Xewkija Local Council has submitted a successful application for an EU co-funded project under the Leonardo Da Vinci Programme.

The aim of this project is that of strengthening the quality of services in the tourism sector in Gozo. For this reason, the project will ensure that eighteen young Gozitans currently attending part-time courses at the ITS (Institute for Tourism Studies) in Xewkija or are engaged in full-time employment in the tourism/hospitality industry in Gozo embark on a four-week learning experience in Valencia (Spain), Castelvenere (Italy) and Seinjoki (Finland).

This experience will ensure enhanced customer-related skills coupled with an increased ability to work in the tourism sector.

The participants visit abroad will be coupled with adequate preparatory training which includes tuition on the language of the host country coupled with appropriate knowledge of the receiving country.s culture. Furthermore, the Xewkija Local Council, through funds made available through this Leonardo Da Vinci Project, will be responsible for logistical aspects of this project including the travelling, subsistence allowance and insurance for the participants.

The selection process will be conducted by the Xewkija Local Council together with ITS. The successful applicants shall be those that demonstrate the highest level of commitment towards improving their skills in the tourism sector. Preference shall be given to those applicants who have never been abroad and show a high degree of willingness to participate in the project.

The Xewkija Local Council invites interested residents to contact Dr Monica Vella (Mayor) or Mr. Ruben Cassar (Executive Secretary) on 21558822/21565719 or xewkija.lc@gov.mt... for more information by not later than the 14th of March 2008.