Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1478966
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWS NEWS LUKE VELLA THE Nationalist Party through its foundation AŻAD is launch- ing a political formation pro- gramme, called STEP – Sys- tematic Training for Effective Politics. PN General Secretary Michael Piccinino said the programme was targeting those who wanted to take the "next step" in politics. Former PN MP Charlo Bonnici who is one of the coordinators of the programme, remarked how he had participated in a similar programme called 'Future Lead- ers' some years back. "That programme was a suc- cess as a number of youths who had taken part, had then suc- cessfully participated in the local and general elections." Bonnici said the participants will be coached on what it means for one to engage in political ac- tivism, be part of a team and how to best handle public life. He explained that they will get an insight into the way parties work and would be taught skills on how to best manage and max- imise time. "The programme will also fo- cus on values and ethics, which are so important in politics and public life. The participants will also learn what makes news and understand the type of news which journalists are bound to report," Bonnici said. He said that in the last session of the weekend seminar, par- ticipants will be split into focus groups, where they would en- gage in debates and practice me- dia interviews and report writ- ing. "We learnt from Future Lead- ers that the workshops should be practical. It is essential to have mentors in politics, as when you are in parliament, you require proper guidance," Bonnici said. Anyone interested in taking part in the programme can fill out an online form or else send an email to roderick.agius@ azad.org.mt. Former PN MP Charlo Bonnici (left) with PN General Secretary Michael Piccinino PN launches political formation programme, STEP MeDirect Bank Malta invests in modern, fun and employee- centred Head Office MEDIRECT Bank has inau- gurated its newly-refurbished state-of-the-art head office in Tigné Point, Sliema, following a significant investment made over the past five months in its new office environment, in line with its new brand positioning. The revamped offices reflect a modern, fun, fresh and function- al design which complements MeDirect's fast and agile pace. This coupled with the bank's modern technologies, allow for a seamless experience for employ- ees when working either from home or from the office. Apart from the office space, collaboration areas and meeting rooms, the revamped head of- fice includes informal break-out areas, a fully-kitted kitchen area as well as an entertainment area featuring billiards, table soccer, darts, as well as a gaming con- sole with big screen. MeDirect's Malta offices house 275 employees and also include a client investment centre, which was also recently refurbished. A desk booking system has been introduced for all, giving the fa- cility for colleagues working in Belgium, UK, Netherlands and Turkey to book their desks when working from the Malta Head Office. To mark this important mile- stone for MeDirect, an informal celebration took place which brought together members of staff, the bank's management, a number of board directors as well as executives from the bank's operations in other Euro- pean countries. Arnaud Denis, Chief Execu- tive Officer of MeDirect Group, welcomed everyone and in his address thanked all those who were involved in this project, which was spearheaded by the Group's Chief Administration Officer, Lorraine Bonello Ghio and her team. Denis also thanked towards everyone who contributed with- in the bank, as well as, DP De- signs and the suppliers that made the office revamp a reality. "Today is an important day. Relocating two floors into one, with a completely different de- sign and look and feel – all within five months – was an impressive challenge. We take our challeng- es very seriously and I am very happy with the outcome: a mod- ern, fresh, cosy, comfortable and vibrant working environment and space," Denis said. "Many of our staff have started returning to work at our offices over the past months and I am sure they will find this new space welcoming. The office will never replace home, but it will almost make you feel like home away from home," he told his col- leagues during the event. Mike Bussey, Chairman of Me- Direct Group said: "A big well done to Arnaud and his leader- ship team for this achievement – one of several that this team managed very well, alongside the significant challenges that these past two-and-a-half years brought with them." This inauguration comes at a time when MeDirect bank is continuously expanding, placing its clients at the forefront and employees in the spotlight. The new office reflects the fresh outlook to its branding and encompasses the vibrant and professional environment in which the employees continue to innovate with future launches of services and products being round the corner. Left: MeDirect Bank Malta's new entertainment area featuring billiards, table soccer, darts, as well as a gaming console with big screen; Above: MeDirect CEO Arnaud Denis