Gozo-Montemiletto student exchange

One of the many activities to take place during the end of this scholastic year at Canon G.P. Agius de Soldanis Girls Junior Lyceum and Secondary School, in Victoria, Gozo, was a cultural exchange with the Scuola Media Statale G. Fierimonte of Montemiletto, in the province of Avellino, Italy.

The first leg of the exchange took place between May 4 and 10 when a group of 19 students from Agius de Soldanis School, accompanied by three teachers and school head Mrs Doris Cini, visited Avellino province.

The Gozitan group was warmly welcomed from the Italian students and teachers as well as the students' parents and was well looked after during their seven-day stay. The group, accompanied by the teachers and students from the Italian host schools, had the opportunity to visit many places of historical interest, including the Monte Vergine monastery situated on a mountain, from where spectacular views of the Irpinian area could be appreciated.

Another worthwhile visit was that to the site of archaeological remains of Pompeii.

The group also visited Naples, and the birthplace of St Pio in Pietrelcina.

Courtesy calls were made on the mayor of Montemiletto, as well as the mayors of some nearby localities.

The second part of the cultural exchange took place between May 17 and 25, when a group of 22 students from the G. Fierimonte School accompanied by two teachers and the schools' principal, Anna Lucia Crescitelli, visited Gozo. Their very well planned programme was prepared by the De Soldanis School.

The Italian students visited the main historical sites, including Ggantija, the Citadel, Dwejra as well as Mdina and Valletta in Malta. They were shown around by Charles Zammit from the Culture Department. The group also paid courtesy calls on Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Victoria mayor Paul M. Cassar. They also enjoyed swimming at some of Gozo's beaches.

Besides recreational activities, some educational activities were prepared for both legs of the exchange. These included plays, geographical information about the areas of the participating schools, and concerts.

To say that the students participating in the exchange learned a great deal from the experience would be an understatement. The students had the time of their lives while discovering the treasures that both countries offer. The students who participated in this project were thrilled to visit this amazing place and were very disappointed to leave for home.

This exchange was a great success and both schools and especially the students who participated have benefited from the experience, which both school administrations would gladly repeat in future.