Five students from the University of Malta will join the British Council throughout 2018 to report on Valletta’s Capital of Culture programme. Through stories, videos, pictures, working with the British Council and with local, national and international press and media, they’ll tell us what it means to have artists, performers, creators and thinkers from around Europe and the world arrive on your doorstep.

 

Meet the journalists

Naomi Rebecca Mifsud

Naomi Rebecca Mifsud

Student, University of Malta

My name is Naomi Rebecca Mifsud and I’m in my second year of a Communications degree at the University of Malta. 

In addition to being passionate about writing stories and about events, I’m fascinated by the rich Maltese culture and history. I believe in the importance of bringing to light the colourful stories of the Maltese people, and the way they live here on such a small island, which in turn also marks their identity. 

I heard stories from my grandparents and my parents from their times as children and how they saw Malta evolving into the country it is nowadays. I believe in sharing stories about Malta and local talent. Also, I believe in raising awareness that Malta is not just a destination for sunny skies and beaches, but also a country of artistic and poetic potential coming from enthusiastic Maltese hearts. 

Sam Farrugia

Sam Farrugia

Student, University of Malta

My name is Sam Farrugia and I’m 21 years old. I started writing from an early age, small stories and characters, and always knew that something involving English would be my calling. 

I continued got my A-Levels and started studying for a Bachelor in Communications where I fell in love with journalism. I have written articles for Eve Online and The Third Eye. Apart from that I worked briefly with the One newsroom and did an article for research purposes. 

I am looking to broaden my journalism portfolio. During my course I have experimented with writing articles, photography and shooting and editing short films. 

The Valletta 2018 initiative looks like an incredible, vibrant project which would be fun to work in, as well as an amazing opportunity for me as an aspiring journalist. 

Gabriel Lia

Gabriel Lia

Student, University of Malta

I’m currently studying Maltese and Communications and have always had an interest in the effects of art and culture, both on individuals and on the greater community. I enjoy reading and writing poetry, and being exposed to drama, whether watching plays or being part of theatrical performances and films. The Capturing Valletta initiative will give me new opportunities to delve into people's projects, exhibitions and ideas and write about their work for readers who share a passion in art, culture, and Maltese and international talent. Apart from that thanks to this opportunity I'm able to meet artists and increase my ability to get inspired to create projects that initiate change.

Sarah Zammit Munro

Sarah Zammit Munro

Student, University of Malta

I am Sarah Zammit Munro, I’m 19 years old and I’m studying for a degree in Communications with English at the University of Malta. 

I’m in my second year and the course is becoming increasingly interesting as a career path I might be able to pursue, whether that has to do with journalism or writing in general. 

I’m fond of writing and of speaking to people so this Valletta 2018 initiative is a great opportunity to practice these skills and to get out of my comfort zone even more. 

I hold Maltese culture close to my heart, so promoting activities as well as people's stories related to Valletta in new ways motivates me to want to be a part of such a colourful initiative. 

This challenge will bring me closer to doing what I love and open doors for me. It is an inspiring project, and one that gives me the chance to voice my opinion and broadcast to a wide audience. 

Francesca Attard

Francesca Attard

Student, University of Malta

My name is Francesca Attard and one of my main passions is exploring and learning about worldwide cultures. 

The Valletta 2018 Project is a unique opportunity which can be shared with others who enjoy or want to explore what Maltese culture has to offer within a creative and historical context. I’m looking forward to getting immersed in culture and learning more about the social experiences in Valletta and around these islands. 

Being given the opportunity to participate first-hand in this project enables me to be become part of something different, new, motivating and creative. Encountering people and sharing this experience with them is a unique journey for us as a community on a whole new level.

Naomi Galea

Naomi Galea

Student, University of Malta

I am currently reading for a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with English at the University of Malta. I have passion and enthusiasm for journalism particularly in the arts and culture sector, with the ambition to give readers an insight on local and international issues. 

Valletta 2018’s themes are ‘island stories’, ‘future baroque’ and ‘voyages’. I look forward to exploring these aspects with a social, political and cultural eye. I am excited about promoting and bringing the identities of those behind the project to life through the British Council’s platforms and my journalistic ability. 

Andrea Rossitto

Andrea Rossitto

Student, University of Malta

My name’s Andrea Rossitto, I am 20 years old and I am currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with Italian at the University of Malta. 

With regards to reporting on Valletta 2018 – I know this is no small beer, but I’m more than ready to knuckle down and give it my best shot. In fact, I consider this challenge to be one of those valid experiences which would assist me in accentuating my enterprising ambition as a journalist.

William Henry Crisp

Student, University of Malta

I am currently studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with English at the University of Malta. I am an avid traveller who is always eager to meet new people from different cultures and for this very reason, strives to become a travel journalist. Like my fellow millennials, I’m an active social media user and constantly seek to keep up to date with today’s clashes and advances. In 2017, I took part in the British Council’s Future News Worldwide conference for student journalists. I am keen to dedicate my energy towards achieving my own and the organisation's goals.