Invitation Package
secse13@mmsa.org.mt www.mmsa.org.mt/secse-13
foreword Dear all, It is with great pleasure that I invite you, on behalf of the Malta Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) to the first edition of the Southern European Cooperation on Sexual Education (SECSE) Conference this September. It is a great honour for me to be the president of the organising committee for this event. This event is one which presents me with the opportunity not only to work with the IFMSA and with members from all over Europe, but it is also gives me the satisfaction of seeing through a project which has been in the pipeline for a quite some time. Moreover, the work done by the IFMSA’s Standing Committee on Reproductive Health including AIDS is very close to heart and I am very happy that once more I will be able to contribute to this standing committee and to its amazing members. What is more it is always a pleasure meeting IFMSA members in different corners of the globe, but more so when you are welcoming them to your home country. We have chosen the theme of Sexual Health and Migration for the first edition of SECSE. Malta’s position in the heart of the Mediterranean, between the continents of Africa and Europe makes it a perfect hub to discuss this topic and share our views and local situations on issues such as asylum seekers and sexual health, STI epidemiology, female genital mutilation and sexual migration. Besides this, the MMSA also has an established Standing Committee on Peer Education and Training (SCOPET) within its structure, and therefore peer education is always a top priority for the MMSA. Once again I would like to extend our invitation to this first edition of SECSE, and to our island nation. We can promise you an experience which will not only be of great value to your work within your NMO, but an admixture of Maltese culture and a social programme that will leave you wanting more.
Keith Pace SECSE OC President 2013
Secse oc OC President Keith Pace
Logistics Coordinator Matthew Valentino
Leisure Coordinator Julian Agius
Secse oc Public Relations Coordinator Matthew Baldacchino
Sessions Coordinator Fabrizia Cassar
Financial Coordinator Martina Papa
SECSE advisory board Hello SECSE friends! Welcome to sunny Malta! We are very excited to host the first ever SECSE in Malta this September. IFMSA has been so influential for the MMSA that we felt that it is high time to give back by sharing this new opportunity with other Southern European countries. MMSAMalta has a very strong National Peer Education and Training (NPET) standing committee and this is one of the reasons for applying to host SECSE. We believe that as an NMO we can help with the facilitation of sessions and methods exchange whilst also creating the perfect atmosphere for ideas and discussions to flourish! Our job as the Advisory Board is to oversee that SECSE is planned and organised to the best of its abilities and ensuring its smooth running throughout the three day event. All three of us have vast experience in the MMSA as well as the IFMSA, and our goal is to make sure that delegates from our neighbouring countries make the most of our beautiful island whilst giving them the opportunity to help us kick-start SECSE! Looking forward to meeting you all very soon!
SECSE 2013 Advisory Board Robert Cachia MMSA President 2013-2014) Phoebe Debono MMSA NORA 2013-2014) Thelma Xerri (MMSA VPi 2013-2014)
registration The registration process will begin on the 1st July with the early registrations until the 12th July. Late registration will last from the 12th July until 30th July. Observers (from any NMO) and session facilitators (representing NECSE) are bound by the same registration policies. The following Southern European NMOs are eligible to send delegates to SECSE 2013: i.
AECS (Catalonia)
ii. ANEMF (France) iii. CroMSIC (Croatia) iv. HelMSIC (Greece) v. IFMSA-Spain (Spain) vi. MMSA (Malta) vii. PorMSIC (Portugal) viii. SISM (Italy) ix. SloMSIC (Slovenia) x. TurkMSIC (Turkey) Each NMO will be entitled to a total number of four delegates each. The registration link can be found below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Duekb400FbiED_5_N8n26u0x2HEO-mCKtOavXT3Jjg/viewform The registration process will take place as follows: i. Interested applicants fill in the form ii. The applications are compared to information from national selection by the NMO’s NORA iii. If the applicant corresponds to national selection they will receive a confirmatory email from the OC containing information on payment details and the Transport Form. iv. Once the payment is successful and the transport form is filled in the applicants will receive the final confirmation email to bring to SECSE The registration coordinators are Giulia Magro and Daniela Zammit. contact secseregistration@mmsa.org.mt or secse13@mmsa.org.mt
For more information,
accomodation The accommodation for SECSE will be at the four-star Bella Vista Hotel located in Qawra, a small north-eastern town on the main island of Malta. The price for the 3 nights will be â‚Ź120 for early registration and â‚Ź150 for late registrations.
The price includes full-board meals i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner, and one coffee break. Some of the facilities offered by the hotel and rooms include: i.
Rooms: a. b. c. d.
TV Cooler (at an additional cost) Wi-Fi (at an additional cost) Hairdryer
e. AC f. Fan g. Safe (at an additional cost) ii. Hotel: a. Complimentary Wi-Fi (in common areas) b. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools
For more information visit the hotel website: http://www.bellavistahotelmalta.com/ For further amenities and facilities, visit the link below: http://www.bellavistahotelmalta.com/BellaVistaHotel/BellaVistaHotel/HotelFacilities/tabid/220 /language/en-US/Default.aspx
sessions In order to accommodate your needs and comfort the SECSE13 OC has ensured that the sessions will be held at the Bella Vista Hotel itself. Two large well equipped halls and an outdoor park will be utilised during the sessions and themed events. This year’s themed events will focus on Sexual Migration and Health, a topic which has sparked much controversy in Southern Europe. In order to ensure a directed discussion a number of prominent local speakers will be invited to discuss sexual immigration. Peer-education sessions will also be hosted with the guidance of a team of NECSE coordinators and our local NMO. Peer-education is a delicate topic worldwide which has been well developed by our local NMO, the Malta Medical Student’s Organisation (MMSA) which embodies many topics and techniques which we strive to update on a yearly basis, and now has a fully-fledged standing committee (SCOPET).
SECSE runs from Saturday 14th September until Tuesday 20th September. The provisional agenda is as follows and is subject to change. A finalised agenda will be sent at a later date:
Day 1: 14th September
14:00
Check-in
16:00-17:00
How we want our SECSE to be
18:00-22:00
Valletta tour + Opening Ceremony
22:00
Social programme
Day 2: 15 September 2013 08.00 - 09.00
Breakfast
09.00 - 09.30
Division of groups - explain how this SECSE will be
09.30 - 10.30
Method exchange
10.30 - 11.30
Method Exchange
11.30 - 12.30
Method exchange
12.30 - 14.00
Lunch
14.00 - 15.30
Method Exchange
15.30 - 16.00
coffee break
16.00 - 17.30
Method exchange
17.30 - 19.00
Dinner
19.00 - 20.30
Method Exchange
20.30 - 21.30
NMO Hour - Discussion
21.30
Social
Day 3: 16 September 2013 08.00 - 09.00
Breakfast
09.00 - 10.30
Method exchange
10.30 - 11.30
Method exchange
11.30 - 12.30
Method Exchange
12.30 - 14.00
Lunch
14.00 - 15.30
External talk
15.30 - 16.00
coffee break
16.00 - 17.30
Method Exchange
17.30 - 19.00
Dinner
19.00 - 20.30
Method Exchange
20.30 - 21.30
NMO Hour - Discussion
21.30
Social
Day 4: 17 September 2013 08.00 - 09.00
Breakfast
09.00 - 11.00
How we want our SECSE to be - Part 2
11.00 - ‌
Departures
transport Getting to Malta With regards to airline tickets you have several options, you could choose a national airline which has routes to Malta, a low cost airline which has routes to Malta from the country of origin or the Maltese National airline Air Malta. The airport is: Malta MT, Luqa airport (http://www.maltairport.com/en/home.htm) Below please find some examples to guide you. Please note that these are only examples and participants must find flights and airports which suit them best whilst also keeping the event timetable in mind. N.B.: it is suggested that participants be in Malta before check-in time, and especially before the opening ceremony. Below you can find a provisional agenda for the opening day (Saturday 14th September): i. ii. iii. iv.
14:00 17:30 18:30 20:00
– – – –
check-in leave hotel for Valletta 20:00 – tour of Valletta 22:00 – opening ceremony
v.
22:00 – 00:00 – welcome party
Some possible flight options are included below. Please note this list is far from exhaustive: i. ii.
Belgium: Brussels, BE to Malta, MT Catalonia: Barcelona, ES to Malta, MT
iii.
Croatia: Zagreb, HR to Malta, MT
iv. v. vi.
Czech Republic: Prague, CZ to Malta, MT France: Paris, FR to Malta, MT Greece: Athens, GR to Malta, MT
vii. viii.
Italy: Rome, IT to Malta, MT Portugal: Lisbon, PT to Malta, MT
ix. x.
Slovenia: Ljubljana, SI to Malta, MT Spain: Barcelona, ES to Malta, MT
xi.
Turkey: Ankara, TR to Malta, MT
Some of the airlines operating to Malta are listed in the diagram below:
You can view Malta International Airport’s summer schedule here: Summer Flight Schedule PDF Note another route of transport to Malta is by sea using Virtu Ferries from Sicily.
Getting to the hotel Travelling from the Malta International Airport
Right outside the MIA there is a bus station (see picture above) . There are several routes which lead to the destination, however the simplest route is directly from the Airport to Bugibba. You can buy tickets from booths, ticket machines, or the bus driver. When paying the latter, correct change is appreciated. i.
Board Bus number X3, then ensure with driver the destination is Bugibba; the X3 leaves the airport 1. 2. 3.
every half-hour (xx:05 and xx:35). Ticket options are as follows: Two-hour ticket (€2.20) Day ticket (€2.60) – recommended option Week ticket (€12.00)
ii. On arrival at Bugibba terminus (last stop of the route) walk to hotel following map (see below 2 and 3), should you encounter any problems do not hesitate to ask locals/businesses for directions they should be helpful and most people are able to communicate in English. N.B.: Remember to ask driver on boarding that destination is Bugibba For further information visit Public Transport Website
Travelling from Valletta A second option could be an indirect route by going to the Valletta terminus (the central transport changeover hub) and go anywhere you want from there (see the Google link below) Link to potential routes on Google Maps
If you wish to take this less direct route by travelling to Valletta: i.
At the Airport, board Bus numbers X5, X4, or 73, then ensure with driver the destination is
Valletta. (Full routes list on Arriva website) ii. Once you arrive in Valletta, board bus numbers 12 or 31 to Bugibba terminus (confirm this with the driver on boarding) iii. On arrival in Bugibba walk to hotel following the map (see below) should you encounter any problems do not hesitate to ask locals/businesses for directions they should be helpful and most people are able to communicate decently in English. Remember to ask driver on boarding that destination is Bugibba
Travelling by taxi Alternatively one could use a taxi found outside the airport, just make sure to agree on price before boarding. Your destination is Bella Vista Hotel, Bugibba/Qawra. The trip should only take around 30 minutes and fare cost is around ₏25. N.B.: St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra, are towns that are very close to each other and might be referred to interchangeably by some locals, so don’t get confused.
Pickup system Finally the MMSA is discussing the possibility of setting up a pick up system; attendees will be notified at a later stage if this option is available.
Transport during secse events Transport for the events and social programmes will be organised by MMSA at a small fee.
Contact details Should you encounter any issues on arrival to Malta with regards to transport and getting around, the transport coordinators will assist you. Contact the following transport coordinators if you have any queries. Dale Brincat mobile number: +356 79240593 email: dalebrincat@gmail.com Stefano Fenech mobile number: +356 99029890 email: stefanofenech@hotmail.com
social programme We have a jam-packed social programme prepared for all SECSE attendees guaranteed to leave you wanting more! On Saturday we will kick off our social programme with an opening ceremony to welcome all participants. In this introductory session we will give an outline of the exciting events that will make the first edition of SECSE an unforgettable and enjoyable one. Our social programme continues on Sunday with a party that will be held at Club 8 in Paceville. This get-together will give IFMSA members an idea of the contagious vibe the heart of the Maltese clubbing scene is renowned for worldwide. Participants will also have the opportunity to make the most out of great bar offers. On Monday, an International Food and Drinks night will be held which will give the participants a chance to have a taste and a sip of delicious foreign cuisine and beverage. This event will be organised with a twist that will serve to make it all the more gratifying. More details will be released at a later date.
Secse merchandise Being “SECSE� would not be possible without some awesome SECSE merchandise to take back home with you! Once you arrive at the Bella Vista hotel for checkin, we will be providing you with stylised SECSE name tags. Please ensure that you fill in your details correctly on the registration form to avoid disappointment. Furthermore, we will also be selling SECSE t-shirts. T-shirts will be sold on a pre-order basis only, so please indicate the desired amount and size on your registration form. The front and back designs are shown below.
About malta The Republic of Malta consists of an archipelago of small islands in the heart of the Mediterranean, with the three main islands being of the largest touristic importance: Malta, Gozo and Comino. With near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best. In just a kilometre or two, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites, and still have time to join in the nightlife: this is the miracle the jewel of the Mediterranean. Whilst staying in Malta, you can span the millennia by visiting an astonishing array of historical sites and roam the gorgeous scenic nature trails to discover the rustic Mediterranean lifestyle where the scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop of honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues. The historical capital Valletta has much to offer being the commercial and administrative centre of the nation. The Grand Harbour is a site not to be missed, with marvellous views of the massive bastions protecting the capital and the surrounding Three Cities across the harbour. The areas of Sliema and St. Julian’s are renowned for their nightlife and cosmopolitan feel. Besides this the coastal north has beautiful beaches for you to work on that summer tan, whilst the urban south boasts of its picturesque villages that contrast with the ancient prehistoric temples in the mysterious rural west coast of Malta. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take a few days to explore Gozo, the best kept secret of the Mediterranean with its endless rolling green hills, stunning sparkling waters which provide the perfect diving experience and stretches of red-sanded beaches. Or why not catch a boat ride to the tiny island of Comino with its world-clas Blue Lagoon and tiny hotel settlement nestled between its largest sister islands.
During the months of summer you will also be able to enjoy a local festa, a colourful celebration of fireworks, music and religious devotion dedicated to the village patron. Malta has an abundance to offer, whether you are looking for a perfect place to hold a flawless business meeting or conference, and an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday!
(all photos in this invitation package are Š www.viewingmalta.com)