U.S. Embassy honors Fulbright English Teaching Assistants

Eric Catalfamo (right) with the two ETAs (center) at the reception.  Full Size

On June 24, PAO Eric Catalfamo hosted a reception in honor of English Teaching Assistants (ETA) Megan Moskop and Peter Bouck.  Guests included University and Ministry of Education officials and teachers who worked closely with the English Teaching Assistants during their program in Malta between October 2008 and June 2009.  Officials and teachers commented on the  invaluable assistance the ETAs gave to the English Language departments at the University of Malta and in two of the local state schools.  Ms. Moskop and Mr. Bouck did not limit their activities to the English Teaching Assistant program but were always ready to volunteer  their time to the Embassy’s Community Outreach Program in schools and local councils.  Through these additional outreach activities and as part of the Embassy’s extended community they were excellent ‘Cultural Ambassadors’ furthering the U.S.-Maltese bilateral relations in the field of education and culture.  Ms. Moskop and Mr. Bouck have demonstrated academic and cultural diplomacy at its finest.

MALTESE-AMERICAN ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL CHARITIES

Acting DCM Marietta Bartoletti (center left) with representatives from the charitable organizations.  Full Size

In a ceremony held June 22 at the U.S. Embassy in Floriana, Ms. Marietta Bartoletti, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, presented checks from the American Foundation for Maltese Charities to six Maltese charitable organizations.  For more than 40 years, the American Foundation for Maltese Charities has raised funds to help Maltese citizens in need.  Mr. Joseph Micallef, Honorary Consul of Malta in Minnesota, was in Malta for this occasion, together with his wife and family.

In her remarks, Ms. Bartoletti said that she was proud to be able to distribute the funds and praised the excellent work of the local charities.  Ms. Bartoletti commented that these funds, which are donated by Maltese and Gozitans living in the United States and Canada, came from people who have achieved success in their new homelands but have not forgotten their roots and who remain committed to sharing their success with fellow Maltese.  Speaking to representatives from each charity, Ms. Bartoletti said “On behalf of the American Foundation for Maltese Charities, we salute you and commend you for your tireless efforts on behalf of those less fortunate.”   Mr. Micallef echoed these comments and spoke about the commitment of the Maltese community in the U.S. to their native homeland.

President Barack Obama proclaims June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month

On June 1, 2009 President Barack Obama proclaimed June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.  Calling upon the people of the United States “to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists,” President Obama said he continued to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans.  “As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected.  If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit,” he added.

The full text of the President’s proclamation can be accessed at the link below:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-LGBT-Pride-Month/