Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545453
6 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 JUNE 2026 NEWS HSBC Malta Foundation renews support for Youths 4 Youths initiative in Gozo THE HSBC Malta Foundation has renewed its support for the OASI Foundation's Youths 4 Youths initiative, a Gozo-based youth programme focused on prevention, awareness, and community engagement. Now in its latest edition, the initiative will take place on 16 September 2026 at the OASI Foundation in Victoria, Gozo, between 8.15am and 1.30pm, bringing together young participants and educa- tors from across the island for a day of educational and recrea- tional activities. The HSBC Malta Foundation will continue its support for this year's event, building on a part- nership that has backed the pro- gramme since its early editions and so underlining its ongoing commitment to youth-focused community initiatives in Gozo. The initiative is designed for school-aged participants, com- bining educational sessions with interactive activities aimed at promoting wellbeing. This year's program will in- clude hands-on experiential learning activities such as a basic first aid and life skills session for children, and interactive team- based challenges designed to build communication, coopera- tion, and confidence in real-life situations. Schools, educators and young people are encour- aged to participate and make the most of this fun and educational experience. Speaking about the renewed support, Glenn Bugeja, on behalf of the HSBC Malta Foundation, said the initiative remains close- ly aligned with the organisation's community focus. "We are proud to continue supporting the OASI Founda- tion's Youths 4 Youths initiative. Empowering young people and investing in prevention and ed- ucation programmes is central to our community strategy, and this event continues to make a meaningful impact year after year," said Glenn Bugeja. OASI Foundation CEO Noel Xerri said the contin- ued partnership plays an important role in sustain- ing the programme's reach and impact among young people in Gozo. "This support from the HSBC Foundation enables us to keep expanding the initi- ative and ensures we can continue offering mean- ingful, practical experi- ences that help young people build awareness, resilience and life skills in a safe environment," he said. SIXTEEN out of 100 promised residential roads in Gozo have been completed within three years as government infrastruc- ture works continue across the island. Speaking during a site visit to Triq il-Wardija in Qala, one of the recently completed roads, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said the project formed part of a commitment made in the last Budget to upgrade and rebuild 100 residential roads across Gozo within a three-year time- frame. The visit also included Triq il- Ġid in Xewkija and part of Triq it-Tempju tal-Imramma in San- nat, where resurfacing works have recently been finalised. Works carried out included the installation and replacement of sewage services followed by new tarmac surfacing. According to the ministry, more than 2,700 square metres of tarmac were laid across the three roads as part of the latest phase of works. Camilleri said infrastructur- al works had been ongoing without interruption since the programme began, adding that government remains commit- ted to delivering on the pledge to complete the 100-road pro- gramme within the stated time- frame. He said the selection of roads was carried out following con- sultations with local councils, which were asked to identify residential streets in need of upgrading. The minister added that the aim of the project is to improve basic infrastructure in residen- tial areas while also enhancing road conditions for both resi- dents and visitors to Gozo. 16 residential roads completed in Gozo over three years FRIENDS of the Earth Malta has launched its Save Our Shores campaign, warning that Malta's coastline is facing growing pres- sure from cruise liners, marina development and wider coastal commercialisation. The campaign was unveiled during an exhibition at Triton Square in Valletta, alongside a petition calling for stronger pro- tection of public access to the sea, reduced pollution and bet- ter safeguarding of marine eco- systems. The petition is availa- ble at www.saveourshores.eu. Led by Friends of the Earth Malta, the initiative brings to- gether a year-long project doc- umenting the social and envi- ronmental impacts of coastal development in Malta and Gozo. At the launch, community groups and activists raised con- cerns about cruise ship emis- sions in the Grand Harbour, in- creasing restrictions on coastal access, and the impact of tour- ism-related development on lo- cal communities. Speakers said Malta's shores are increasingly shaped by com- mercial interests at the expense of residents' access and environ- mental protection, calling for stronger regulation and policy action. Sign the petition now at saveo- urshores.eu. Save Our Shores campaign warns of growing pressure on Malta's coastline Two of the residential roads completed