Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1535706
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 23 MAY 2025 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt Gozo Voluntary Organisations Scheme launched THE Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri has launched the Gozo VO Scheme, a new initiative that aims to strengthen and support the work of all voluntary organisations based on the island of Gozo. "We are launching a scheme that aims to support all Voluntary Organi- sations that are based in Gozo and car- ry out their work on the island of Gozo. This is a direct investment in the heart of the Gozitan community – an invest- ment in people who work tirelessly for the common good," Camilleri said. The ministry has allocated €200,000 for this scheme and each organisa- tion can benefit up to a maximum of €5,000. The Gozo VO Scheme is open to organisations from all sectors and includes a simple and efficient appli- cation process that is carried out elec- tronically. Camilleri explained that this scheme was formulated after assessing the needs of Voluntary Organisations and the positive experiences from previ- ous schemes such as the Gozo NGO Scheme and the Promotion of Sports Initiatives and Facilities Scheme. The initiatives eligible for funding are divided into five main categories: • General improvements to build- ings and/or facilities; • Purchase of equipment or appa- ratus; • Enhancement and promotion of Gozitan artistic and cultural tra- ditions; • Development and improvement of professional competences and skills; and • Community-based initiatives. Camilleri encouraged all voluntary organisations to apply for this scheme and make use of this financial support to further strengthen their work in Gozo. Applications are open and can be submitted until Monday, 9 June 2025 at noon. For more information and to apply, one can visit https://vofunding.org.mt/ funds/179. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SENIOR Manager for Research and Pol- icy Development at the Gozo Regional Development Authority (GRDA), Juergen Attard, opened the session with a pres- entation on the current trends regarding non-Maltese workers in Gozo. Attard highlighted that these workers are play- ing a critical role in supporting the island's economic growth, emphasising their im- portance to Gozo's economic sustainabil- ity. Following the presentation, a series of speakers from various sectors shared their insights. Fr. Jimmy Xerri, Director of Cari- tas Gozo, Dr. Stanley Joe Portelli, Director of the Legal Clinic at the Diaconia of Gozo, and Dr. Katrine Camilleri, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta, discussed the challenges faced by migrant workers in the local labour market. They particularly focused on the legal and social issues that arise, stressing the need to ensure that the rights of these workers are upheld. The conversation also included two Gozitan employers, Thomas Xerri and Jo- seph Borg, who shared their experiences in managing businesses that employ foreign workers. Both stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for a respectful and dignified approach when managing a diverse workforce. They called for increased awareness and training on how to effectively manage workers from different cultural backgrounds. The dialogue concluded with remarks from President of the Gozo Business Chamber, Michael Galea, who reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to fostering ethical practices and serious dialogue in the workplace. He underscored the impor- tance of integration and mutual respect as fundamental to Gozo's sustainable eco- nomic future. The event highlighted a growing need for businesses in Gozo to understand the complexities of managing a diverse work- force, with the stakeholders agreeing that fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment will be key to ensuring the island's continued economic development. Stakeholders seek better guidance on managing migrant workforce