Welcome to our new quarterly gazette

Newslet ter 1s t Issue Apri l 2012

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Founded 2005

Young Women’s Christian Association Malta

Who We Are - What We Do Allow me to inform you briefly about YWCA (Malta) Who We Are and What We Do and what our association stands for. YWCA is a non profit voluntary movement, YWCA is a worldwide organization that unites 25 million women and girls over 122 countries and 100 affiliated autonomous national YWCA’s. Our aim is to build an association that provides solutions, to sustain and develop the wide spectrum of holistic services to the underprivileged women and families. We are a group of women from all walks of life, who strive to improve the lives of those women and girls who had fallen on hard times, or are going through difficult times, our mission is to make a difference in women’s lives. YWCA promotes women’s full and equal participation at all levels of society through leadership opportunities and training. YWCA’s mission statement: Women Committed to the Service of Humanity Projects Our main project is the Self Development Programme which focuses on basic adult education on vocational life skills training. It also incorpo-rates a programme which involves participants to train and learn basic educational skills in various fields with the aim of opening opportuni-ties to access the labour market. Lessons are given by professional YWCA members and volunteer supporters. Ultimately the objective of the S.D.P. is to empower women with skills that relate to their talents, this will help to give a source of hope to women experiencing difficulties. Courses offered by YWCA are all free of charge. Furnishing Homes Scheme is a project that has the aim to support families and persons in need to help them furnish their homes and live a more comfortable life. YWCA collects good quality furniture, mattresses and white goods kindly donated by local furniture companies/shops and supporters. Items collected are supplied to persons who are receiving Government Social Benefits and other socially underprivileged indi-viduals in need of such service. The Housing Authority, Dar L-Emigranti, Caritas and other Institutes refer persons needing such assistance to Y.W.C.A. (Malta) The Single Mother Support Group has recently been launched. The project has the aim to support single mothers with chil-dren from 0 to 12 years. Get together, socialising and talks will be held regularly. YWCA supports the positive development of youths and intervenes by offering social work service to individuals who are underprivileged or socially disadvantaged. The free social services that we offer will help to instill a sense of hope and will prepare women and girls of a lesser fortune to develop a healthier community. YWCA is working on an environment project (Greener Malta Campaign) which consists of collect-ing donations for trees which are being planted in the YWCA (Malta) - YMCA Park situated in Pembroke. Fundraising functions, sponsor-ships and activities are a very important factor to our association and are held regularly in order to sustain our projects; our movement is a care giving NGO driven by Christian faith whose members are committed to empower women through education and training.

Dear Members and Friends, It is an honour and a privilege to launch the first edition of YWCA (Malta) newsletter titled EDUKA. The title was thus chosen as we firmly believe that education is the key that opens the door for many opportunities, that can lead women and young girls into the labour market. The aim of this newsletter is to inform our members, supporters and friends of events and activities that are constantly being organised by our hard working committee. YWCA of Malta was founded in 2005 and was officially inaugurated 22nd October 2008. Our mission is to create initiatives and focus our work and efforts, for women who end up marginalized and excluded from society for one reason or another. To address some of these issues YWCA offers a Self Development Programme. This programme is intended to help women develop their educational skills, self esteem and employment skills. Along with this project we are involved in many other projects which are featured in the newspaper. Women in Malta have a long standing tradition of voluntary social engagements and YWCA intends to carry out this tradition stressing its work on fields not yet covered by other NGO's. Partnerships with other voluntary and government entities in Malta have helped the YWCA evolve into a respected grassroots organization. It makes me very proud that we have managed to receive a high level of acceptance. This is largely owing to our hard work in networking, attending endless seminars, workshops and other events at which we made our mes-sage known. I augur that the Eduka newsletter will be a source of information regarding YWCA’s work. Our objective is to make a positive difference in women’s lives.

Mary J Jones

All content of EDUKA gazette is copyright of YWCA (Malta)

Page 2

Y W C A ( M A L T A ) O P E N I N G C E R E M O N Y

M R S C A T H E R I N E G O N Z I O P E N I N G C E R E M O N Y S P E E C H O N T H E O C C A S I O N O F T H E

I N A U G U R A T I O N O F Y W C A ( M A L T A ) P R E M I S E S , M S I D A

Ottubru 22, 2008 Excellency, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, “It is an honour and privilege to be here this evening for the Inauguration of these new premises of YWCA Malta. In the coming months, these premises will be a hive of activity with young women and children, com-ing here to learn new skills which will help them to start a new life. YWCA will be offering a number of courses, for free, to disadvantaged women in our society. These courses will tackle amongst others, basic life skills, computer skills and literacy courses in English and Maltese. I commend the committee of YWCA for this initiative and for focusing their work and effort on a particular stratum of our society. Many women in Malta can end up marginalised and excluded from society. Single mothers, battered housewives, homeless women and illiterate women can many a times find themselves disadvantaged. It is our duty to help them re-integrate into society. I believe that this is the most important message that emerges from YWCA - that women in career, from all walks of life, come together on the basis of common values inspired by our Christian faith to help other women in need. In the globalised world we are living in, associations such as the YWCA are much needed to keep us focused on the values that our society is based on, mainly by giving a practical example of the value of solidarity. This work undertaken by YWCA also underlines two other important values - the spirit of cooperation, and of active civic duty. In its work, YWCA relies on voluntary work, by its members in collaboration with other NGOs. The spirit of cooperation with other NGOs enhances further the benefits we reap when working hand in hand with voluntary organisations. This is a very positive factor especially on a small island such as Malta. YWCA also endorses the significance of active civic duty. Hence this project is a result based also on the cooperation with a number of public and private entities. These premises were given to YWCA by the Housing Authority, the furniture and equipment donated by indi-viduals and private companies. Tonight’s ceremony thus highlights an important message to the Maltese society, that by sharing a commitment among NGOs and the pri-vate and public sector we can bring change and hope into people’s lives. I would like to personally thank all those who have contributed towards this project. Whilst congratulating the committee of YWCA and its members for undertaking this initiative, I augur you every success in your work. I do hope that your dedication and effort can set an example for other people to follow.”

Official Opening; Fr. Manuel Camilleri, Msida Parish priest, blessing YWCA premises on the occasion of the official open-ing ceremony

YWCA members and guests

YWCA (Malta) Call for 3 Cosmetology Scholarships 2012/13

YWCA (Malta) is once again proud to announce the Cosmetology Scholarships in three Beauty catego-ries. These are being kindly offered by the Directors of Peach & Sorrel Beauty College.

The Scholarships are available for women of Maltese nationality over 18 years of age. Candidate must have finished secondary school and obtained a minimum of two GCSEs or equivalent. Aside from aspi-rants’ willingness, interest and determination, these cosmetology scholarships are also determined by the student's financial situation and their predisposition to work in the relative field. Persons may apply for more than one grant but will only be awarded one scholarship.

Cosmetology Scholarships, leading to a VTCT Diploma are being offered in the following categories:

Nail Technology Scholarship - Beauty Therapy Scholarship - Fashion & Photographic Make up Scholar-ship

VTCT Diploma - Peach & Sorrel Beauty Academy is fully accredited with VTCT, the largest special-ised Awarding Body in the Beauty Therapy. All VTCT qualifications are recognized worldwide as being of high prestige and enable one to obtain treatment liability insurance and employment.

Page 3

S C H O L A R S H I P S

Mission

statement:

‘Women Committed to

the Service of

Humanity’

Executive Members 2012 President Mary J Jones Vice-President Maria Fenech Secretary Dr Lorna Buttigieg Treasurer AnneMarie Kissaun SDP Coordinator Margaret Attard Public Relations Gloria Degiorgio Activity Coordinator Irene Pace Furnishing Homes Teshai Wayne SDP Coordinator Margaret Attard

Centru Nazzjonali 178, Valley Road Msida MSD 9029

YWCA (Malta)

Phone: 00356 7900 2930 E-mail: ywcamalta5@gmail.com Web: www,ywcamalta.com

YWCA (Malta) Call for Hairdresser Scholarships 2012/13

YWCA (Malta) City & Guilds Diploma Hairdressing Scholarship 2012/14

Scholarship in the City & Guilds Diploma in Women's Hairdressing (6902-61) (IMQF 3)

YWCA (Malta) is proud to announce the City and Guilds Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing Scholar-ship. This is being kindly offered by the Directors of The International School of Hairdressing. The Scholarships are available for women of Maltese nationality over 16 years of age. Candidate must have completed secondary school. Aside from the aspirant’s willingness, interest and determination, these hairdressing scholarships are also determined by the student's financial situation and their predisposition to work in the relative field.

Designate candidates will be chosen by the final and irrevocable decision of the International School of Hairdressing Scholarship Board.

Closing date: 2nd July 2012

Interview date: 16th July 2012

Time: 10.00 am

YWCA (Malta) Courses for years 2012 - 2013, will be announced in the following EDUKA Issue

S E L F D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M E

About the City & Guilds Diploma The International School of Hairdressing Diploma offers a two year course, which is an in-depth study of the theory and practice in hairdressing. This will provide one with the knowledge and practice required to work as a professional hair stylist and eventually the capacity to open one's own salon, after qualifying for the Diploma. The City & Guilds offers unrivalled expertise in providing qualifications that are recognised worldwide as hall marks of achievements of skills and competence. Information and application forms for the above scholarships are available from:

Website: www.ywcamalta.aidengine.net E-mail: ywcamalta5@gmail.com Mobile: 79002930

Cosmetology Beauty Scholarships Grants: Nail Technology: Approximate Value €1750 Fashion & Photographic Makeup: Approximate Value €1750 Beauty Therapy: Approximate Value €3000

YWCA held the following courses during 2011-2012 Basic English Ic-Cavetta Maltese Language programme Basic Sales Technique

Course Maths O’ Level Revision

course Dressmaking - Pattern and

Sewing

Page 4

E V E N T S S U P P O R T E R S

P A S T E V E N T S

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

05/03/2012

YWCA (Malta) Open Day at Peach and Sorrel

YWCA (Malta) celebrated International Women's Day by organising an Open Day held on Monday 5th March 2012 kindly sponsored by Peach & Sorrel Beauty Academy. Beauty treatments were performed during the day at a discount.

A very interesting and informative talk was delivered by Dr.Angele Farrugia (Dermatologist) about Skin Problems & New Techniques. YWCA (Malta) committee would like to thank Ms. Angele Stafrace, the Beauty Therapists and Dr. Angele Farrugia who kindly gave their service free of charge.

02/04/2012

Crèche Children - Distribution of Soft Toys

The Ursuline Sisters of St. Angela Merici was founded in Malta by Mgr. Isidore Dei Conti Formosa in 1887. The aim of the Crèche is to take care of abandoned babies and children. Espe-cially those children whose parents could not take good care of them due to poverty. The Ursuline Sisters have nine homes in Malta, one in London three in NATO and another children's home in Catania. The

Ursulines Sisters’ dedication to children, became an important part of their chrism. YWCA (Malta) members visited the Ursuline Crèche in Sliema on Monday 2nd April. Mem-bers presented Easter Eggs and soft toys to babies and children. Sister Stephania showed us around the impeccably kept home where 25 babies and children from 0 to 5 years of age are living under the loving care of the white robed sisters.

Easter Hamper Lottery

Easter Hamper Lottery

An Easter Hamper kindly donated by Neriku was raffled, draw took place at the Crèche. Congratulations to the winner.

YWCA (Malta) Fundraising Lunch at Palazzo De Piro Medina

Friday 8th June 2012 - Time: 12:30

Lunch will be followed by a talk on Medina History by a Historian

For bookings and further information please contact

00356 2132 4424 - 00356 7925 2296

Tea Card Game Party

Held at The Plaza

Date: Wednesday 20th June

Time: 4:30 onwards

Members and guests are most welcome

For bookings and further information please contact

00356 2132 4424 - 00356 7925 2296

YWCA (Malta) Meeting will be held on Wednesday 23rd May 2012

Talk about Medina History by Ms. Christine Muscat MA. History

Produced & Designed by M L Fenech - courtesy of MLM Creations ®