As the temperatures begin to drop and families ease back into their winter routines, we at ĠEMMA are starting to see the fruits of the preparatory work carried out during the hot summer months.
Our dedicated educators are kicking off ĠEMMA’s financial literacy sessions as part of the Klabb 3-16 programme. To further engage children, we’ve once again teamed up with Hej! a fun and interactive TV programme designed especially for young audiences. Through this platform, we’ll be introducing key financial concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. We’re also excited to be launching a brand-new activity book aimed at school-aged children. It’s designed to keep young minds active while encouraging meaningful financial discussions at home.
ĠEMMA newsletter
THANK YOU
ĠEMMA also continues to engage with older generations. We recently connected with young adults during Freshers’ Week and reached out to the wider public through our presence at Notte Bianca. We’re committed to meeting people where they are whether in educational institutions, workplaces, or community spaces, so we invite you to reach out to us should you be interested in a FREE, tailormade session for your team!
Regular sessions are ongoing with residents at Dar Kenn għal Saħħtek, and we’re expanding our outreach to new groups including migrant communities. We have recently been focusing on increasing our outreach to youth organisations and in the past weeks we even offered a session to the Scouts. Sessions are also being planned for expectant parents as part of the Parentcraft Services courses.
Our team is always working to reach and support more individuals, but we’d also like to take a moment to sincerely thank you our followers for your ongoing support. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you in the coming months. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit our blog, and if you’re part of an SME, don’t miss the chance to register for our upcoming webinars, which will take place in the first weeks of 2026. These sessions will feature expert insights on key topics, along with the opportunity to have your questions answered.
Warm regards, The ĠEMMA Team
CREDITS
All Members
Ġemma Team
All Contributors
Freelancers
Content Coordinator
Daniela Xuereb
Proof-Reading
Grazio Barbara
Helena Holland
Graphics Production
Peter Miceli Saydon
Distribution
Archibald Attard
Media Editor MSPC
Tonio Bonello
ĠEMMA Newsletter is another publication produced and distributed by the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’ s Rights. Along with this newsletter, the Ministry produce several other publications under the brand name FAMILJA.
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If you require further information or would like to contact us, you can write to ĠEMMA Team on our email address: gemma@gov.mt or visit ĠEMMA website: www.gemma.gov.mt
You may also write to the Ministry Communications Unit about anything related to media and communications on familja.media@gov.mt
THE FINFLUENCER PHENOMENON
Social media has become a powerful channel for financial information, with “finfluencers” – financial influencers – gaining large followings on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These personalities share tips, personal finance experiences, and even promote products and services, often in engaging and easy-to-understand formats. However, while their content may appear more accessibleand free - compared to licensed financial advice, it often lacks balance, with risks downplayed and potential gains exaggerated. Many finfluencers are
their activity may even cross into unauthorised business, leaving audiences vulnerable.
To stay safe, individuals should always verify whether firms promoted online are licenced in Malta through the MFSA’s Financial Services Register, available on its website, and remain cautious of hard-selling techniques such as seminars or testimonials promising easy profits. Deceptive marketing is common, and scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Ultimately, the golden rule remains: if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE
FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE
Take the opportunity to test your financial literacy and share your best money advice for a chance to win worth of €100 One4All Vouchers. To take part in this competition:
Solve 8 money and financial clues by filling in the blanks (each answer can be either of one word or two words as indicated)
Send your best personal money tip in one sentence, example, “Don’t rush into buying something expensive. If you still want it after some time, then it is truly worth buying.” A selection of readers’ best tips will be published on our website www.gemma.gov.mt
Email your answers and money tip to gemma@gov.mt with the subject FINANCIAL LITERACY CHALLENGE together with the following details:
Name & Surname
Mobile Number
CLOSING DATE: 31st December, 2025
MONEY AND FINANCIAL CLUES
1. I grow when you feed me but vanish if you spend me. I keep you safe in hard times. __ __ V __ __ G__
2. I come after your effort, expect me end of month, I am the lifesaver for your wants, but first I must cover your needs. S__ L__ __ __
3. I can be plastic or digital, I swipe or tap with ease. Overspend with me, face the bill and I will bring you into tears __ R __ __ I __ C __ __ __
4. I am the plan for your money, each euro has a place. Follow me closely, and you will stay in the race. __ U __ G __ __
5. I can be big or small, I may help dreams come true. But if you don’t repay me, trouble will be faced. __ __ __ N
6. The price you pay to borrow, expressed as a rate. Ignore me and your debt grows in weight. __ N __ __R __ __ __
7. You can’t see me in your wallet, but I take a slice away. I help build roads, schools and many other things. __ A __
8. I am a future helper, if you put me aside today, I will grow till you retire. For your later years of rest, I am the gift you will come to use. __ __ N S __ __ __
AFFORDABLE GIFTS THAT TRULY MATTER
by Amanda Lia
Give us a nod if the holiday season and giftgiving expectations stress you out. So why not try a different approach this December? Experiences over material items. Hear us out: experiences create lasting memories, strengthen relationships, and even save money.
1.Sharing activities with friends and families brings you closer
2.Experiences can be low-cost or even free
3.From a sustainability perspective: less waste, less clutter!
Experience ideas for the season:
• Nature & Outdoors: Pack a family picnic in Buskett or enjoy some fresh air at the beach. Simple, relaxing.
• Cultural Events: Treat someone to a local theatre performance or a visit to heritage sites. Many offer affordable or discounted entry.
• Personalised Vouchers: Homemade vouchers make thoughtful, unforgettable gifts. Babysitting for a busy parent, a homecooked meal for a friend, or a fun day out together can create memories that last far longer than any store-bought item.
Quick tips to gift experiences smartly:
• Plan to avoid last-minute stress and higher costs.
• Consider the recipient’ s interests and schedule.
• Pair the experience with a small, thoughtful touch, like a handwritten note, to make it extra special.
So this December focus on shared moments instead of expensive items. The laughter, connection, and memories go far beyond the excitement of unwrapping a present. Make those moments even sweeter with simple, delicious and walletfriendly recipes prepared by Peter, a dedicated member of the ĠEMMA team: https:// gemma.gov.mt/healthlifestyle/
