Swieqi Local Council - International Affairs

Twinning and Other Exchanges

The Twinning of the townships of Swieqi and Taormina

A twinning agreement has been signed between the Swieqi Local Council and the Council of Taormina. This partnership was signed by the Mayor of Taormina Dott. Mario Bolognari and Swieqi Mayor Mr. Paul Abela. It is the aim of the Councils to lay out the foundations for a new and profound relationship of friendship and solidarity. The twinning should serve to strenghten the existing links between the Maltese and Sicilian Populations. Its aim is also to facilitate exchanges, with youths as the protagonists, in the sector of language studies, tourism and commerce.

Youth Exchanges

Intercultural Learning and European Awareness through our traditions

In July 2002, eleven youths from Swieqi participated in a Youth Exchange Programme, mainly financed by the European Union's programme YOUTHS. The title of the project was "Intercultural Learning and European Awareness through our traditions". The aims of the exchange were "To create an intercultural awareness for disadvantaged youths in Malta and Ireland, to give Malta and Ireland a better understanding of youths and culture within an EU Country and an applicant country, to create a greater union with the EU and to take a holistic approach with young people from a disadvantaged background". The group visited Galway, the Aaran Islands and Connemara. The partner for this project was Foroige, a youths organization in Ireland.

Youth Participation in Enlarged EU

In April 2004, just one month before Malta's membership in the EU, on 1st May, 14 youths from Swieqi participated in a Youth Exchange held in Malta. The partner group was from Kerimaki, Finland. The summary of the project was "In May 2004 the EU will open its doors to 10 new member states. This exchange will help youths to participate in this once in a lifetime opportunity the EU is offering. Youths in Malta and Finland will come together to discuss the greater opportunities the new enlarged EU will now offer to them". The group visited interesting places such as Mdina, Birgu, Marsaxlokk and Valletta. They were
also received by H.E. Dr.Edward Fenech Adami, President of Malta. The participants also discussed the effects of tourism with the Hon.Dr.Francis Zammit Dimech, Minister for Tourism and Culture.

The Leaders of the European Countries

On the 15th February a group of 5 youths from Swieqi left Malta to participate in a Youth Exchange programme to be held in Turkey. The exchange is being organised thanks to European funds. The title of the exchange is The Leaders of the European Countries, our youths will present four different Maltese political leaders. The group will visit Mudurnu, Bolu, Ankara and Rome. They will also have a meeting with the Governor and Mayor of Bolu. The group is expected back on the 27th February.