A short term programme in Gerontology and Geriatrics was held at the Qawra Palace Hotel, Qawra, Malta, between the 8-20 January 2017. This programme was carried out in collaboration with INIA and the Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau (BCAB). Dr. Marvin Formosa (Director INIA) and the Hon. Dr Justyne Caruana (Junior Minister for the Rights of Persons with Disability & Active Ageing) shared a few words together in the presence of His Excellency Mr. Jiang Jiang (Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China) and Mr. Tarcisio Zammit (Administrator, INIA). In total, 18 delegates from the BCAB participated during the programme.

This multi-disciplinary two-week training programme on Gerontology and Geriatrics comprised of a good varied mix of lectures as well as site-visits to various residential settings (both from the private and public sector) as well as a day centre. The site visits included: Day Centre for the Elderly in Mellieha, St. Vincent de Paul Long-Term Care Facility, a nursing residential complex, both run by the state, Hilltop Gardens Retirement Living, a private retirement village, and Casa San Paolo, a private residential home.  Lecturing on the programme were local tutors from the University of Malta.

In welcoming the BCAB delegation to Malta, His Excellency Mr. Jiang Jiang (Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China) invited the delegation as well as INIA staff members, for an extended welcome to the embassy of the People’s Republic of China. During the event a few words were expressed by H.E. Mr. Jiang Jiang, followed by Dr. Marvin Formosa (Director, INIA) presenting a token of appreciation to His Excellency, as a sign of good will.

The close to this programme was held at the Qawra Palace Hotel, Qawra, Malta, where following a few words by Dr. Marvin Formosa (Director, INIA)  and Tarcisio Zammit (Administrator, INIA), the officials from the BCAB were awarded with a certificate in completion of this successful two-week short programme.