Heard in the hive

The executive committee of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations held a meeting in Malta recently; it was organised by Albert V. Rutter, chairman of the UNESCO Club (Malta).

A full programme was held for its delegates, which included a visit to the UNESCO Club's new premises at St Joseph's Home, St Venera.

During the visit to the UNESCO Club, the delegates saw an exhibition on the club's various activities held over the past 20 years. They and the executive committee of the UNESCO Club of Malta, expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Tourism and to Heriage Malta for their help in arranging visits to World Heritage Sites recognised by UNESCO, and other places of interest.

Members of the WFUCA attending the Malta meeting included the chairman, Eiji Hattori (Japan), Massoud Abtahi, head of UNESCO Clubs (UNESCO Paris), Yiannis Vacondios, general secretary (UNESCO Paris) and members George Christophides (Cyprus), Yves Lopez (Spain), Mamadou Diarra-Bamako, Rachid Ben Slama, Ketty Tzelzikosta, chairman of the Greek National UNESCO Commission, and Albert V. Rutter (Malta).

Maltese author honoured in Sicily

Between March 17 and 21, the comune of Villabate, in the province of Palermo, Sicily, hosted a delegation from Zabbar council, with which it is twinned, primarily to honour its own Citizen of the Year (2006), senior Corporal Giacomo Patti, 27, for his brave military feats at Nassiriya, Iraq, in 2004, and Zabbar author Alfred Palma for his literary achievements.

The Zabbar delegation, led by councillor Anthony Farrugia, included the local council's secretary, Duncan Busuttil and Mr Palma. The delegation were after welcomed at Catania airport by Diego Puleo and Franco Castello, representing Villabate council, who drove them to a hotel in Palermo.

In the evening, the two Cittadini dell'Anno were accompanied by the Bersaglieri band and a large crowd to the town hall and, after welcome speeches, the Prefect, Dr Piero Giulio Marcellino, presented two magnificent trophies to Patti and Palma, as they were given a round of enthusiastic applause. After the ceremony, refreshments were served.

On the second day, the delegation attended Mass at San Giuseppe parish church; then, before the traditional procession with the Bastone di S. Giuseppe, the delegation were hosted with other distinguished guests to the lavish banquet by the Gianone and Fontana families. In the evening, they enjoyed another tradition: the Minestrone di S. Giuseppe, near the church of St Agatha.

On the third day, the feast of St Joseph, patron of Villabate, the Zabbar delegation attended Mass at the parish church, and later taken on a tour of the Castello dei Normanni, and in the evening, another Mass at the church of St Agatha preceded the devotional procession with the statue of St Joseph.

The next day, the delegation visited the local high school (Don Milani) accompanied by Professor Barba; the students showed a keen interest in visiting Malta. After a visit to the regional office for local entities, and a lavish lunch on the Isola delle Femmine, the delegation had talks with local council officials. In the evening, Fr Antonio Todaro, the the parish priest of S. Giuseppe, hosted a reception for the delegation and for members of youth organisations.

The Zabbar delegation was also taken on visits to Monreale, Mondello, the Teatro Massimo and up the magnificent Monte Pellegrino, to the famous Shrine of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of Palermo.

The delegation expressed its satisfaction that the visit had strengthened Zabbar's with the splendid city of Villabate, thanks to the twinning agreement signed in 1997.

Valentine's Day to remember

Natasha Pundeva and Joseph Vella, two loyal Verdala wine drinkers, were the lucky winners of this year's Verdala Rosé Valentine's Day lottery.

The couple were celebrating St Valentine's Day at the Portobello Restaurant in St Paul's Bay.

Verdala Rosé made Valentine's Day a special one again this year by presenting a lucky couple with two Emporio Armani timepieces, from the prestigious designer's latest watch collection.

On Valentine's Day, diners who purchased a bottle of Marsovin wine for dinner were entitled to participate in the lottery.

As a gesture of appreciation, the restaurant owners and the waiter, who served Ms Pundeva and Mr Vella, were also presented with a token.

Book presentation at Circolo Gozitano

Joseph Walter Psaila, one of Gozo's leading contemporary poets, has recently presented his latest publication entitled Tabilhaqqiet Varji u Taparsijiet Veri during an activity held recently at the Circolo Gozitano in Victoria, Gozo.

During the activity, the audience had the opportunity to hear several readers read a selection of the poems published in Psaila's anthology. A panel discussion with the participation of Dunstin Attard, Dr Alfred Grech, and Carmel Cachia took place. During the evening the audience was also entertained by musical pieces played by guitarist Joe Engerer.

At the end, Saviour Grech, executive secretary of the Circolo Gozitano, presented Mr Psaila with a small memento.

Go Mobile launches latest games collection

Go Mobile is offering a selection of cool games to be played on one's mobile phone. There are several games to choose from and the collection includes some of the most well-loved TV series like Lost and Desperate Housewives as well as sport-based games like FIFA 07.

Go Mobile offers you the trendiest and most realistic games to download on your MMS phone.

With a wide range of full-colour 2D, 3D and Java games, Go Live! offers one the possibility of spending endless hours gaming on one's mobile phone.

Simply access the Go Live! site on an MMS phone and download whichever game you like. At the moment, Lost and Desperate Housewives are certainly topping the list, as is FIFA 07 and Ghostrider, where the hero Blaze must battle the demonic Blackheart in a hi-octane blend of supernatural action and high-speed racing.

Downloading these games could not be simpler! Just click onto the Go Live! icon on your Go Mobile phone and click on Games. Each game costs only Lm2 (€4.66) and guarantees hours of fun.

For more information call 146 (free) from your Go Mobile, 7922-2146 from other networks or visit www.go.com.mt.

Excellent results for St Martin's Institute of IT graduates

It was almost a clean sweep at this year's University of London's graduation ceremony held on March 16, when 12 out of 13 first class honours attained worldwide by computing and information systems graduates were obtained by students of St Martin's Institute.  

Five other graduates, hailing from St Martin's Institute of IT were conferred their Bachelor of Science degree by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Sir Graeme Davies.

Among the graduates were Brian Borg and George Azzopardi who, apart from achieving a first class honours, were also awarded University of London prizes for academic achievement. Robert Abela, Cheryl Aquilina, Denis Bonavia, Josef Cachia, Elton Farrugia, Robert Mifsud, Trevor Spiteri and Carmel Vella attained a first class honours degree. All the other students attained an Honours degree in Computing and Information Systems after reading for the three-year programme at St Martin's Institute of IT, a teaching institution for the University of London External Programme.

These results have proven the quality teaching offered by the institute, attaining almost 70 per cent first class honours this year following a two-consecutive-year track record of 50 per cent first class honours.

Graduates are now reaping the benefits of their studies with a number of them reading for postgraduate degrees at the University of Edinburgh, Royal Holloway, the University of Malta and the University of Liverpool. Others have improved their jobs, some of whom are also working in other countries.

St Martin's Institute of IT offers a portfolio of diploma and degree courses in Commerce and IT.  These include a diploma and degree in computing and information systems and degrees in creative computing and information systems and management. These IT-related courses are approved as part of the government's myPotential scheme, whereby students who successfully obtain their qualification obtain a full refund of all expenses.

St Martin's currently has some 350 students reading for degrees in business, computing, economics and management, either as full-time or part-time students, hailing from EU and non-EU countries.

Naracamicie hosts reception for new collection

Veronica Grech Sant writes:

Naracamicie hosted a fashion event to feature its spring/summer collections at the Grand Masters' Suite at the Hilton Portomaso on March 25.

All those invited could see for themselves how each style stands out on its own, with shirts ranging from total sophistication to capturing the latest trends for every occasion.

The collection offers a variety of designs and fabrics with each style picking up what another leaves off. Each design is skilfully cut and made from the finest Italian fabrics, with a variety of colours and styles to suit all ages.

The men's collection is just as vibrant and diverse. Models wearing Naracamicie's shirts complemented their outfits with well-suited sun glasses by Punto Ottica. After the entertaining show, guests were treated to a reception at the Hilton.

Visit Naracamicie at Bisazza Street, Sliema (tel. 2133-2587; www.naracamicie.it).

Global pharmaceutical company meets President

President Eddie Fenech Adami received a visit by a delegation from Novartis Pharma (Malta) headed by Ivan P. Micallef, CPO head.

During the visit, the global developments in the pharmaceutical industry and its effects on the local market were discussed. The President also reiterated Novartis' support for the positive contribution put forward to the Malta Community Chest Fund through a financial donation to the fund.

The Novartis Pharmaceuticals Division is a world leader in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of prescription medicine. In 2006, the groups' businesses achieved sales of $37 billion and net income of $7.2 billion. Approx-imately $5.4 billion was invested in research and development. Novartis' current product portfolio includes more than 40 key marketed products, many of which are leaders in their respective therapeutic areas.

First Maltese graduate from German print media academy

Charlo Galea has just returned from Germany after becoming the first Maltese to successfully graduate from specialised printing courses at the Heidelberg Druckmachinen AG Print Media Academy in Heidelberg, Germany.

He entered a full-time three-month printing training programme at the academy last September, getting solid theory and hands-on practical experience as a print professional. The lectures were tailored to supplement the knowledge and skills taught by intensive training programmes and specialised Heidelberg courses.

The tutors were five experienced teachers in their field, including master printers representing different disciplines and subjects. Prominent experts also made guest appearances during students' presentations.

During the programme Mr Galea was integrated in the production routines in a print shop. This included print preparations, printing and quality control finishing. He also undertook field trips to printing companies and binderies to gain first-hand information on how the print media industry works in Germany.

He later went to the academy's higher institute to sit for the Master's degree qualification in an advanced printing course.

Prior to his studies in Germany Mr Galea graduated from MCAST's Institute for Art and Design printing course, obtaining the trade test certification in the Journeyman's Certificate.

He was employed as an offset Litho printer at Interprint Ltd., Marsa. He then moved on to Impressions Ltd, Marsa, where he was given the task to operate the first Heidelberg QMDI 46-4 dry digital printing machine, and acted as a trainer for other workers.

The future beckons for more students to aspire for further education in printing - a profession passing through times of technological progress and which demands a skilled workforce.

EIE graduates celebrate in Leicester

During the last graduation at the University of Leicester, the European Institute of Education (EIE) succeeded to present another group of 25 graduates in various Master's degrees. On the eve of their graduation, EIE as usual entertained the graduates and celebrated their success.

Antonello Cappitta, director of Courses at EIE, said: "The EIE is delighted that it has been instrumental in enabling these new graduates to achieve their dreams and further their education in various areas and specialisations.

"It is also a pleasure for us since the EIE is being instrumental in the educator sector and is attracting Maltese to continue developing their studies and skills."

The EIE is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment as a tertiary level institution of the European University and University of Leicester.

People

Stephanie Mizzi has been studying in Japan for almost seven years, and will be returning to Malta this month.

She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart School and St Aloysius' College Sixth Form. She then read for a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Communications at the University of Malta. During this time, she spent time at the Minot State University in North Dakota, US, as an exchange student.

In 2000, she was granted a scholarship by the Japanese government to attend Kyushu University in Fukuoka, one of the leading universities in the country, where she spent 18 months as a research student and then read for a Masters in Clinical Psychology and Community Studies in April 2002. After graduating in March 2004, she successfully read for a Ph.D.

Apart from taking regular lectures, counselling, training, and research in her field of study, she is specialised in Dousa Hou, an innovative Japanese psychological rehabilitation therapy, still unknown in Europe, but renowned throughout Japan.

Dousa Hou can be used for the improvement of motor difficulties of people with cerebral palsy and has also been successfully applied autistic and hyperactive children. It has improved their posture, movement, affective and social life. Later on, Dousa Hou was also applied to schizophrenic patients, people with Down Syndrome, depression and mental retardation, and yielded very positive results in these areas too.

Ms Mizzi shall be returning to Malta at the end of the month. She can be reached by e-mail stemiz@gmail.com.

Women's lobbyist receives awards

Renée Laiviera was recently awarded by the US Department of State for her outstanding contribution in the field of gender equality.

The award, which is given to an outstanding woman in each country where the US has an embassy, was presented by Ambassador Molly Bordanaro on the occasion of International Women's Day. Ambassador Bordanaro said: "Your work, both within the government and as a member of civil society, has resulted in significant progress towards gender equality." This award was established this year by the US Secretary of State for International Woman of Courage for furthering the cause of equality with determination.

Ms Laiviera held the post of director of the Department of Women in Society for six years and was chairperson of the Comm-ission for the Advancement of Women. She is a representative of the Women's Study Group within the Malta Confed-eration of Women's Organisation and represents the MCWO on issues of domestic violence discussed within the European Women's Lobby.

Ms Laiviera has participated actively in many conferences at both national and international level.

Maltese scientist recruited by the UN

The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations (FAO) recently announced the appointment of Dr Matthew Camilleri as fisheries bio-statistician within the Secretariat of its Regional Fisheries Management Body, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).

Dr Camilleri, a Ph.D. graduate in Fisheries Science from the University of Plymouth (UK) and a chartered member of the Institute of Biology (UK), has moved to Rome to take up this appointment, after having served the Maltese government over the past nine years, initially as a consultant on fisheries management and subsequently, until his resignation to take up his present post, as head of the Malta Centre for Fisheries Sciences.

Dr Camilleri's connections with FAO go back a number of years. While acting for the Maltese Government, he was the National focal point for FAO sub-regional scientific projects. He also had extensive involvement in the activities of the GFCM and its sub-committees, most notably as chairman and co-ordinator for a number of years of its Statistics and Information Sub-Committee.

The vast experience which Dr Camilleri has acquired over the years in international scientific co-operation, fisheries management, fisheries statistics and the development and management of databases and information systems, as well as his intimate involvement in fishery data collection programmes, will certainly have had significant influence in his selection, from among a number of scientists from all over the world, for the prestigious post he now holds within the GFCM Secretariat.

Dr Camilleri, who has taken up residence in Rome, will be joined shortly by his wife Audrey née Pillow and his two sons, Jeremy and Timothy.

Dorothean Ex-Alumnae Association to celebrate 35th anniversary

This year, the Dorothean Ex-Alumnae are celebrating the 35th anniversary of the official setting up of the Malta Dorothean Ex-Alumnae Association in 1972.

The Sisters of St Dorothy came to Malta in 1911 and some time after began their mission to evangelise through education by opening their first school in Mdina. At first the number of students was quite limited compared to the number of students that eventually attended the schools at Mdina, Rabat (Tal-Virtù), Sliema and Zebbug. It was only after World War II, in 1948, that the need was felt by some ex-alumnae to start meeting to rekindle and keep the Dorothean spirit alive among past pupils and to revive the memories of the good old school days.

This initiative was welcomed wholeheartedly by the Sisters of St Dorothy and the first gatherings were held annually at St Dorothy's Convent, Mdina.

However, things started to take shape when in 1972, Sr Marie de Piro, then Mother General, visited Malta. All the ex-alumnae were invited to meet her. Encouraged by the number of ex-alumnae who responded to the invitation, the nuns suggested the setting up of an Old Girls Association. A small group of ex-alumnae volunteered to start the proposed venture and started to hold regular meetings at St Dorothy's School, Sliema.

To regulate matters, with the assistance of the Sisters of St Dorothy, an official statute was drafted and approved hence laying the foundation stone of the Dorothean Ex-Alumnae Association, as it is known today. From then on the association flourished and today there are records of over 3,000 ex-alumnae.

As part of the celebrations to commemorate this important milestone in the association's history, a number of activities are being organised. These include seminars, outings, thanksgiving Mass and a visit to Rome in November to attend the 40th anniversary celebrations of the World Organisation of Former Pupils of Catholic Education (OMAAEEC). Those who would like to take part in these celebrations may contact the secretary on 2137-1024 or through e-mail on peg@vol.net.mt

The annual Great Spring Show

The Malta Horticultural Society is organising the annual Great Spring Show at the Russian chapel at San Anton Gardens in Attard on May 5-6.

The show is a golden opportunity for those who like horticulture to view or exhibit flower arrangements, cut flowers, pot plants, fruits, vegetables and homemade preservers. There will also be a competition for flower arrangements created there and then.

The show will also host various schools of flower arrangements, the Bonsai Cultural Group, live entertainment by the Malta Police Corps the Xghajra Scouts Band, eight schools of dance and the Attard Brass Band. There will also be displays on local honey, olive oil and handcrafts.

The show is open on May 5 from 2 to 10 p.m., and on May 6 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

At the end of the show, President Eddie Fenech Adami and environment Minister George Pullicino will present trophies to competition winners and other exhibitors.

For more information, contact Gabriel Ebejer on 2169-2144 or e-mail the-willows@onvol.net.

Archbishop visits Little Sisters' home

Archbishop Paul Cremona last week celebrated a special Mass at the Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Hamrun and consecrated the chapel and new altar.

It was a very emotional event for the Sisters, architects and all those who have worked so hard to build the new home.

Sandro Soler, the architect who has worked on the home for the past few years and who oversaw the construction, welcomed the Archbishop and the clergy who concelebrated. He then explained how many people were involved in building the chapel and how special care was given so that the elderly could have easy access to the chapel at all times.

Architect Joe Saliba and Lilian Miceli Farrugia, one of the founder members of the fund-raising committee Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor, were also present. The oldest resident of the home presented the Archbishop with various tokens to mark the event.

The next fund-raising event is being held at the Home on Thursday. Contact Christine Debono on 7944-4135 or the Little Sisters of the Poor on 2123-7639 for more information.

For your diary

The Malta Kennel Club is organising the CAC Championship Show at the Cottonera Sports Complex today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A hairdressing marathon in aid of the Island Sanctuary is being held at Sarah's Unisex Salon, Shop 4, Valley View Apartments, Birkirkara Road, St Julian's, today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 2131-5485 for an appointment. If you are unable to attend but would still like to help, send a blank SMS on 5061-7366 for a Lm1 donation or forward a donation to the Island Sanctuary, P.O. Box 14, Paola.

The Singles Social Circle is organising a party at Velvet Lounge, Bugibba, tonight at 9 p.m. For more information phone 2142-1337 or 9947-7181.

YWCA (Malta) is holding a tea/card party at the Metropole Hotel in Dingli Street, Sliema, on Wednesday at 4.30 p.m. For reservations call Vicky on 2131-5618 or 9943-7721.

Dr Austin Douglas will deliver a talk in English on "Churchill and Malta" at the Casino Maltese, Republic Street, Valletta, on Thursday at 6 p.m. Entrance is free. Guests are requested to keep in mind the dress code of the Casino. Dr Douglas will be available for book signing of his book Churchill in Malta after the lecture.

Kare4Kenya is organising a dinner in aid of its projects in Kenya, which are are intended to provide education and support to some children and families of Kawangware. The dinner will be held at Ta' Soldi Restaurant in Mgarr on Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets cost Lm7. To join Kare4Kenya, e-mail info@kare4kenya.org or call Solange on 9928-2569.

The Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor are organising a dinner and tombola at St Paul's Home, Hamrun on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets cost Lm6 each. For bookings phone Christine Debono on 7944-4135 or e-mail cmdebono@hotmail.com, or Madeleine deDomenico on 2133-5334 or 7926-0965. Cheques are to be sent to the Friends of the Little Sisters of the Poor, 50, Windsor Terrace, Sliema, SLM 1850.

YANA (You Are Not Alone) is organising a country night at Buskett Roadhouse on Friday at 8 p.m. For more information phone Rita on 7944-5675, Austin on 9944-6627 or Stella on 7926-7701.

Ward u Zghar is organising a picnic at Kennedy Grove on Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information phone Antoine on 9953-9234, Peter on 7904-8745, Maris on 9947-9246 or Joan on 7905-3558.

Caritas Co-operators are holding a day at the New Dolmen Hotel, Qawra on April 25 at 10.30 a.m. For more information and bookings contact Marie-Louise Mifsud on 2133-0471, Phyllis Ciappara on 2134-2910, Josephine Farrugia on 2132-0016 or Olga Muscat 2133-0132.

The Society for Investigating the Credibility of Extraordinary Claims (SICEC) is organising a talk on "The God who wasn't there", led by Emanuel Psaila, at the Youth Travel Circle, 227, Merchants Street, Valletta, on April 26 at 6.45 p.m.

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce is holding its sixth annual fund-raising dinner at Villa Arrigo, San Pawl tat-Targa, on May 11 at 8 p.m. This annual event is held in aid of the Special Projects Programme, a project aimed to promote competition among the students of the society following courses in arts, crafts, music and traditional trades taught throughout the year at Palazzo De La Salle.

Tickets and more information on the event may be obtained from the society at Palazzo De La Salle, 219 Republic Street, Valletta, tel: 2124-4339 or 2124-4400; e-mail: info@artsmalta.org or by visiting the society's Website www.artsmalta.org.

The Malta branch of the International Al Jolson Society is holding a buffet lunch to mark the anniversary of the birth of the legendary singer, at a Sliema hotel on May 20 at 12.15 p.m. For more information phone 2189-6936 or 9988-0489.

The President and Mrs Fenech Adami's engagements - April 16-22

Tomorrow
5.30 p.m. The President receives Ambassador Richard Muscat at the Palace, Valletta.

6.30 The President presides over a meeting of the Commission for the Administration of Justice.

Tuesday
11 a.m. The President receives a delegation from the Australian Senate led by Speaker Paul Calvert at the Palace, Valletta.

Noon The President is presented with a copy of the UN Convention and Protocol on the Rights of the Disabled People by the members of the National Commission Persons With Disability at the Social Welfare Centre St Venera.

Wednesday
6.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a thanksgiving Mass at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta to commemorate the second anniversary of the election of Pope Benedict XVI.

Thursday
7.30 p.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a reception hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Felix del Blanco Prieto, at Villa Corinthia, Balzan, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI.

Friday
10 a.m. Mrs Fenech Adami presides over the Malta Community Chest Fund working committee at the Palace, Valletta.

11 The President is presented with a copy of the book Churchill in Malta, by Dr Austin Douglas.

Saturday
12.05 p.m. The President attends the ecumenical service and wreath-laying ceremony organised by the George Cross Island Association at the Siege Bell Memorial, Valletta.

Sunday
9.15 a.m. The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend a pontifical high Mass on the occasion of the feast of St Publius at Floriana parish church.

11.30 The President and Mrs Fenech Adami attend the annual reception hosted by Vilhena Band Club on the occasion of the feast.