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GOZO WEEK

GUG NEWSLETTER ISSUE NO: 3

STUDENT SURVEYGUG will carry out a survey on Gozitan students studying in Malta. The survey’s aim is to gather useful

and direct information about the lifestyle of these students and their experience at the University. The

survey will help in updating the information about several aspects that somehow or another are affecting the students’ quality of life. Measures will then be proposed by GUG on the data gathered in order to improve the mentioned student lifestyle.

The survey will be divided in 6 sections: University Degree, Transport, Accomodation, Grants and Expenditure, Activities and General questions. More information can be found on www.gug.org.mt or on GUG’s Facebook page.

http://www.esurveyspro.com/Survey.aspx?id=dd79e3bc-c5b1-4ba1-b05f-76beebae6b5f

RYAN MERCIECA

PRESIDENT

ANTHONY BRIFFA

VICE- PRESIDENT

GUG is embarking into a new venture for this year as part of giving a new image to this orgnisation, to strengthen the voice of Gozitan youths and to create opportunities for such youths, GUG is organizing the ‘Gozo Week’ at the campus of the University of Malta from the 27th of February to the 2nd of March 2012.

This week will consist of stands and activities to promote Gozo and educate people about Gozo. During this important week, GUG will also launch other initiatives such as the Degree Plus on Gozitan Studies that will be the first official course about Gozo. GUG will also hold debates on issues and topics related to Gozitan students and youths.

Gozitan Youths take

part in the Youth

Parliament 2011

On September 15th 2011 GUG was

part of the Youth Parliament in

which Gozitan youths presented

propositions for a better Gozo. The

message was to improva gozo's

economic and envi ronmenta l

aspects. This included over five

hundred matters that discriminate

Gozitans from Maltese counterparts, for example, the benefits Maltese workers gain for travelling to

Gozo for one day’s work as opposed to the indifference towards Gozitan workers who travel to Malta

all year round. Unfortunately this was perceived by fellow Maltese students as us wanting

independence from Malta. It is not about wanting independence from Malta. What Gozitans are

trying to do is gain what is rightfully theirs- be equals with Maltese, nothing less and nothing more. It

is useless trying to justify that Gozitans and Maltese people are one, are equal because this shows

clearly that it is not true. We need to push Gozo further and by whom can this be done if not by

those who know and feel what Gozo is lacking?

JOELENE ATTARD

SECRETARY

GENERAL

It is true that the Government invested millions of euros on infrastructure and investments

to promote Gozo but is 0.6 million in 10 years as private investment enough for Gozo and

Gozitan business men?

No wonder every business opportunity that arises for Gozitans is immediately transferred to

Malta. Business men are not the ones to blame as they would be stupid not to open up

shop in Malta but can't we turn that around? Is Gozo really ageing? Of course it is.

All the students graduating from University have no choice other than working with some

big shot firm in Malta. Gozo has none of these.

Why? The question remains unanswered but today's youths believe in Gozo.

They know that if something is done NOW, things may turn around. This is why GUG

continues working towards a better future for Gozitan students even if it comes in little

changes but at least we are moving forward, to what we believe in and want for our country.

MEETING WITH

HON. DOLORES

CRISTINA

On   the   4th   of   January,   GUG   held   a  mee5ng  with  the  Educa5on  Minister  Hon.   Dolores   Chris5na   in   which  GUG’s  concerns  and  proposals  were  presented.  

GUG   discussed   with   the   Minister  many   maCers   such   as:   the   new  Na5onal  Curriculum  Framework,  the  Gozo   University   Campus   and   the  

current  Examina5on  issue  debate.    

The  highlight  of  this  mee5ng  was  the  issue  of  giving  Gozitan  students  the  possibility  of  op5ng   to  do  their  examina5ons  in  Gozo.    GUG  gave  the  Minister  a  wriCen  report  in  which  GUG  states  what  needs  and   should   be   done   for   this   ongoing   maCer   to   be   solved   in   a   reasonable   and   logis5cal  manner  without   causing  any  extra  expenses;   reasons  why  and  how   the   framework  should  be  handled  were  also  stated  in  the  report.  The  Minister  was  enthusias5c  with  the  commitment,  dedica5on  and  fervor  shown  by  the  GUG  execu5ve;  especially  towards  achieving  their  sought  aNer  objec5ves.    Finally,  the  Minister  promised  us  that  she  will  delve  personally  in  this  maCer  and  will  voice  our  concerns.    

GUG  strongly  desires  to  inves5gate  and  find  reasons  behind  this  perpetual  issue.  GUG  is  perplexed  by  the  reality  of  the  case;  that  this  issue  has  been  idle  for  the  past  ten  years  and  nothing  has  been  done  to  amend  this.  GUG  is  doing  everything  that  is  within  their  power  to  make  changes  and  it  hopes  that  these  uCered  concerns  do  not  fall  on  deaf  ears.  

As  with  regards  to  the  University  Gozo  Campus,  GUG  believes  that   there  could  be  beCer  use  of  this  Campus.   GUG   suggested   that   this  Campus  should   be  made   more   ac5ve   and   that   there   should   be  more  courses  introduced.  GUG  put   forward  the   idea  of  using  video  conferencing  and  also  presented  the  idea  of  using  the  Gozo  Campus  for  foreign  exchange  students;  in  which  foreign  students  are  sent  to   study   in  Gozo.   This  will  obviously   boost   and  help   the   Gozitan   economy   and   apart   from   that,   it  would  also  increase  tourist  aCrac5on.  

GUG   expressed   their   strong   believes   in   the   genera5on   of   more   work   and   more   investment  opportuni5es  in  Gozo;  to  ul5mately  create  new  op5ons  for  Gozo  and  Gozitans.

GUG  also  gave   the  NCF   report   to   the  Minister  present   for   it   to  be   considered   in   the   ongoing   and  current  debate   on  the  new  Na5onal  Curriculum   Framework.   The  Minister  accepted  our   report   and  will  eventually  give  it  to  the  people  concerned.  

CHARLENE CAUCHI

EDUCATION

OFFICER

READ THE

REPORT ONLINE

BY CLICKING

THE LINK

BELOW

http://issuu.com/

ryanmercieca/docs/

exams_report

Interview during "Lura d-Dar",

a program on Radju Bambina

GUG was invited to participate in a program radio on Radju Bambina, the parish radio of Xagħra.

The program "Lura d-Dar" is presented by Mrs Carmen Bajada.

Mrs Bajada started the program by congratulating GUG on the work that is being done towards Gozitan students. The President, Ryan Mercieca gave a brief history of GUG was given together with

a description of the aims and objectives that GUG has mainly the transition between Malta and

Gozo.

During the program various aspects were discussed, including the say that GUG had on the transport reform, the issue related to exams being held in Gozo and the increase in allowances for Gozitan

students which was discussed during the budget.

The website was also mentioned in which one can search for accommodation and second hand books

together and also the Facebook page which is used to promote events.

The members shared their experiences of their time in their respective positions with the listeners of

Radju Bambina and gave a brief description of what their roles entail.

Youth open to Life‘Zghazagh miftuha ghall-hajja’ (Youth open to Life) is the theme chosen by the Italian Bishop’s Conference for the Pro-Life Day 2012.

Dar Guzeppa Debono, which offers various services and provides support to single mothers, fathers and their families, said that it is organising various interesting initiatives in order to spread ‘the culture of life’ among the various categories of Maltese society and will celebrate this Day with various activities because it believes entirely that “authentic youth exists and flourishes among those who do not close themselves in before life.” In fact, there are many youths who are doing voluntary work within this Gozitan entity.

On Sunday, the 5th of February, at 5.00pm, the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, will be presiding on a Solemn Concelebrated Mass at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary.

An hour before, at 4.00pm, the general public is invited to participate in a symbolic walk in which volunteers and students from various Gozitan schools will participate. The walk will start from next to the tree at the very beginning of the road that leads from the Gharb crossroad to the Sanctuary.

During this walk, reflections by Fr Richard N. Farrugia on various themes related to the value of life will be read. These stops will be animated with a c h o r e o g r a p h i c presentation by the students of the Academy of Dance. ‘Number Nine’ has been chosen on p u r p o s e t o symbolise the months e m b r a c i n g pregnancy.

On the same day, on the precincts or stairs leading to the various Parish Churches of Gozo, coloured ‘steps’ will be signalling the entrances to these places of worship in order to announce a positive message on life. Those who enter for Mass will notice the message, various E u c h a r i s t i c adorations and special prayers will also take place with the intention of spreading the Gospel of Life.

The last activity for the Pro-Life Day this year will be aimed towards youth. Fr Richard N. Farrugia, a young priest studying Moral Theology in Rome and Dr Margaret Spiteri, a GP specialised in Gynaecology will lead reflections on the meaning of life during a special meeting for youth. They will consider the theme of life from a bioethical and physical health perspective. This meeting will take place on Saturday, the 11th of February, at 2.00pm, in Dar Guzeppa Debono, Ghajnsielem.

For more information please visit www.darguzeppadebono.org or phone on 21552595.

Dar Guzeppa Debono “offers various services and provides support to single mothers, fathers and their families in the most professional way.”

The Home said that it has recently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gozo and Agenzija Appogg, extended the Home-Start service for the island of Gozo, it has also produced a full-colour publication with resources for teachers in primary schools with the theme ‘The Beauty of Life,’ thanks to funds by the eco-Gozo scheme.

International

Year of Youth

(IYY)

Publication

“Youth should be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels."

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

As part of its activities for the International Year of Youth, JP2 Youths in collaboration with

GUG took the initiative to publish “The world is YOUth”. This online publication consist of

articles by youths on the various issues and themes related to this year and to the United

Nations. The youths tackled these issues and themes with regional, national, european and

global perspectives. The articles looked at culture, youth rights, education, employment,

globalisation, volunteering, sport, climate change, health, ICT, finical management and more.

The President of the European Youth Forum Peter Matjasic made the forward. The publication

also included the Pax Romana’s Speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations on the

launch of the International Year of Youth.

h t t p : / / i s s u u . c o m / r y a n m e r c i e c a / d o c s /

international_year_of_youth_document

RYAN MERCIECA

PRESIDENT

Classic Song

Stan getz, coming to prominence

in the late 1940s with Woody

Herman's big band, is described

by critic Scott Yanow as "one of

t h e a l l - t i m e g r e a t t e n o r

saxophonists". Check out some of

his jazz skills in hits like "the girl

from Ipanema"

MARC SCHEMBRI

EVENTS

OFFICER

Electronic Song

Gayle San, a prominent Dj coming from Singapore,

pioneered yet innovative techno sounds in Britain in the

90s. Resident Dj is many clubs in London, especially the

south side, San made her name for herself perfecting

her Djing skills.In 2000, she was voted number 6 of the

most popular international Djs in Germany. Remaining in

the top ten list has been a regularity ever since. U guys

can catch a glimpse of her groovy techno sounds in

"Game Over"'s upcoming event.

Alternative Song

Does Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic

Zeros ring a bell? Well it should, because

they are firing up some important charts.

Vocalist Alex Ebert and his Massaic figure

have created an aura o f energy

interracting with the rest of the Zeros -

maintaining a distinct sound and very out -

of - the - ordinairy tunes. Call it country

music? your call - but its definately

something you should check out, try this -

h t t p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / w a t c h ?

v=rjFaenf1T-Y

Julia is a Faculty of Health Sciences student in the second year of studies.

She is an average nineteen-year-old Gozitan – living in Msida when not in

her home in Victoria. Reading a B.Sc. course in Applied Biomedical Science,

is just one part of her life as she is involved in various activities outside

University.

Julia enjoys using free time to explore

different talents, particularly where music and performing arts are

concerned – and have been doing so for as long. Once she started school – like most girls her age – She was enrolled in ballet classes, which kicked off her love for dancing.

Although later switched to jazz and, more recently, contemporary dance, She

managed to keep training and performing under var ious tu tors . Her la test

performances with the Naupaca Dance Factory involved main roles as Ophelia in

The Dream and the Queen of Hearts in Aliceʼs Adventures Underground, which

took place just last December.

Julia

Camilleri

Music has always been important to Julia, and from a young age she attended piano and theory lessons at the

Gozo School of Music. Despite being hard work, this course helped her to build on her knowledge of music to

support other abilities, particularly singing. In fact, she has been a part of my parish choir Laudate Pueri for over ten

years, taking part in concerts locally and across Europe, and also performing in annual opera productions.

However, these activities ended up taking a backseat to acting, which she started in her teens and immediately

discovered a passion for. As a member of the Gozo Creative Theatre Club, She first played Anne Frank in the

2007 play In Holland Stands A House. Since then, Julia have performed leading roles in several

productions including Cindy: The Musical (2008), Agnes of God, Unheard Melodies and Springʼs

Awakening (2011). For her, drama is not just another hobby; each role she undertakes is a

chance to learn new ways of expressing herself and conveying a message to the audience.

Admitting itʼs hardly easy to fit all this into her studentʼs schedule. Then again, Julia said, “every

minute spent practising, training, and rehearsing is worth the effort simply because I love

performing - being on stage is an amazing sensation, unique in the emotions it evokes.

Music, drama, and dance allow me to break free from everyday student life and continuously

challenge my abilities”. While determined to stay focused on getting her degree and pursuing a career in science, she is also looking forward to upcoming productions in the performing

arts. Developing her talents is a fulfilling experience that will undoubtedly take years to achieve – and she plans to enjoy every second of it.

RED, WHITE AND

BLUE, WE

CHALLENGE YOU

1st EURO-MINI-JAM

held in ICELAND

It was the first of its kind, and little knew what waited in Iceland upon their arrival. However five scouts from the Victoria and the Xaghra Scout Group took up the challenge and set out for this truly wonderful Icelandic adventure.

After a full day of travelling, the Maltese contingent finally landed in Iceland and together with the other contingents from the scout associations of Iceland, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Faroe Islands and Monaco, headed out to the Ulfljotsvatn Scout Centre,.

The aims behind the Euro-Mini-Jam were to create a common platform for the members of the NSOs to experience and embrace the similarities as well as the differences between nations and to strengthen the relationships between Scouts and Guides from the small states of Europe (national associations hailing from countries with less than one million population), whilst introducing their different cultures to each other..

Participants were encouraged to reinforce their individual development through joyful experiences, and to give the possibility to challenge themselves and compete amongst each other in Scouting/Guiding games.

At the Ulfljotsvatn Scout Centre, participants were divided into international patrols that had to perform various activities that included a campsite project, a 24 hour hike in the Icelandic natural environment, swimming, community service, and taking part in a decathlon consisting of 10 scouting challenges.

Within their national contingent, participants were encouraged to participate in a triathlon where three challenges consisted of the building of a catapult, transporting an egg from the top of a tower to the ground without breaking, races and retrieving puzzles from the lake using paddle boats.

International nights where the respective contingents presented their national dishes, song and dance also formed part of the event’s itinerary, whilst in turn the Icelandic Scouts and Guides presented interesting facts on their country’s culture, history and beauty.

Campfires gave the opportunity for each contingent to present their song, stunt or dance, whilst water activities, in which no one escaped dry, added extra value to an action packed programme. Participants were also given the opportunity to swim in the hot thermal springs most famous in Iceland.

Every beginning has an ending, and unfortunately the first Euro Mini Jam had to come to an end, with nobody wishing to return home after a week of living together under tentage, where participants were treated more like family than friends or scout/guide colleagues.

“Goodbyes”, were extremely hard with both participants and leaders pledging to do their utmost to meet again in the future. All participants thanked the Icelandic Scout and Guide Association as well as the Euro-Mini-Jam organising team for all their efforts following such a wonderful experience.

SABRINA PORTELLI

FINANCIAL

OFFICER

Skills

for

Independent

Life

The  Oratory  Dun  Bosco  in  collabora5on  with  Youth  in  Ac5on  and  EUPA  is  holding  a  five  month  project  

star5ng  in  November  and  ending  in  March,  called  “Skills  for  Independent  Life”.    The  main  aim  of  this  

project   is   to   tackle   the   various   challenges   that   Gozitan   students   have   to   face  when   they   move   to  

study  in  Malta.    With  different  sessions  we  aspire  to  prepare  students  who  have  to  go  to  Malta  in  the  

future  year,  and  those  who  are  currently  there,  to  have  a  good  and  compa5ble  life  independent  from  

their  families.    

Sessions   are  vast  and   include  mee5ngs  with  GUG  regarding  contacts   and  prac5cal  5ps   for  seCling  in  

Malta,   interac5ve   sessions   which   deal   about   living   independently   and   living  with   your  flat  mates   -­‐  

while  dealing  with   issues   that  arise  when   living   in  a  group   -­‐   and   others   dealing  with  more  prac5cal  

issues   such  as  how  to  manage  resources   like  5me  and  money.    The  highlight  of  this  project  will  be  a  

live-­‐in   weekend,   where   Group   Dynamics   exercises,   and   prac5cal   sessions   related   to   basic   skills  

required  when  living  alone  such  as  preparing  some  fast  and  healthy  meals,  will  be  given.    There  are  

around  50  students  taking  part  in  the  project,  and  at  the  end  of  the  project  they  will  be  presented  by  

a  cer5ficate.

The  Oratory  Don   Bosco   aims   and  will   work   hard   so   that  this   project  can   serve   as   a  pilot  plan,  and  

projects  like  this  will  be  held  annually.      

JOSMAR AZZOPARDI

GUG

MEMBER