Invitation Package I I
Mar 30, 2016
Invitation Package I I
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 I
Secse oc
OC President
Keith Pace
Logistics Coordinator
Matthew Valentino
Leisure Coordinator
Julian Agius
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Secse oc
Public Relations Coordinator
Matthew Baldacchino
Sessions Coordinator
Fabrizia Cassar
Financial Coordinator
Martina Papa
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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. MMSA-
Malta 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)
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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-mCKtOavX-
T3Jjg/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. For more information,
contact [email protected] or [email protected]
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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 €120 for early
registration and €150 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. TV
b. Cooler (at an additional cost)
c. Wi-Fi (at an additional cost)
d. 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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. 14:00 – check-in
ii. 17:30 – leave hotel for Valletta
iii. 18:30 – 20:00 – tour of Valletta
iv. 20:00 – 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. Belgium: Brussels, BE to Malta, MT
ii. Catalonia: Barcelona, ES to Malta, MT
iii. Croatia: Zagreb, HR to Malta, MT
iv. Czech Republic: Prague, CZ to Malta, MT
v. France: Paris, FR to Malta, MT
vi. Greece: Athens, GR to Malta, MT
vii. Italy: Rome, IT to Malta, MT
viii. Portugal: Lisbon, PT to Malta, MT
ix. Slovenia: Ljubljana, SI to Malta, MT
x. 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:
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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
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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 every half-hour (xx:05 and xx:35). Ticket options are as follows:
1. Two-hour ticket (€2.20)
2. Day ticket (€2.60) – recommended option
3. 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
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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
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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: [email protected]
Stefano Fenech
mobile number: +356 99029890
email: [email protected]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 © www.viewingmalta.com) I