Maltese volunteer nominated for European youth prize
Nicolette Busuttil, a 20-year-old law student who provides voluntary service among asylum seekers in the Safi and Hal Far detention centres, is Malta's nominee for this year's European Charlemagne Youth Prize.
Winners from each of the 27 Member States of the European Union have been selected after the European Parliament and the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen made an open call for young people to submit projects on EU development, integration and European identity issues.
Ms Busuttil has been serving voluntarily on a weekly basis at the detention centres since the end of 2006. Her work in the centres has consisted mainly of providing moral support through informal contact with asylum seekers and assistance with religious services on Sundays.
She has sought to be a sympathetic ear to the asylum seekers in detention, hoping to express some solidarity in a context that often signals otherwise.
"I see my contribution as a necessary extension of my personal beliefs in the dignity of every human being," Ms Busuttil, who works closely with the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta, said.
Received and checked by the Valletta Office of the European Parliament, Ms Busuttil's application was deemed the national winner by a national jury set up for this year's European Charlemagne Youth Prize, which was made up of Maltese MEPs Simon Busuttil (EPP-ED) and Louis Grech (PES), who are the respective heads of delegation of their political parties in the European Parliament. The jury was also composed of a representative of the National Youth Council (KNZ).
The top winners in the international contest will be chosen at the beginning of April from among the 27 national nominations by a European jury consisting of the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, and three other MEPs, as well as four representatives from the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen.
As the Maltese nominee, Ms Busuttil will be participating in the award-giving ceremony that will take place in Aachen, Germany, on May 19.
Popular Stories
Update 3: Woman found dead in car,...
Updated: Woman dies in car crash
Part of Dwejra 'Azure window' collapses
The end of the bar that ‘never closed’
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Bundy does not know whether to...
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
This WAS the night - Kurt makes it...
Petrol price up 6c
In Discussion
Updated - Jason Micallef demands...
Gozo tunnel could take 5-7 years to...
CABS remote controlled aircraft shot...
Joseph Calleja condemns portrayal of...
Updated: Labour would give...
CABS drone shot down
Second group of migrants arrives
Carm Mifsud Bonnici resigns after...
Adrian Vassallo in scathing...
16 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
Ralph Pisani
Mar 25th 2009, 13:51
To Mr. M.Buttigieg,
Here I am!
d. borg
Mar 25th 2009, 07:33
@ M. Buttigieg
Winning such prizes will not make the situation easier or will see the end of the problem. JRS may help these immigrants as much as they want but the fact remains that they are a burden on our small island and the Maltese are very worried and frustrated. Repatriation still remains the only option.
Tony Pace
Mar 25th 2009, 07:19
Well done Nicolette. Such deeds do 'refresh' our spirits and give meaning/s to our lives. Thanks for your 'example'.
F. Camilleri
Mar 25th 2009, 00:00
My stance against illegal immigration is widely known and I never hesitate to hide it. The arguments for this stance include the illegality and the logistic implications of this issue.
Against the background of this scenario however, I cannot help admiring young people like Ms Busuttil. Ms Busuttil, in spite of other commitments especially to study, finds the time to offer courageously her voluntary continuous service of moral support towards these people as the dignity of every human person demands; each human person being created in the image and likeness of God.
I am very proud that our country has young people like Ms Busuttil, who like so many others, are committed to voluntary service. Ms Busuttil’s part in this European contest is not for her personal ego, but to market practical and rational outreach towards those in need.
A rational and objective analysis of illegal immigration morally demands a more serious effort on European level towards a sustainable programme to help illegal immigrants in their own country making illegal immigration an unnecessary risk.
Good luck Nicolette. We are proud of you.
Robert Zammit
Mar 24th 2009, 23:15
Keep up the good work, Nicolette, and keep smiling!
lgalea
Mar 24th 2009, 22:10
Guze Xerri
I agree with you 100%
We should not make their temporary stay here more comfortable, otherwise they will stay longer and also bring over their families and friends.
They should be expelled forthwith they set foot in Malta.
samuelmeilak
Mar 24th 2009, 21:22
Well Done and Good Luck nic :)
Guze Xerri
Mar 24th 2009, 20:54
Prosit Ms. Busuttil,
Since you ask for the usual crowd Mr.Buttigieg, well we're here and this or any JRS activity is going to make the illegal invaders any more palatable.
Tiny Malta is in dire straits with the thousands upon thousands of uninvited guests , human kindness or no human kindness.
It is time to act tough for our culture and our children's children's sake.
Marlene Vella
Mar 24th 2009, 20:38
Well done! More stories like this please.
Andrew Camilleri
Mar 24th 2009, 20:31
Prosit Nic :D
David Schembri
Mar 24th 2009, 18:48
Congratulations and the best of luck Ms Busuttil
God rewards those that help others
U made us Maltese proud
Chris Borg
Mar 24th 2009, 18:41
Good luck Ms. Busuttil.
And why would you ask that M. Buttigieg??
Why would you turn a positive article into the usual labelling of concerned citizens??
J. Grima
Mar 24th 2009, 18:17
@ M. Buttigieg
Seeing a Maltese woman so humbly helping people in need makes me proud of being Maltese. Although I personally do not like the idea of illegal immigrants flowing into our country doesn't mean that I do not respect them as other human beings. I hope that clears your thought about 'us' being racists or whatever you want to call 'us'........
P.S. - 'Us' = 'the usual people who have tons of things to write with regards to asylum seekers'
Joseph Calleja
Mar 24th 2009, 17:13
Ms Busuttil you are to be highly commended for what you are doing. Good luck on winning the European Youth Prize. Win or lose, you are a very special person. The whole world needs more people like you.
M Buttigieg
Mar 24th 2009, 17:07
Congratulations! She definitely makes Malta proud!....But i ask where are the usual people who have tons of things to write with regards to asylum seekers??
Andrew Sciberras
Mar 24th 2009, 16:29
Prosit Nicole!!! You deserve it :)