All About Kenza
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Nationality: Algerian
Age: 16 years old
Grade:: 11
Favourite Spots in Malta: The skate park in Msida, The azure window which fell and Nadur which is where I live in Gozo,
Best Maltese Food You’ve Tried: Pastizzi
Spoken Languages: Arabic, French, English, Maltese and a little Turkish.
Favourite Subjects at VIS: Maths, Biology and English.
1. How long have you been in Malta and can you tell us about your experiences living in Malta?
I came to Malta four years ago with my family and brother. At first, we planned to stay in Malta, but my parents changed their minds and we ended up living in Gozo instead. Gozitans were so welcoming and kind to us, that made me feel really touched. I went to an only girl’s school, that school made me who I am today, they taught me a lot of values. The friends that I made there also taught me a lot of things.
2. What encouraged you to apply for the scholarship?
The fact that I can learn to be an independent learner and develop my skills. Also the fact that I can get into a good university and pursue my dreams.
3. How did you feel when you got to know that you received the scholarship?
I was so surprised and happy I can't describe that feeling. It made me realise that I'm getting closer to my dream which is to become a surgeon.
4. What were your expectations before school started and how are they different from what you envisioned?
Trying to make friends and fit in, which wasn’t that hard since the students in my class were so welcoming and let me stay with them. I expected the environment in the school to be super strict and serious but that wasn't the case at all, there is a positive environment in the school that makes you want to learn.
5. How is learning at VIS different to your previous school? Are there different expectations?
I think my previous school focused more on dependent learning rather than independent leaning like in VIS.
6. What are your favourite subjects? Why?
My favourite subjects are maths, biology and English. I always loved these subjects but the teachers here make me love them more since they are so kind and explain the lessons really well. They also assess us differently each time.
7. How are you settling into VIS and how do you feel, now that you have been here a month?
I was so nervous on my first day of school and being shy doesn’t really help, but I learnt to speak up if I want my voice to be heard by others and that’s what I’m working on right now. I think I got used to the school right now and I really enjoy coming to it.
8. Are there any challenges you are currently facing?
Since I am a new student I am trying to find new friends in this school, the students are friendly so I am not feeling left out right now like I did when I first came in. I also hate the fact that I have to wake up at 4 am on Monday to come from Gozo, but that's not a problem at all since it is worth it.
9. How do you think this scholarship will help you develop personally, academically and socially?
I think it will help me learn more from people who came from different countries and have different values and ideas, it will also make me interact with diverse people since this is an international school. I will develop an open mind and become a person that knows about other cultures.
parents changed their minds and we ended up living in Gozo instead. Gozitans were so welcoming and kind to us, that made me feel really touched. I went to an only girl’s school, that school made me who I am today, they taught me a lot of values. The friends that I made there also taught me a lot of things.
2. What encouraged you to apply for the scholarship?
The fact that I can learn to be an independent learner and develop my skills. Also the fact that I can get into a good university and pursue my dreams.
3. How did you feel when you got to know that you received the scholarship?
I was so surprised and happy I can't describe that feeling. It made me realise that I'm getting closer to my dream of being a surgeon.
Q&A
Meet Kenza
VIS Refugee Scholarship in collaboration with UNHCR is funded by VISFund. The scholarship is aimed at a student who is in the age-range expected of a current Form 5, and is a .
a young person who is a beneficiary of international protection which includes refugee status or subsidiary protection. Kenza Lina Cheniti talks about her experience at Verdala so far.
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