In its proposals for next year’s budget, the Gozo University Group (GUG) has called for a hostel to accommodate Gozitan university students studying in Malta and also for an increased number of cultural events in Gozo, including the Notte Gozitana event, which has seemingly been killed off.

The GUG said its proposals, presented to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, were intensely thought out by a Subcommittee established specifically for this aim.  

In view of the ever-increasing demand from Gozitans students to find appropriate accommodation close to the University of Malta, GUG proposed the building of a students' hostel for Gozitans at the University nearby areas, at a reasonable cost and which is operated through a means-testing system. “This will help to address the present escalating problem of ridiculously higher rents being asked for the same accommodation conditions, which combined with other inevitable financial burdens, well exceed the students' budget and the government grant.”

The group also suggested that the government grant for Gozitan students residing in Malta is extended to those students who, after successfully finishing their post-secondary education, pursue a full-time course on a private basis in Malta which is not internship based, corporate financed or which is also available in Gozo.

Thirdly, it called for more cultural and entertainment events during non-busy seasons to address the seasonality problem Gozo suffers from. “In particular, we encourage Notte Gozitana to start being held once again.”

The GUG said it was hopeful that these proposals would not fall on deaf ears and that they get taken into serious consideration. “We strongly believe that Gozitans and Gozo as a whole will benefit highly if these proposals are implemented.”