Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/424604
Events 52 maltatoday, Sunday, 30 november 2014 The National Policy for Active Ageing has highlighted the issue of digital inclusion in later life as a priority area both nationally and at the EU-level. In pursuit of this policy priority, MITA and the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing are launching a pilot project that will explore the effectiveness of peer training for older citizens within their own community environment. Through this new initiative, MITA aims to empower more citi- zens aged 65 and over to address the challenges of digital inclusion in later life. MITA has recruited a team of older citizens who will be trained in different approaches in methodologies that will enable them to deliver a short course about basic Digital Literacy skills to their peers. These actions will help to in- crease digital confidence and awareness of older citizens whilst bridging the gap between the generations by making the lat- est technology and jargon more understandable. This should in- crease older citizens' independ- ence when carrying out basic dig- ital tasks and transform them into active members of the technologi- cal era. During the course, participants will learn how to navigate the In- ternet, send emails, participate in Social Media platforms, chat via video and voice applications, the utility of e-Government, e- Commerce and e-Banking. Other topics that will be covered will in- clude using technology to take up further personal interests, learn- ing, pursuing hobbies and enter- tainment online. Research and experience have shown that tablets are the pre- ferred tools for disseminating information to citizens 65 and over. Therefore, MITA is actively seeking industry partners who are willing to contribute to this initiative through the sponsor- ship of the hardware and Internet dongles. Any interested parties are asked to visit the MITA website for further information on partner- ing in this rewarding initiative at w w w.mita.go.mt/oldercitizens or through oldercitizens.mita@gov. mt Middlesea Insurance is the official sponsor of the Middlesea J70 Med Cup, an international sailing event that will be taking place for the first time be- tween June 4 and June 7, 2015 off Slie- ma's shore. The event is organised by the J70 As- sociation Malta in collaboration with the Royal Malta Yacht Club, both prom- ising a world-class international sailing event with a f leet of identical J70s. Fernando Docampo, Assistant Gen- eral Manager of Middlesea Insurance remarked, "We consider teaming up to support such an event as an opportu- nity. The dedication exhibited by the participants and the values involved in any form of sport are a great way to rep- resent the Middlesea brand. We thank the organisers for their efforts and wish all the participants a lot of success." The J70 is the fastest growing sport sailing boat class today with over 700 units built in less than 30 months. 'Since the boat is trailerable and easily launched, as one would expect there are already some events around Eu- rope, but none which offer the enviable sailing conditions we have in Malta', said Sebastian Ripard of the J70 Asso- ciation Malta. 'We are putting together an attractive logistics package so as to encourage as many nations as possible', he contin- ued. The event will be launched on Friday December 5 at the Royal Malta Yacht club. More information will be avail- able soon on www.j70malta.com. To facilitate and encourage the re- habilitation and revitalization of Strait Street and the Old Civil Ab- attoir (Biccerija) in Valletta, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) in collaboration with the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure have published, for public consultation, a new policy for these areas to be transformed into a creativity and multi-cultural hub both through new activities and physical interventions. This proposed policy (GV31), which takes into account Govern- ment's Vision for Valletta 2018, seeks to promote a diverse range of uses and activities connected to, or in support of, the promotion, teach- ing and practice of culture and local crafts. High intensity activities such as bars and music venues shall be di- rected towards the core of the hub between St. Lucy Street and St. Christopher Street whereas lower intensity uses such as teaching studios, independent retail outlets, exhibition spaces and tourism ac- commodation shall be directed to the upper floors of the core area or towards the periphery of the hub. Policy GV31 will endorse inter- ventions on the physical fabric of the street and its buildings which enhance their conservation value, where specific attention will be giv- en to the restoration and integra- tion in the design schemes of par- ticularly important signs or mural inscriptions/ painted adverts which evoke memory links with the his- tory of the street. Calling industry players to partner with MITA for digital inclusion and active ageing Middlesea Insurance sponsors Middlesea J70 Med Cup, an international sailing event For the fourth year running team members at the Grand Hotel Ex- celsior Hotel Excelsior will be or- ganising The Santas' Swim, and are inviting colleagues, guests and members of the public to a swim in the clear, chilly waters of Marsamx- ett Harbour. Alternatively they can make a splash in the hotel swimming pool on Saturday 6 December to raise money for L-Istrina. In this year's edition Dorothy and her Wizard of Oz friends will be teaming up with the Three Kings of the Orient as Santa's Special guests and will do a brave dive for charity. Each Santa will receive a Santa hat whilst Santa's Elves will be on hand to give a bathrobe and a well- deserved warm drink and home- made cookies to every participant when they come out of the water. Facilities for showering and chang- ing will be available. Santa, Dorothy and the Wizard will be awarding a Certificate of Participation to all Santas. Those who don't have a tough enough spirit for cold water temperatures are being encouraged to turn up and give their support to the brave Santas. For the third year running former local Waterpolo players are be- ing invited to return to action for a Waterpolo exhibition match just off the hotel's private beach. The Malta Police Force band will bring joy with their live Christmas music and will be welcoming the partici- pants at the Grand Hotel Excelsior lobby at 10am. A donation of €10 from every par- ticipant will go to L-Istrina. Partici- pants are encouraged to register for this Charity event by contacting the Grand Hotel Excelsior Christmas desk on 21250520 or email Christ- mas@excelsior.com.mt The Grand Hotel Excelsior is in- viting the public to join them for its annual Christmas Tree light- ing ceremony on 1 December. The event starts at 7pm and will be exclusively bringing together the well-known Irish Catholic classical musical group – The Priests. Santas' Swim in aid of L-Istrina at the Grand Hotel Excelsior- Saturday 06 December New planning policy proposed for Strait Street and old civil abattoir in Valletta