable experience supported by both the government and the community itself.

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Hamrun Players Visit & Donate To Shelter Dogs For Christmas

Dec 28 2023

In its second consecutive year, Ħamrun Ħanin, a voluntary organisation associated with Ħamrun Spartans FC, undertook initiatives to spread festive joy and aid vulnerable members of society during the Christmas season.

Engaging in various activities, the organisation not only provided financial support but also raised awareness about critical community issues.

Members, including national team player Juan Carlos Corbolan, visited organisations such as Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, Caritas Malta, and the Association for Abandoned Animals, extending assistance to those in need.

Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, specialising in food-related issues from anorexia to obesity, and the Sanctuary of the Association for Abandoned Animals received visits, highlighting their crucial roles in aiding individuals and animals in distress.

Additionally, the Caritas centre in Ħamrun, addressing drug-related struggles and aiding the homeless, was part of the outreach.

Financial donations were presented to these organisations, accompanied by a generous provision of animal food to the Association for Abandoned Animals.

Ħamrun Ħanin collaborated with Ħamrun Spartans FC Daikin Football School of Excellence to orchestrate an impressive gift collection for children, culminating in a presentation as part of the national campaign Rigal b’Imħabba in Valletta. The organisation expressed gratitude to its partner, Alberta Group, for facilitating these impactful activities, emphasising their commitment to community support and collaboration.

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