As part of BNF Bank's sponsorship of the University of Malta's Diploma in Maltese Literature, the Bank has awarded top student Daniela Attard Bezzina who placed first, by reimbursing her course fees. The Bank's sponsorship is part of its commitment to support important educational initiatives as well to promote Maltese language, literature and culture.

The relatively new two-year course was launched in October 2016 by the Department of Maltese within the Faculty of Arts, to significant public interest. The Diploma focuses on the critical analysis and application of literature in the 21st century. The opening of this course of studies reflects the revival of Maltese literature and tackles its contemporary applications.

Study modules focus on the Romantic and Modernist periods of Maltese literature, but also on creative writing, lyrics, literary editing, new media, and literature for children, among others. The Diploma's objective is to critically and creatively engage students, some of whom may already be broadcasters, cultural managers, teachers, writers, or just passionate readers. It also addresses the dynamic critical and creative milieu of Malta in the 21st century.

During the presentation, Ms Attard Bezzina described her exciting learning journey: "I naively thought we were going to spend hours writing poetry and reading and discussing novels," she said. "Instead we also contended with Heidegger's theories of the sublime, the male gaze in art, film and poetry, Freud, Little Red Riding Hood and the music of the Troubadours! The course of studies far exceeded my expectations. And to place first and also have my fees reimbursed is the cherry on the cake. Thank you BNF Bank for the encouragement and for the commitment towards Maltese literature." 

The Bank's Head of Business Development Melvin Pellicano offered his congratulations to Ms Attard Bezzina, to her fellow students and to all those involved in the Diploma. "The interest in contemporary Maltese literature has grown exponentially and so has participation in literary events," he said. "BNF Bank is happy to be a cog in one of the wheels that is driving this interest, in the hope that we all remain curious about how our language is continually developing, and understand that it reflects the transformations in our sociological and cultural eco-systems."

The Diploma in Maltese Literature is a two-year part-time evening course that has opened for the second time this October, attracting students from various fields and with diverse interests. The course has a new emphasis on research and course work. The Diploma also enjoys the support of the Malta Arts Council.