GUG has proudly wrapped up a successful GOZO WEEK, marking the event’s much-anticipated return after a five-year hiatus. The event featured a diverse array of cultural, educational, and socio-political activities that livened up the university’s quad.
Event Highlights from the Week:
Build up to the Start of Gozo Week.
On April 4th, in collaboration with JustGozo, GUG hosted a giveaway where one fortunate participant won a €100 Ryanair voucher. Furthermore, together with Leħnek, GUG’s president Christine Sultana took part in an interview titled ‘Diskussjoni bl-Għawdxi’ on the 8th of April. During this discussion, Christine and Kevin Curmi explored the common perceptions and the actual realities that Gozitan students face. They highlighted the major life changes these students undergo when they move to Malta at the tender age of 18 (or even younger in the case of MCAST students) to access their educational rights. The interview provided a deep dive into the challenges and adjustments Gozitan students must navigate when living away from home.
Wednesday, 10th April
The opening day of the event featured multiple stands from Gozitan NGOs and student start-ups: 3BIT, Happy Pot, LGBTI+ Gozo, Nuubar, Victoria Scout Group, Żibeġ. As attendees explored these displays, they were entertained by live performances from singer Miriana Farrugia and DJ Musa, alongside an art exhibition. Highlighting the day was a remarkable live sculpting session by Peter Aquilina.
Thursday, 11th April
The MEPs Candidates Debate on Quad included six contenders for the upcoming election on June 8th – Sandra Gauci (ADPD), Arnold Cassola (independent), Thomas Bajada (PL), Steve Ellul (PL), Lee Bugeja Bartolo (PN), and Norma Camilleri (PN). This debate served as a platform for discussing issues relevant to Gozitans, especially students. Key discussion points included the role of MEPs in boosting Gozitan voices in the European Parliament, the next steps for improving connectivity between Malta and Gozo with specific focus on the feasibility of a tunnel, the independence of state media representation, and the efforts by MEPs to secure more funding to ensure that services available in Malta are also accessible in Gozo, given that currently, many Gozitans must travel to Malta for these services.
Friday, 12th April
In collaboration with Leħnek, GUG conducted a Voxpop at the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal. Two of GUG’s executive members, Chantelle Mercieca and Presley Clark, approached drivers waiting to board the ferry and posed two questions: firstly, they asked about the longest time individuals had spent in the queue to board the ferry, with responses ranging from 2 to 5 hours; secondly, they inquired if the passengers supported the construction of a tunnel as a means to enhance connectivity between Malta and Gozo. While the majority agreed on the tunnel, concerns were raised about its potential impact on Gozo’s unique character.
Saturday, 13th April
An enlightening talk by Mr. Charles Dalli from the History Department at UoM, titled ‘Raiders and Rebels in Medieval Gozo’ was, held at II-Hagar in Victoria exploring the 14th and 15th centuries in Gozo. The day shifted from historical reflection to a closing party at Ritz Bar, featuring DJ Mykill. This marked the final edition of the successful RIZZU SATURDAYS, an event series introduced this scholastic year by GUG in collaboration with Ritz.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this event possible: the Ministry for Gozo, ECO-GOZO, KSU, Country Terrace, Del Capo, Learnkey Institute, and Yume Fusion. Special thanks also go to the University of Malta and Il-HAGAR – THE HEART of Gozo for hosting us, and to Just Gozo, Leħnek, and RTK103 for their collaboration on this project.
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