In this issue ...

Editor’s Note Pg. 2

Acting President’s Note Pg. 3

Healthy Steps Informative Talks: Helping your Anxious Child Pg. 4

The 2014/5 GUG Executive Pg. 5 — 11

GUG Press Releases Pg. 13 — 17

GUG is on Instagram! Pg. 18

Nosh on Nature: Eat Good, Feel Good Pg. 20

GUG Sunday Coach Service Pg. 21

Island of Make Believe: Fashion Blog Pg. 22

First Call: Event Photos Pg. 23—24

Mill-Campus ta’ Ghawdex Pg. 26

Editor’s Note

The GUG newsletter has always been there as a

communicative platform enabling the executive to keep

students up to speed with all the organisation’s work.

However, there was something missing; there was no

space explicitly reserved for students.

It’s now been a year since the GUG newsletter subcom-

mittee was formed. The idea behind the initiative was

to put more energy into the publication, making it more

of a platform for the students as well as the organisa-

tion. While remaking the newsletter, increasing student

accessibility and involvement was a priority. In order to

meet these aims, the subcommittee incorporated a

fresh look and chose issuu.com as a publication medi-

um; you don’t even have to get off Facebook to browse

through the newsletter.

Apart from the online publications, the subcommittee

also saw the first printed publication last March in cele-

bration of Gozo Week on campus. Around 2,000 copies

were distributed on campus and if all goes well, this will

become a yearly publication (ps. Any interested spon-

sors do not hesitate to contact us).

So, what exactly are the requirements to get published?

Not many. If you are a Gozitan student, be it 6th form,

University, ITS or MCAST; and have something to say

while retaining the ability to communicate your idea in

decent enough language, take a shot and send us an

email. Although the newsletter is generally all in Eng-

lish, Maltese articles will also be accepted should you

prefer to submit material in Maltese.

Even though we are pretty much open to anything,

there are particular areas which we would like to ex-

pand upon. Travel, for instance; we all love travel and

most of us are on a budget, a rather tight one. If

you’ve recently been on a pleasurable and affordable

holiday we’d love to hear about your adventure. How

did you get there? Where did you stay? What did you

see or do when you were there? Now you don’t need

to tell us everything you did, just a brief sharing to in-

spire others looking for a fun holiday on a budget.

Heck, if you’re not so keen on words photographs and a

two-liner description would do just fine. Instead of

spending hours researching your next destination and

trying to figure out the public transportation system

(which kind of makes you appreciate the Maltese bus

service more), let others’ wanderings inspire you.

We’re interested in what you’re interested in. Perhaps

you’ve got a blog or personal website which you would

like to write about to gain viewers? Or maybe you’re in

some band or organisation and would like more publici-

ty? Are you a photographer or enjoy writing and are

looking for more exposure? Even if you have some oth-

er talent, as peculiar as it might be, we’d love to hear

about it. Basically, you can write us about anything

given that it’s not purposeless blabber.

The GUG newsletter will be published once every two

months, and being an online publication means that

there are no limitations. We look forward to hearing

from you,

Dear readers,

Andrea Said

GUG was established almost 30 years ago, but is it still

relevant today? Yes, indeed. As an organisation we have

been the main voice of the Gozitan students for quite a

number of years, but in the recent years we have been

proactive in the sense that we have started representing

Gozitan students at MCAST, ITS & Sixth Form Gozo. Fur-

thermore GUG has brought some changes, changes

which made life much easier. Two cases in point are the

possibility to sit for your examinations in Gozo and that

as from this year the Gozitan Students Maintenance will

be deposited directly to one’s bank account. Apart from

these, GUG has brought some innovative changes and

we will keep on doing so.

Now that you have settled in this year, we hope that you

are enjoying the 'roller coaster ride’ after the summer.

One piece of advice for you is that those before us have

already did this, so can we.

The reason why the GUG stood the test of time, is that it

has made it a priority to Listen to the Student, to Under-

stand the Student and furthermore to Act on those con-

cerns or challenges. In fact we have listened to your con-

cerns and we do try to help you out, not to mention the

new Minibus group and the Coach Service offered every

Sunday which are an example of this. We do have to

continue working not just for us, but also for the genera-

tions to come. This quote explains this "Someone is

sitting in the shade today because someone planted a

tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett

Acting President’s Note

Jonathan Mintoff

The GUG Executive

Jonathan Mintoff A c t i n g P r e s i d e n t

Jonathan is currently reading a Bachelors of Law (Hons.) degree at the University of Malta, and he has successfully completed his Second Year of studies this June. He has joined GUG, as a Social Policy Officer back in 2013 and in August of the present year, he was elected to the post of Vice President. In the preceding year Jonathan participated in the prestigious competition, known as the Mini European Assembly which is organised by NSTF Malta, and has managed to work very well with his team mates, representing the United Kingdom. So much so, that he placed first along with his team. Following his great achieve-ment, he was invited to take part again this year as a Team Advisor. Moreover KSU, in collaboration with Agenzija Zghazagh, organised the Debate Society at University. His team made it to the final round and they placed 2nd.

In a nutshell, Jonathan is extremely hard working and determined, highly motivated and goal-oriented. Moreover, he possess-es the fundamental value of teamwork and proves to be fully capable of working work in a group with others.

Shaun Azzopardi I n f o r m a t i o n S e c r e t a r y

Deborah Caruana A d m i n i s t r a t i o n S e c r e t a r y

Deborah Caruana is a 21 year old who has just successfully graduated in her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of Malta, and is now currently in her first year of the Doctor in Laws (LLD). She joined GUG in 2013 as a Vice-Secretary, with the role of aiding and helping the Secretary General in her role and work for the organisation together with the other members. Later on, she fully took over the role of the Secretary General after the latter's resignation, from which she gained a good in-sight of what the organisation really faces and how hard it works to really make changes for each and every Gozitan student easier. Deborah has been re-elected as Administration Secretary for GUG's Executive year of 2014-2015, and believes that her past experience with this organisation and the challenges already faced and overcome so far as an executive member give her better potential to be able to work harder for the benefit of Gozitan students.

Shaun is 22 years old, from Nadur. Holding a bachelor's in Computer Science and Mathematics, he is currently doing research for an M.Sc. in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Shaun has been involved with GUG almost three years now. He was previously elected as the Education Officer of the group, where he also took over the Newsletter in his first year and cre-ated a sub-committee for this in his second year. He was also involved with the MCAST and ITS sub-committees in his role. In his current position he is also officially in charge of the day-to-day administration of the group, along with Jonathan and Debo-rah. Shaun is also involved with other organisations, among them the Nadur Youth Council and IAESTE Malta. He strives to keep GUG open to listen and act on any student's problems.

Phillip Mizzi F i n a n c i a l O f f i c e r

Philip Mizzi is a 20 year old university student from Xewkija, Gozo. He is about to start his first year in Masters in Accountancy

after graduating from a Bachelor's Degree in Commerce, majoring in Accountancy and Marketing. The new Financial Officer is

currently working with EY after having previously worked with G.F.A and other local companies. Apart from travelling, Philip

enjoys regular sport activities such as football.

Denis Muscat P u b l i c R e l a t i o n s O f f i c e r

Denis is 20-year-old university student from Nadur who is currently in his third year of his Bachelor of Communications course. After having a number of articles published in various local newspapers he thought that the next step for him would be to involve himself in a students organization. Denis is an outgoing person who highly believes in the potential Gozo has and is keen to fight for the rights of the Gozitan stu-dents. He enjoys meeting new people, exploring new cultures, travelling and the occasional football match. Denis is looking forward to do his best in the role as Public Relations Officer and believes that he has got what it takes to make a significant difference through GUG.

Lauriann Azzopardi S o c i a l M e d i a O f f i c e r

Lauriann, an eighteen year old from Ghajnsielem, is in her first year of Bachelor of Commerce course at the University of Malta.

Her interests mainly include reading and music. This is her first year as a Social Media Officer and she is looking forward to

working as a team, to achieve new goals.

William Vella N a t i o n a l O f f i c e r

William was born on 11th May 1994. He initiated his primary education at Sir Arturo Mercieca Promary School in Victoria, Gozo and his secondary education at Ninu Cremona Boys’ Secondary School in Victoria, Gozo. He furthered his studies at Sir Michelangelo Refalo, Centre for Further Studies, Victoria, Gozo. He is currently reading for a Bachelors of Laws (Hons.) degree at the University of Malta, and has successfully completed his second year of studies this June (2014). His personal interests include cooking, playing football and anything related to arts and music. William was previously in-volved in various groups such as the Victoria Scout Group and several football teams. William is looking forward to forming part of the GUG team and to advancing its cause. He is hard working, determined, goal-oriented and a good listener.

Loredana Grech S o c i a l P o l i c y O f f i c e r

Loredana Grech is a twenty year old, from Ghajnsielem. She is currently studying at the University of Malta as an undergrad-uate in Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Banking & Finance and Insurance. This is her first time she joined an NGO, and is embracing the role of a Social Policy Officer within the GUG. Apart from her studies, Loredana, loves to travel, dance, and reading, especially biographies or histories of legendary groups. Her favorites are Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Queen and The Beatles.

Sarah Scerri E d u c a t i o n O f f i c e r

Sarah Scerri is a 19 year old student from Gharb Gozo. She is currently reading a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree at University of Malta. This is her first year in her post as GUG's Education Officer. She loves to travel and getting familiar with other cultures. In her spare time Sarah likes reading and spending time with her family.

Loretta Grech I n t e r a t i o n a l O f f i c e r

Loretta is a 20 year old student from Ghajnsielem, Gozo. She is currently in her second year of her Bachelor in European Stud-ies course at the University of Malta. Loretta joined GUG as an International Officer in 2014 and is looking forward to work in order to make the life of the Gozitan student better and easier.

Matthew Vella R e s o u r c e s O f f I c e r

Since childhood Matthew has always shown a great interest in nature and now he is reading a Bachelors degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Malta. Through the lens, he creates and represents images of the beauty of the island of Nymph Calypso. Gozo always fascinated him in many ways. Vella believes that this island holds many hidden treasures but one must find means to find them and once found one must care for them. This is the aim why he joined GUG, because he believes that 'Together things can be done easier'.

Joseph Louis Grech E v e n t s O f f i c e r

Joseph Louis Grech is a second year B.Sc(Hons) Nursing Studies student with a passion for student rights and his Gozitan herit-age. He joined the GUG as part of the executive as the event organiser due to his past experience in promotions and organisa-tions. Joseph is charismatic and joyful yet with a passionate about bringing the Gozitan student forward. Feel free to approach him because he's always open to ideas and a warm smile. If you have any talents you wish to bring forward to us we're always looking for fresh talent.

PRESS

RELEASES 2nd September, 2014

GUG WECOMES THE INSTALLATION OF WI-FI ON THE GOZO CHANNEL

Wireless Internet is now available on all three Gozo Channel ferries and both terminals. This initiative indeed is an improved

service for the everyday Gozitan crosser who after a long day of work or lectures would be able to pass their 30- minute jour-

ney with the commodity of Wi-Fi, as well as to the people who travel to the island.

GUG would like to express their satisfaction at the fact that such service will start to be provided as GUG was one of the or-

ganisations that pushed for this service prior to the elections in March 2013. Moreover GUG wishes that other services such as

online booking will soon be introduced to continue offering a high quality service to the commuters.

______________________________________________________

4th September, 2014

GUG & MMSA MEET TO TRY AND RESOLVE EXAMINATION ISSUE

Yesterday evening, the GUG executive met with representatives MMSA (Malta Medical Students Organization) to discuss im-

portant issues faced by Gozitan Medical students represented by both organizations.

GUG stressed the point that Gozitan medical students should be able to have the possibility to sit for their exams in Gozo, a

possibility that is available to 95% of the Gozitan students. MMSA showed their full support in the matter, agreeing to collabo-

rate with GUG on the issue. The two organizations also agreed to collaborate on some health related events, taking place

both in Malta and in Gozo, while discussions about MMSA participating in ‘Gozo Week’ (as they did last year) also took place.

‘Gozo Week’ is an event organized by GUG on campus. Its main aim is to promote Gozitan culture and society while also show-

casing some of Gozo’s talent in art and music. The event is open for any student organizations that would like to involve them-

selves in any way.

9th September, 2014

PRESS RELEASE: BUS RATES MUST NOT RISE FOR STUDENTS

The Gozo University Group (GUG) is concerned for students regarding the possible rise of bus fares. It has been reported in

the local media that this may be the case when the new operator takes over "Malta Public Transport". It is thought that the

price may increase.

The thought is of great concern not only for the Gozitan students who use the bus to get to University and back but also for

the Maltese students who use it daily. GUG highly recommends that that bus fares for students should remain untouched

since the raising of bus fares would discourage the use of public transport

______________________________________________________

13th September, 2014

GUG PUT FORWARD BUDGET PROPOSALS TO MCESD

The Gozo University Group (GUG) has presented the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development a number of pro-

posals for the upcoming Budget. These proposals where developed by a Subcommittee formed by GUG in the last Annual Gen-

eral Meeting. Their aim was to come up with a list of reasonable proposals to put forward to the MCESD.

Four main points were ultimately drawn up:

1. Additional funds for ‘Work Trail Scheme for Youths’. This encourages unemployed youths to work in Gozo. Thus im-

proving the Gozitan economy.

2. Investment in Gozo University Campus. There is a lack of computers and medical equipment. To add to that, the latest

proposal of a pilot study on the possibility of having particular lectures video conferenced at the Gozo Campus requires

additional funding.

3. The development of a Gozo National Swimming Pool. GUG have previously mentioned that the project would benefit

Gozo. It would encourage sports and also add another landmark to the island.

4. Gozitan Student Maintenance Grant should rise with COLA. Gozitan students are finding it hard to keep up with the

ever-rising cost of living. This was confirmed in a survey constructed by GUG, which showed that 68% of the Gozitan

students can’t cope with the cost. While 95% agreed that the grant should be adjusting according to the COLA. It was

also proposed that Gozitans should start receiving their maintenance grant monthly rather then every three months

since rent is normally paid once a month.

______________________________________________________

15th September, 2014

GOZITAN DENTAL STUDENTS TO SIT FOR THEIR EXAMS IN GOZO

The Gozo University Group (GUG) has announced that an agreement with the Faculty of Dental Surgery has been reached.

GUG worked on the issue along with KSU, MADS (Malta Association of Dental Students) and with the faculty student repre-

sentatives.

This means that during the next examination session, Gozitan dental students will be given the possibility to sit for their ex-

ams in Gozo and will join the other 95% of Gozitan students who already have this option. GUG believes in the importance of

this possibility, stating that, “ It is vital for Gozitan Students to be able to study in the best environment available to them. This

possibility puts us on level grounds with the students living in Malta, since the Gozitans would be able to study in the comfort

of their home ”.

The faculty of Dental Surgery was one of the two remaining Faculties that did not offer this option to the Gozitan Students.

Now that Dental students will be given this option, the only faculty that stands out is the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

GUG along with KSU, MMSA (Malta Medical Students Association) and the faculty student representatives will continue work-

ing closely until the matter is resolved.

______________________________________________________

1st October, 2014

GUG WELCOMES FRESHERS AT STAND DURING FRESHER’S WEEK

Fresher’s week serves as a way to help students get accustomed to the new journey they are about to begin. This is the task

that the Gozo University Group started working on this morning.

Over 300 Gozitan students paid a visit to the GUG stand, where the Maintenance Grant application and the GUG magazine

were handed out. The maintenance grant will this year start to be given out directly to the students' bank account, instead of

by cheque as the previous years. This was thanks to GUG's proposal and lobbying in the last year academic year.

With the aid of the Ministry of Education and Employment an information booklet was also printed, for first year students.

This included in it an Msida map with shops and utilities useful for Gozitan students living there.

Some refreshments were also offered, while some stationery items and key chains were also given to the students.

Students should feel free to approach executive member from the organization with any questions they might have. After all

GUG’s aim is to help Gozitan student in any way possible. The GUG stand will be open from 8 a.m. every morning up until the

8th of October.

______________________________________________________

6th October, 2014

PRESIDENT, OPPISITION LEADER AND MEP DR. ALFRED SANT VISIT GUG STAND

After a successful social gathering organized by the Gozo University Group on Wednesday evening, the organization continued

with their work on their stand put up for Fresher’s week.

Students who did not have the chance to visit the stand on previous days took the opportunity to stop by while homemade

popcorn was offered to all the students. Gozitan students use the GUG’s stand to meet up with some familiar faces. It is a

great way for the new students to get accustomed to the unfamiliar surroundings.

GUG is happy with the feedback they are receiving from the students. GUG will be on campus until Wednesday 8th October

and want their fellow students to know that they are there to help, even after Fresher’s week is over.

On Friday 3rd October, GUG also had a stand at Sir M.A. Refalo Centre for Further Studies in Gozo. A Fresher’s Day was

organized for first years for the first time. The President of Malta, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca visited the school on this day,

including the GUG stand, encouraging the GUG 6th form sub-committee to continue working together to help students

attending this centre.

Later the same day the President visited the GUG stand at the University of Malta, along with MEP Dr. Alfred Sant and a

delegation of the Nationalist Party including Opposition Leader Hon. Dr. Simon Busuttil. GUG mentioned the work they are

doing for University students, including the current work to give Medical students the opportunity to do their exams in Gozo.

They showed their full support towards the organization and Gozitan students.

28th October, 2014

JUM GHAWDEX

Today is Jum Għawdex, the day where we all, especially

Gozitans, remember the uprising of Gozitans, oppressed by

the French, led by Dun Saver Cassar.

GUG celebrated this day by laying flowers on the monument

dedicated to Dun Saver Cassar, present in Independent

Square in Victoria. GUG believes that this day is valuable

both as a commemoration of important past events and in

that it also serves to honour people and organisations who

contribute to Gozo presently, through the Gieħ Għawdex

Award.

_____________________________________________________________

8th November, 2014

GUG MEETS WITH MINISTER FOR GOZO

GUG met with the Minister for Gozo, Hon. Dr. Anton Refalo on the 7th of November 2014. During this first meeting, the new

GUG executive board met with the Minister and members of his civil service to introduce themselves and to present their vi-

sion for the current academic year.

The Minister confirmed that the maintenance grant for

the Gozitan students studying in Malta is going to start

being transferred directly to their bank accounts. This

was a proposal brought up by GUG after a survey made

resulted into 95% of the students strongly agreeing with

the idea.

GUG mentioned several initiatives it is embarking it on,

among them Youth Gozo during the 28th and 29th of

November. GUG and the Minister augured each other

well in their work.

_____________________________________________________________

GUG is now on

follow us @

A lot of people are unaware of how good their body is de-

signed to feel. Whenever I hear someone say that they’re

skipping a meal or pass by on an amazingly mouth-watering

dish because ‘I’m on a diet’, I try to hide my cringe and over-

whelming compulsion to go on a rant. It is a popular miscon-

ception that to lose weight and be healthy, one must go on a

diet, which usually entails a few weeks of near starvation and

unhealthy habits, after which one returns to previous bad

habits. In most cases, this results in sudden weight loss fol-

lowed by sudden weight gain: and this happens because a

healthy diet is more about a lifestyle rather than fasting. In

order to maintain a slim figure and healthy life a change in

lifestyle is required; one which is more aware and disci-

plined. This does not mean shying away from meals; on the

contrary it’s a love for genuinely good, and hearty

meals composed of nature’s wonders.

A healthy, natural diet is what your body will respond to;

forget fasting, starvation, that won’t get you anything except

desperation. What you need is to make sure what you eat, is

what your body needs. You’ll find that what your body

needs, is not always what your eyes desire- but the trick is

discovering new, and adventurous ways to deal with the fruit

and veggie, and you’ll soon realize that choosing the healthy

choice also becomes what your body wants, and desires.

Now sure, I occasionally indulge in a muffin, cupcake or a

cookie here and there; and what’s wrong with

that? Nothing, as long as you bake it yourself, that way you’ll

avoid all the unnatural nasty additives, preservatives, and

taste enhancers which are found in all mass produced food

which disrupt your natural cycles. By knowing what you’re

eating, you can take control over your health, and you’ll no

longer wonder why all your efforts aren’t having visible re-

sults. It’s also a great idea to look into the ingredients of

what you’re baking – try something with fruit,

or vegetables brown sugar and a lot of spices; your body will

love those.

In the past years I have been experimenting with cooking

healthy, hearty and quick meals that will not take more than

30 minutes. Usually what tends to get in the way of healthy

eating is time constraints – that’s why I decided to start this

site and share my kitchen adventures with the world. All my

recipes include fruit and vegetables, usually a lot of it as well.

The blog includes a huge variety of recipes which have accu-

mulated over the past two years since it's start. Visit

www.noshonnature.com, a blog dedicated to a love of natu-

ral food which will keep your taste buds intrigued.

Andrea Said

www.noshonnature.com

Apple-Pie Oatmeal Banana Oat Muffins Mushroom Soup

I first discovered blogging around five years ago and was in-

stantly hooked. I was fascinated by how anyone could just

create a platform to express their opinion about an outfit or

make up – the power of the internet. As a person who loves

to read about anything and everything, I was spell-

bound. Mainly, I like to read and write about beautiful

things- and by beautiful I mean clothes, shoes, make-up and

all that. Blogging combined all my passions; I could write

about and photograph all the beautiful things that enchant

me. I was hooked and created a place I can escape to and

share my ideas; the Island of Make Believe.

On my blog you’d typically would find outfit posts, make up

reviews and haul posts. The outfit posts are pictures of what

I’m wearing and also specify where my everything I’m wear-

ing is from. The make-up reviews are pictures and swatches

of certain make up items, e.g. eyeliner and I give an overview

of the positives and negatives of the product and whether I’d

recommend it. Haul posts are usually clothing items and ac-

cessories that I’ve bought in a particular month.

Then there’s the occasional event I get invited to. I hav been

invited to events from store openings, to new product

launches and even to a beauty school to learn more about

that school. For the most part, when I get invited to events

I’ll be given a ‘goodie bag’ and the intention is to review

whatever is in that bag. If I review those products, I’ll be hon-

est about the review. I’m a believer in honest reviews, so if

something is bad or isn’t too my taste I’m not going to try to

hide it with pretty words.

So if you’re interested in outfit posts, fashion in general and

make up and want to read more, then you might just want to

check out my blog! You can find me on:

www.islandofmakebelieve.blogspot.com

Rebecca Mintoff

Mill-Campus ta Ghawdex, is a new weekly radio program that incorporates youths, their ideas and various segments. It is

produced by GUG and aims to be the voice of all Gozitan Youth and will be involving a number of young people in various

segments.

Presented by Eman Borg, the program will tackle different themes and aspects related to Gozo and the Gozitan life. The list

of segments includes the Gozitan Chapels, different localities and biographies of persons of interest. A number of known

personalities will also be invited to join the program as our guests and together we will discuss the Gozitan identity through

their area of expertise.

The radio program is currently half way through the first season and has already covered pressing issues such as the Gozitan

rationality and youth and sports. We are honored to have had the former Minister for Gozo Dr. Anton Tabone, Shadow

Minister Mr. Robert Cutajar and Professor Joe Friggeri as guests.

If anyone is interested in participating in the program or wishes recommend a topic of discussion, simply send us a message

on our Facebook page. Mill-Campus ta’Ghawdex is aired every Friday at 8.30pm with a repetition the following Saturday

from 12.30pm onwards on Campus FM 103.7 FM.

https://www.facebook.com/millcampus

Mill-Campus ta’ Ghawdex