My Journey within GUG
As I conclude my term as President of the Gozo University Group, I am also closing a chapter that has defined the past four years of my life. These years have shaped my university experience, and they are memories I will always cherish.
My journey began as Educational Officer, where I first connected with GUG’s core mission: supporting Gozitan students. Whether helping peers navigate university life or organizing “Gozo Week,” this role gave me my first real sense of responsibility and laid the foundation for everything that followed.
I then served as Social Policy Officer, a role that remains closest to my heart. It allowed me to look beyond our organization and engage with a wider network of student organisations. Participating in policy discussions taught me that University is an ecosystem where student voices truly matter. This experience strengthened my belief in the power of advocacy.
Even while pursuing my studies in Ireland, my dedication to GUG never wavered. As International Officer, I stayed involved from a distance, bringing a fresh perspective back to the organization. Finally, being given the opportunity to serve as President has been the greatest honor of my life. Leading this team and representing Gozitan students is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. GUG is more than an organization to me; it is a cause I am deeply passionate about.
Beginning of the Term
Our term officially began with last year’s AGM, held for the first time at the Victoria Scout Group (a place which I personally consider it a second home). I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Scouts for their unwavering support throughout my four years with GUG.
Following the AGM, we focused on ensuring organizational continuity. A key early success was our collaboration with the University of Malta to open the Gozo Campus as a temporary study space. This was a practical solution to a real need, providing Gozitan students with a dedicated environment to focus on their academic work.
Simultaneously, we met with the Barts executive to build stronger relationships. We believe that GUG should be a voice for all Gozitan students, and fostering these connections is essential to that mission. These first few weeks set a clear tone for the year: one of collaboration, representation, and concrete action.
GUG Sports Weekend
The first major activity of our new executive was the GUG Sports Weekend. This was an energetic start to the term, designed to promote wellbeing and community spirit after a demanding exam period.
The weekend was a diverse success, featuring:
• A Football Tournament: This brought out a great spirit of friendly competition.
• Sunset Pilates: A mindful experience that allowed students to recharge in a unique setting.
• A 5K Run: Organized with Gozo Run Social in aid of ALS Malta, adding a meaningful charitable element to our weekend.
Each activity was followed by informal gatherings, allowing students to connect and build friendships. The weekend was a clear success, not only in terms of numbers but in the healthy, inclusive atmosphere it created. It reinforced the sense of community that GUG strives to build every single day.
GUG Planning Weekender
Following the Sports Weekend, we organized the GUG Planning Weekender. This was an essential milestone for the new executive as we began shaping our vision for the 2025/2026 term.
The planning weekender gave us the time and space to come together with a clear purpose: to plan our year in detail while building a strong foundation as a team. Every member of the executive had the opportunity to contribute ideas and take ownership of the initiatives that would eventually define our term. During the weekend, we:
• Collaboratively established the GUG annual calendar.
• Brainstormed new ideas to ensure our plans reflected the real needs of Gozitan students.
• Strengthened our internal communication and trust, getting to know each other as individuals, not just colleagues.
We were also honored to welcome a Mr Kris Bajada a member of the University Council. His presence helped us bridge the gap between student advocacy and institutional decision-making, ensuring that the Gozitan voice remains central to University policy.
BBQ Boozy Bingo: A Summer Highlight
To wrap up our summer calendar, we hosted the GUG BBQ Boozy Bingo. This event was the perfect mix of a relaxed atmosphere and high student engagement.
Designed as a final social gathering before the start of the academic year, it allowed students to unwind and reconnect in an informal setting. The evening featured a casual BBQ and a lively game of boozy/music bingo, but what truly stood out was the sense of community. Whether they were new faces or returning members, everyone left feeling like a part of the GUG family. It was a successful conclusion to the summer and set a very positive tone for the busy weeks ahead.
Freshers’ Week & Record Growth
Freshers’ Week was undoubtedly one of the most significant highlights of our year, marked by incredible growth and visibility for GUG.
This year, I am proud to report that we achieved a record-breaking milestone of over 200 members. This success reflects the hard work of the executive and the continued relevance of GUG in the student community. We also took a major step forward by expanding our outreach beyond the University of Malta to include:
• MCAST
• The Gozo Sixth Form
By being present at these institutions, we have reinforced GUG’s role as a unifying force for Gozitan students at every stage of their education. From our branded tote bags to the simple, direct interactions at our stand, our goal was to ensure every student felt supported and included from day one. Freshers’ Week wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about building a stronger, more inclusive community.
Media Presence & Advocacy
Throughout the year, GUG maintained a strong media presence, reinforcing our role not just as event organizers, but as the primary voice for Gozitan students.
It was an honor to be invited to the inaugural episode of ‘Naqsmu l-Fliegu’, hosted by a GUG alumni, and to feature on national platforms like ONE TV, NET TV, RTK, Net FM, the MZPN Podcast, and Talk News. These appearances were not just for visibility; they ensured that our community’s concerns were heard at a national level.
Our advocacy led to tangible results:
• Student Safety: We campaigned for the Lascaris (Fast Ferry) zebra crossing. Thanks to our pressure, a temporary crossing was installed and remains in use. We continue to push for a permanent pedestrian passage beyond the customs area to ensure long-term safety.
• Financial Support: Following productive meetings with the Minister for Gozo, the Gozo Parliamentary Whip, and the Minister for Finance, we secured an increase in the Gozitan Student subsidy to €280. This directly alleviates financial pressure for hundreds of students.
• The Ministry for Transport: I would like to specifically thank the Ministry for Transport for their consistent openness to our feedback. Over the years, we have maintained a productive relationship where they have been ready to hear our concerns regarding the bus service. We have consistently provided suggestions on how to improve the commute for Gozitan students, and we appreciate the Ministry’s willingness to listen and explore practical solutions to make our daily travels more efficient.
Movie Nights & Wicked Wednesdays
Creating informal social spaces is just as important as our formal work. Our Movie Nights at Campus Hub including our Halloween and Christmas editions offered students a vital break from academic stress and a chance to connect in a festive, relaxed environment.
Furthermore, Wicked Wednesdays remained a cornerstone of our social calendar. These monthly gatherings are more than just a tradition; they are a midweek lifeline for Gozitan students living in Malta.
Whether it was grabbing a coffee or just catching up on island news, these nights provided a consistent “home away from home” that helped combat the isolation many feel during a busy semester. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, proving that student life is about building a community where we can simply enjoy each other’s company.
Meetings & Stakeholder Engagement
To ensure Gozitan students are represented at the highest levels, we maintained an intensive schedule of meetings with key national and international stakeholders. This year, we had the privilege of presenting our proposals to:
• The Prime Minister, Robert Abela, and the Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Alex Borg.
• The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri.
• The President of the European Parliament, Dr. Roberta Metsola, and several MEPs.
• EU Commissioner, Glenn Micallef.
• His Lordship, the Bishop of Gozo.
These meetings ensured that Gozitan students were part of the national and European conversation. Additionally, we proudly represented the student body at civic events like Jum Għawdex, where we laid a commemorative wreath to honor our island’s identity.
Through these engagements, GUG has solidified its position as a respected and influential advocate in every forum that matters.
GUG Annual Christmas Ball
The GUG Annual Christmas Ball was a milestone event, representing months of meticulous preparation and seamless teamwork. This year’s edition set a new standard for our organization, featuring:
• High-quality performances and top-tier entertainment.
• The introduction of our first-ever open bar, a significant step forward for the event’s scale.
• Surprise acts that kept the energy high and the atmosphere vibrant from start to finish.
The success of the Ball is a testament to the immense dedication of every executive member. However, I must also respectfully address the incident that occurred afterward. While this deeply affected those present, I am relieved to share that all individuals involved have recovered and returned to their normal routines. Out of respect for those involved, and as the matter is currently subject to legal proceedings, no further comment will be made. What truly matters is the professional way the situation was handled and the unwavering support GUG continues to show to those affected.
Despite the challenges, the Christmas Ball remains a defining highlight of the year and a testament to what we can achieve as a united team.
Collaborations & Student Organisations
GUG has always recognized that we are stronger when we work together. Throughout the year, we have strengthened our ties with other student organizations, including GĦMU, VUĊI Kollettiva, Jef Malta and SDM, as well as various other student-led groups.
These partnerships ranged from joint policy discussions to mutual support on student-related issues. By remaining open to collaboration, GUG has helped ensure that the student voice is a collective force. While every organization has its own identity, we share the same ultimate goal: improving the student experience and ensuring that our peers are heard at every level.
However, our outreach this year went beyond university walls and back to the institutions that form the foundation of our community. As a proud alumni of both schools, it was a personal honor for me to collaborate with:
• The Gozo Sixth Form: I want to thank the administration for hearing my concerns and engaging in discussions to re-establish the Student Council. Providing a platform for student leadership at this level is vital for Gozo’s future.
• The Gozo Minor Seminary: I am grateful to the school for accepting my invitation to discuss how we can better prepare students for the transition to university life.
These collaborations reinforce an important principle: that student representation doesn’t start at the University gates, it is a lifelong journey. By working with these schools, we are helping ensure that the next generation of Gozitans is prepared, heard, and empowered before they even begin their first semester.
Storm Response & Academic Support
This year also tested our ability to respond to a crisis, most notably during Storm Harry. The storm disrupted academic life and created significant hurdles for many of our members.
GUG took a proactive lead, immediately engaging with University Registrar, MCAST Registrar and the Minister for Education. Our priority was to safeguard students’ academic progress and push for flexible arrangements. As a result of these discussions and our persistent follow-ups, we successfully secured online lecture arrangements for MCAST, ensuring that learning continued safely despite the weather.
This situation proved the necessity of having a student organization that can act quickly in unforeseen circumstances. It reinforced GUG’s vital role as a bridge between students and decision-makers, ensuring that student welfare remains the priority, no matter the challenge.
Social Events & Initiatives
Beyond our formal advocacy, GUG remained committed to strengthening our community through diverse social experiences. We aimed to provide students with a well-rounded university life that balances academics with genuine connection.
Key highlights included:
• Tequila Tombola: Held at the end of Semester 1, this event was a major success, offering students a high-energy environment to unwind after a demanding exam period.
• GUG Saturdays: We introduced this new concept featuring two nights. These quickly became popular, establishing a consistent and safe social space that strengthened GUG’s identity as a community.
• Budapest Trip: This year, we gave our members the opportunity to travel together on a short international trip. It was a fantastic experience that provided both cultural exposure and invaluable team bonding.
I am encouraged to see our members participating so actively in these initiatives, and I strongly urge future executives to keep expanding these international and social opportunities.
Institutional Developments & Representation
This year marked several historic milestones for GUG, significantly strengthening our influence within national and regional structures.
At the University level, we witnessed a transition in leadership. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Frank Bezzina on his election as the 82nd Rector of the University of Malta, and we offer our sincere thanks to Professor Alfred J. Vella for his years of dedicated service. Following the transition, GUG met with the new Rector to present our vision for Gozitan students and discuss the future of the Gozo Campus in Xewkija, ensuring our voice remains central to the University’s administration.
On a national level, we achieved several breakthroughs:
• GUG’s KNŻ’s Full Membership: For the first time, GUG became an official member of the Malta National Youth Council (KNŻ). This milestone elevates our credibility and ensures Gozitan students are represented at the highest level of youth policy.
• Regional Collaboration: We continued our active role within the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA), signing a Memorandum of Understanding to solidify our future cooperation.
• Gozo Regional Council: Discussing the student perspective and how we are present within the Gozitan Community and how to look at Gozo’s future.
• Gozo Task Forces: We contributed directly to discussions regarding Gozo’s future development, specifically focusing on education, youth, and employment.
These developments prove that GUG is no longer just a student group; we are a recognized, credible, and impactful institution.
Gozo Week
Gozo Week remains one of our most significant annual initiatives, providing a platform to discuss the topics that will define our island’s future.
Our flagship event at the University Quad was the panel discussion: “The Future of Gozo: Employment and Opportunities.” We explored essential areas such as emerging growth sectors, EU funding, remote work, and youth entrepreneurship. We were privileged to host distinguished speakers from the GRDA, the Gozo Business Chamber, and Malta Enterprise. We thank them for providing our students with such valuable career insights.
In addition to this, we:
• Collaborated with GHMU for a fascinating discussion on Gozitan dialects, celebrating our unique linguistic identity.
• Hosted stands for startups and organizations, creating direct networking links for students.
• Continued the “Behind the Degree” initiative, where students shared peer-to-peer insights into their courses.
Gozo Week successfully combined academic depth with cultural pride, reinforcing GUG’s role as a bridge between the University and the Gozitan community.
Final Events & The Gozo Study Hub
The final phase of our calendar was marked by both friendly competition and the launch of one of our most meaningful projects to date.
We closed the year’s social activities with the GUG vs. Barts Tournament. It was a fantastic display of sporting spirit and mutual respect. Although Barts took the win on penalties, the true victory was the collaboration between our two organizations. I hope to see this tradition continue for years to come.
On a more personal note, a project that has been incredibly close to my heart this year is the development of the Gozo Study Hub. This represents the first step in a much larger vision. Currently, the hub provides:
• A Silent Study Area for focused academic work.
• A Group Work Space for collaboration.
While this already serves a vital need, our long-term goal is much bolder: a fully dedicated premises that functions as a hub for students, innovation, and startups. I am deeply passionate about this project and, even as I step down, I intend to continue supporting its development. Gozo’s youth deserve a space of their own, and I am committed to seeing this vision through.
Our Partners and Sponsors
An organization like GUG cannot survive on passion alone; it requires resources and the backing of a community that believes in our mission. This year’s success was made possible through the generous support of our many sponsors.
I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to:
• Our Main Partners: Who stood by us throughout the entire term and provided the foundation for our largest events.
• Event Sponsors: Those who contributed specifically to our Sports Weekend, the Christmas Ball, and Gozo Week.
• Local Businesses: The various Gozitan businesses who supported our initiatives.
Your investment in GUG is an investment in the future of Gozo. Because of your support, we were able to reach record membership numbers and provide high-quality experiences for hundreds of students. We hope this year has been as rewarding for you as it has been for us, and we look forward to continuing these partnerships in the years to come.
Concluding Remarks
As I conclude this report and my four-year journey within the Gozo University Group, I do so with a profound sense of gratitude and pride.
GUG has been a fundamental part of my life. It has shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I understand the importance of a collective voice. My growth from Educational Officer to President has been a journey of continuous learning, and each experience has left a lasting impact on who I am today.
I would like to sincerely thank:
• Every executive member, past and present, whom I have had the honor to work with.
• Our GUG members, whose energy and ideas are the heartbeat of this organization.
• My family and friends, whose unwavering support made this journey possible.
GUG is more than an organization; it is a community and a responsibility. I am proud of what we have achieved together this year, and I am even prouder of how far we have come as a group.
As I move on, I know that GUG is in strong hands. I will always be available to support this mission, and I will forever stand by the students of Gozo.
I wish the incoming executive every success. May GUG continue to grow, evolve, and remain a fearless voice for students in Gozo and beyond.
Thank you always, and God bless.
Matthew Grech
Gozo University Group President
03/05/2026
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