Dec 18 – ‘Youniversity’ Student Guide Launched
“Youniversity” - Gibraltar's first ever student university guidebook – was launched yesterday evening by the Minister for Education in Sacarello’s Coffee Shop.
The guidebook is the brainchild of Philip Vasquez who surveyed local students and quizzed Government officials to determine what problems those who go abroad to study frequently encounter.
The book is full of handy tips on travelling, managing your money and what to pack before starting your new uni life.
Philip was assisted by Stefano Blanca Sciacaluga and Rachel Payas.
All proceeds from sales will be donated to two charities: Pathway Through Pain and Research Into Childhood Cancer (RICC).
The Minister for Education, Gilbert Licudi, said: “It’s a great privilege for me to launch this book so soon after the opening of our own university. Sometimes, students go away to study and they don’t know the extent of the change that this involves so any advice that can help is most welcome.”
Speaking at the launch, Philip thanked The Newton Store, Beacon Press and Lewis Stagnetto who, as the book’s partners, have made funds available to ensure the project got off the ground. Sponsors will also be instrumental in ensuring that the book and website can continue being updated in the future.
Philip explained the reason why he came up with the project: “The book was done because there are a few problems that people don’t really tell you about before you go and study. You’re spoon-fed all the way through your school years and then you get to university and you’re a bit out of your depth.”
Mr Darren Grech attended the event in a dual role: he was widely consulted by Philip in his role as Senior Education Adviser and he’s also the founder of Pathway Through Pain, one of the charitable recipients of the book’s sales.
He said: “It’s a pleasure to see the final product and it’s most certainly going to help students at university.”
Mr Grech added that Gibraltarians were lucky because, apart from having their further education funded by the Government, they also lived in and contributed to an extremely “generous and charitable society”.
Mr Craig Sacarello of RICC said: “What makes Gibraltar such a great place to live in is that everyone cares and we see acts of compassion and friendship – it’s really refreshing to see the younger generation coming through and following this too.”
The book is available in both print and Kindle editions on Amazon, locally at L Sacarello's in Main Street and from WHSmith in Gibraltar International Airport.
Check out their website: http://www.youniversity.co.uk/#
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