Last July the Maltese Community Council of Victoria announced the eligibility criteria that apply for the selection of successful applicants for scholarships to be awarded by Bishop Joe Grech Memorial Fund established in March 2011.
The aims of the scholarship are to enable young persons of Maltese origin resident in the State of Victoria to continue in the footsteps of the late Bishop Joe Grech and, in particular, to encourage interest in Maltese culture.
For this purpose, the Scholarship will provide funds for one or more persons to visit Malta to participate in various cultural activities and appreciate the Maltese culture first hand.
While there are no minimum educational qualifications for applicants to apply for a scholarship, candidates must be between 18 and 35 years of age (preferably under 30). The intention is to eventually make two scholarships available annually, one for a male applicant and one for a female.
Candidates will be selected on the basis of their current and expected interest in Maltese history and culture. This could be demonstrated by, for instance:
- a knowledge of Maltese history and Maltese current affairs,
- participation in Maltese functions in Victoria,
- attendance at Maltese Historical Association meetings, and
- participation in activities of the wider Australian community.
Applicants will need to complete an application form and provide a CV highlighting their interests and activities by June 2012.
Anyone interested in applying for a scholarship next year should start to prepare for the scholarship by taking an interest in Maltese history and culture. They are encouraged to attend activities of the Maltese community in Victoria, particularly those organised by MCCV-affiliated organisations, such as, the Maltese Historical Association of Australia, which holds a monthly lecture where a guest speaker addresses its members on a topic relating to Maltese history and culture. These lectures are free and open to the public.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an interview. Eligibility will be limited to residents of the State of Victoria. The decision of the selection panel will be final.
The selection panel will consist of the following:
- a representative of the Maltese Community Council of Victoria,
- representative/s of the Bishop Joe Grech Memorial Fund,
- an eminent person of non-Maltese background, and
- other distinguished persons.
The funds available for the scholarship will be announced in due course. It will vary depending on the availability of funds, but it is not expected to be less than $500.
Successful candidates will be expected to continue their interest on their return from Malta. In particular, they would be expected to take part in efforts to generate interest in Maltese culture among Maltese-Australian youth.
Application forms will be made available in due course from the MCCV office at the Maltese Centre in Parkville. An electronic version will also be made available for downloading from the MCCV website.
Completed applications should be posted to:
The Secretary
Bishop Joe Grech Memorial Fund
c/- The Maltese Community Council of Victoria
477 Royal Parade
Parkville VIC 3052
They may also be scanned and sent electronically by email to: [email protected].
