Leadership Training ▲

On Friday evening 50 leaders' from various ZAK localities met at ZAK house in B'Kara for a weekend program. After the introductions we were divided into 2 groups: those who had already done similar training and those who were having their first experience. In all we had one session on Friday evening, 4 on Saturday and another 2 on the Sunday.

Those who were there for the first time learnt how to organise creative meetings for the youth and how to control time. They actively took part in games and ice-breakers so as to be able to organise them themselves. The group who were having their second experience learnt how to motivate the youth, work better with fellow leaders, observe and how to make certain decisions.

Everyone met together for prayers, meals, a game and a party on Saturday evening. On Sunday afternoon there was the support group for the month of February with other leaders not participating for the weekend also in attendance. The weekend also gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better.

Groups Day - Valletta ▲

This activity was organised in front of the law courts between 9:00 and 12:00. It was organised by ZAK, Museum, Legion of Mary, Youth Fellowship and Mixja. Marvic was hosting the event and ZAK was represented by Rahal Gdid Kristu Re who gave us a sketch about the differences between a wasteful life and a life watched over by God. Stephanie from Mgarr danced to the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, the Haz-Zabbar group presented a sketch about forgiveness while other members from Mgarr and from Rahal Gdid Lourdes gave out stickers and hearts for the occasion. Other organisations presented experiences, song and music. The reason for this activity was so that various Catholic organisations work together on one project and to show that youth are capable of working towards the good of the Church in Malta.

Night hike ▲

The Mosta group organised a hike in the Mosta valley. All centres were invited and the turnout was very good. After viewing a preview of their coming play, we all walked into the valley. We stopped 5 times along the route so that we could have time for reflections. The final reflection was held in the oratory chapel where we found the pews set up for the occasion surrounding a statue of Our Lady. All present were given a bookmark as a memento.

Foreign leadership training ▲

Jesus Christ Superstar ▲

The B'Buga group organised this classical musical for the Easter period. It was very well attended and for those watching it, it was evident that a lot of work was put into it by all those who participated. It was also a chance for many people who are not members of ZAK to work closely with the group on a common project.

St. Julian's sports marathon▲

The St. Julians group organised a 26 hour indoor sports marathon which consisted of table tennis, table soccer, snooker, american pool and other board games. The aim was to attract new members to the group and also for the group to work better together. Other activities included a disco and some dances. There was a nice atmosphere especially when other ZAK centres or other individuals visited.

Mass ▲

Members from the Qrendi group and representatives from other groups met at the Ta' Giezu church in Valletta to animate the 18:15 Mass. The animation consisted of singing, reading the lessons and prayers and also conducting the adoration at the end of the Mass. The main topic of our prayers was for peace in the middle east.

Pentecost Vigil ▲

ZAK members spent most of the day preparing for the evening vigil. The Vigil Mass celebrated by the Archbishop started at about 20:00 with the animation of various organisations who took care of the songs, readings, etc. ZAK's involvement started with the ushering of all the people during Holy Communion. Soon after two members from ZAK Mgarr presented a dance on the Church parvis. Finally various members sung a song written specially for the occasion and in the meantime balloons and papers printed with a dove (the Holy Spirit) were thrown down from the roofs, creating a nice spectacle. The people then left in peace with the Holy Spirit with them.

Euroforum ▲

This year's Euroforum (2002) was hosted by SUK (Sveriges Unga Katoliker) in Hasselholm, Sweden between the 9th - 12th May.
The theme of this year's Euroforum was titled 'Unity in Plurality'.  The theme was built on the three pillars of the church: diaconia, cononia and liturgia.  Several workshops representing these pillars were presented to the participants who were Joe Tuema, Marie Claire Camilleri (ZAK Mgarr), Graziella  Fenech (ZAK Mgarr), Sharon Cilia (ZAK Zebbug), Franklin Calleja (ZAK Lourdes), Nikki Distefano (ZAK Ibrag) and Daniela Spiteri Camoin (ZAK B'Kara). The experience was great fun and very informative.  It not only provided us with the opportunity of making new friends, revisiting old ones and establishing new contacts for future projects, but also gave us fresh ideas for ZAK in general.
Euroforum 2003 will be held in The Netherlands, hosted by Jong Nederland.

by Daniela Spiteri Camoin

BBQ ▲

Some 240 members met at Little Armier at 17:00 for our annual BBQ together. At 18:00 we started with the games which were new ones and old, some on the sand and others in the sea. By 19:30 the food had started to be given out so that an hour later everyone was ready for the reflections. There was a nice atmosphere with everyone gathered round the pond made for the occasion. Finally we had a party there on the beach as each group started to leave bit by bit, the beach being cleared by 23:00.

Annual general meeting ▲

Members started gathering as early as 16:30 so as to decorate and get the place ready. By 17:30 the members of other branches of the Azzjoni Kattolika had gathered and we started with a prayer, video, some explanations and an overview by Ms. Ninette Borg Grech. Each branch had, for the occasion, transformed their room into promotion centres. All members present then went from one room to the next getting to know what was going on in general. To close it all off we had a prayer.

Denmark 2002 – Fiona Bonnici ▲

 In July 2002 I had the opportunity to go Denmark to participate in Youth 2002, a seminar, which concerned the European Union in Denmark. Although it has nothing to do with spirituality, it still concerned youth and new experiences.

The aim of this trip was for 1000 youths Europe’s generation from all around Europe to meet and discuss important issues in order to come up with a constitution for the future European Union. Apart from three ZAK members, there were other Maltese people whom I got to know during this trip. Once we arrived in Denmark we met with other youths in Copenhagen and had meetings with people of high rank like the Prime Minister as well as in the evening we attended a concert organised especially for us 1000 youths.

The following day we left separately for 13 different schools scattered around Denmark. In my High School there was no other Maltese people. My first reaction when I learnt this when I was still in Malta was to change my mind and not go at all. However, I pulled up courage and decided to go. And in fact I do not regret it because there I met many people with different cultural backgrounds as well as opinions. Some of the people I met there I am still in contact with to this present day.

We had meetings and discussions, had the chance to express our opinions and vote for different proposals regarding the constitution, as well as had the chance to tell them about our country and even about ZAK. In the evenings, after a long day of discussions and debates we usually ended up relaxing over a cup of tea and delicious pieces of cake talking with other participants or else partying.

This experience taught me to accept other people’s opinions and opened up more of my knowledge about the aspects concerning the European Union. It made me learn about other different cultures and about other youths. Such experience makes you grow and be much more responsible. Anyone should take an opportunity to go abroad and broaden up their view about other countries and cultures.

Leadership training in Holland ▲

In my opinion this is an experience that helps a person to develop in various ways.  It is a situation when one learns to be predisposed to make the best out of others’ critic and an opportunity to receive feedback from people that try to help you. (Daniela).

The experience in these two weeks was great – it is an experience that will remain with me for the rest of my life. I had already experienced similar things back in Malta, and even a seminar in Germany, but the atmosphere created here was so different from anything that I was expecting that I am still impressed. (Janice).

I really had fun during the last two weeks, when I was doing my leadership course. It was more than worth it to come and spend 15 days at Ommen. I learnt a lot from this experience and this would be very useful in my everyday life in Malta. (Roberta).

The first part was focused on exercises that make us reflect on our weak points and work on them. The first few days also aimed at getting to know each other and observe the different roles each participant took. (Brian).

The outdoor training continued to prove how necessary team work really is and how essential it is that a team functions at 100% in order to succeed.  Had we not worked as a team and helped each other out we would not have succeeded in reaching our goal.  The outdoor training experience was great and it gave us a chance to put into practice what we had learnt during the first week of the course. (Chris).

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World Youth Day ▲

12 members left together on Sunday the 14th July 2002 for Toronto in Canada. The first few days were spent going around the city and sightseeing. On Thursday the 18th July we went to St. Catherine's were we were all welcomed into host families. Over there we met some Indonesians and all together we visited the Niagara falls on the next day. The first WYD activity was a Mass for all youths being hosted in St. Catherine's. This took place on the Friday evening and was celebrated by Bishop James Wingle, the bishop of Canada. We then had group activities till we left for Toronto on Monday the 22nd July. This time we were hosted by Maltese families living in Toronto on Dundas street. Tuesday the 23rd July was the start of the activities at exhibition place. In the afternoon there was a welcoming Mass attended by thousands of youths and during the Mass the Pope arrived in Canada and flew above the crowd in a helicopter. On Wednesday there was Catecheses and Mass in the morning and various activities and stands in the afternoon. On Thursday we had Catecheses and Mass in the morning and in the afternoon the Pope came to greet us all. In the evening we had a FIMCAP evening which was well attended. Friday again consisted of Catecheses and Mass in the morning and then there was The Way Of The Cross acted out along the streets of Toronto and followed by all pilgrims at the various stations. The Pope was watching it via satellite from his island retreat. On Saturday we had a Mass together in St. Paul's, which is the Maltese Parish in Toronto and then we left for the walk to Downsview lands. Once there everyone settled down and as soon as it was dark there was a night vigil with the Pope in attendance. Everyone slept, or tried to sleep, only to be woken up by the rain at 6.00 in the morning. It rained quite hard and we quickly covered the bags with plastic and put on our raincoats. Later on the Pope came and he said Mass for all those present. The end of the WYD came when the Pope announced that the next WYD would be in Cologne, Germany in 2005. Our group then spent another 4 days sightseeing and left on Thursday evening arriving in Malta on Saturday the 3rd of August.

Roundabout project between ZAK Zurrieq and Chiro (Belgium) - Sarah Marie Spiteri ▲

Roundabout project. What about it??!! That was my first reaction when I heard this rumour going about in our Zurrieq youth centre. To my surprise, it was no rumour at all!!

Forming part of the ZAK 'Zghazagh Azzjoni Kattolika', a roundabout project was always on our schedule! When, we didn't know! Our friends from other villages forming part in the ZAK as well had done roundabout projects before and it was always a success!! This was an encouragement to us to go ahead with our plans!
Although I've never had an experience in a roundabout project before, I was on pinpricks to fill in the application.  Hearing friends talk about their wonderful experiences made me more powerful to take part, in order to have my own experiences to tell others.

After a lot of discussions, we decided to do this roundabout project with Belgians. Others hosted Spanish people but we wanted something different-we always like to be unique!!  A lot of preparation and work had to be done!
The Maltese members taking part had to plan the whole program for an entire week and this included preparation for food, lodging, places to visit and to do workshops in, amongst others.  We stuck together and managed to overcome all obstacles.  We also needed financial help so we applied in the EU program-youth for Europe who willingly gave their fair share.
This all took place between the 10th and the 17th of August.  Finally, the most awaited day had arrived. The Chiro Kemzeke and the Chiro Stekene had both arrived in Malta and we spent the first two days getting to know each other better.  Some were a bit resistant at first and found it quite difficult to socialise but as time has gone by, a new family was created.
The theme of our program was 'The Maltese way of life' and to convey this subject, we took the Belgians to a typical Maltese feast, to the beach and Comino, where we did some really intense workshops such as water games and the 'Castaway' game, surviving on an island.  We also made use of the public transport, took them to Mdina and San Anton Gardens, where there were two people who came especially to show the Belgians how to play typical Maltese games such as 'passju'.
The week had flown by and so did the Belgians!!!! It was over but no one wanted to let go of that wonderful experience!! We learned and grew up together in that week!! There was a lot of kisses, hugs, signatures, photos and last but not least tears at the airport!! It was hard to say goodbye!!
Between us we created a family that nothing can tear it apart!! Now, although they're gone, we still cherish our precious moments in our hearts and we will continue to do so every day of our lives. These experiences are carved in our hearts, never to be forgotten. We can't wait to see them again next year. We already miss them very much.
Special thanks to all ZAK Leaders, the Zurrieq local mayor Ignatius Farrugia and all those who helped willingly!!
 

Summer Camp ▲

Thursday : At 8:00 the first participants were arriving and before long there were 60. After an introduction and ice-breakers, everyone was divided into groups and went for the different workshops. These went on all morning till it was time to eat. Cooling down time came when there were the water games and then there was a short break during which one could prepare for Mass. The Mass itself was the highlight of the day with all participants taking part in a procession with the Cross. It was a very colourful Mass which was liked by all.

Friday : The participants arrived at 17:00 and there were about 120 in all. Again there was an introduction and ice-breakers this time followed by dinner. Next were the reflections in the Chapel and then the big game which consisted of many smaller challenges.

Saturday : Once breakfast was over, the participants were divided into groups and spent the morning going round the workshops. This was true also once lunch was over and there was a break before the evening activities. Reflections by the campfire were followed by a B.B.Q, a talent show and a disco. Everyone was very tired by now and gladly slept.

Sunday : Breakfast was followed by the final session of workshops which took till lunch-time. A break included preparation for Mass and then we had the Mass itself which included a procession with the Cross. The parents were starting to arrive by the time that Mass was over and most participants were very sorry to leave for home.

Assemblea Generali ▲

This year's assemblea was held at the Mosta oratory on Sunday 6th October. We started off at 9:00 with a presentation about Malta and it's culture. This was followed by Mass and a discussion. Finally we had a few words from Bishop Annetto Depasquale. As usual, once the occasion was prepared by us youths, there was a lot of light, video and audio effects to make the assemblea even more spectacular. At 12:00, when the main activity had finished, some 120 youths had a hike to Ta' Qali to spend the afternoon. Most of the time was spent in relaxing, socializing and playing football, however there was also an hour of organised games during which the youths were divided into teams and faced various tasks.

EYCE’s TETE-B Study Session “Getting Organised” 2002 - Andrew Calleja ▲

In November 2002, from the 10^th to the 17^th, Antonello Abela of ZAK Paola Kristu Re, Christopher Borg of ZAK Birkirkara and me, Andrew of ZAK Hal Tarxien participated in a seminar organised by EYCE at the European Youth Centre in Budapest.  There we met other youths from all over Europe… Poland, Lithuania, Russia, Italy, Latvia, UK, Finland, Sweden, Syria, Estonia, Hungary, Germany, Iceland, Romania and Switzerland.

 As the name of the seminar shows, it was about organising projects and events.  Some topics which were discussed in this seminar were

• fundraising: how to get funds and from where one can get them

• budgeting: how to plan a budget and how to record the actual expenses

• negotiation skills: how to behave when dealing with potential donors or other persons…and…

• communication skills: vital when organising and coordinating a project or event.

Apart from lectures about the above topics, we participated in simulation games which helped us a lot to understand better the practicalities involved when organising projects.

In the evenings, we had ecumenical prayers where we prayed and sang to the Lord in many different languages.  Later in the evenings, we had social activities where we got to know the other participants better, sing and dance to tunes from around Europe and, taste food and drinks from the different countries.

 Now, after the seminar, we and the participants still communicate via e-mails and even organise online ecumenical prayers.  Apart from the fun, in EYCE seminars, one can learn many new concepts and skills which are extremely useful to be a well-prepared leader in our youths groups!

 More info and photos of this EYCE seminar:

Ranftreffen Walk ▲

A Walk To Remember!!…..and such a one it was for us three Maltese girls who visited Haarlem and took part in the Ranfttreffen.  Actually we did not know what awaited us…..although we could have imagined. 

Can you imagine three Maltese girls, never accustomed to walk, following three Chiro people for an unknown destination?  This is how our story started.

Well, apart from our survival experience we had a very good time especially in getting to know people and during the sharing of experiences in the workshops.  In fact these workshops held  at different stops during the walk, led to interesting discussions, which helped us to reflect on the theme IDEE.  The workshops in the last stop offered creative opportunities which we thoroughly enjoyed.  Although we felt it was a very long and tiring walk for us, the view of the lit-up Ranft valley, by thousands of tiny candles was a rewarding sight.

 We are sure we will always treasure this experience and thank the Blauring/ Jungwacht   who gave us this opportunity in sharing this annual big event.

 Christine, Marvic and Nathalie.

December Support Group ▲

About 45 members coming from all the different ZAK groups around the island, met at B'Kara for the final support group of the year and also to have a meal together. For many of us this was the last chance to exchange Christmas greetings. We had a short meeting where news and future activities were shared by one and all. Following this we sat down to a delicious meal of lasagna or tortellini cooked by some of those present. As members began leaving, one could hear many "Merry Christmas's" going around from person to person.

New Year's Eve Party ▲

Like the past two years we ended the year all together for a new year's eve party. The turnout this year was even better than last year as we were some 190 persons attending. We started the evening with a thanksgiving Mass after which we presented Miriam, Joe and Marvic with tokens of our appreciation for all the work that they do during the year. Then the disco party started. There was plenty of food and drink along with the music and lights. Shortly before midnight we had a short animation and then we started the actual new year with more dancing.