Meet Cenia the Donkey: learning with patience, perseverance, and purpose

Ascencia Malta is proud to introduce its mascot, Cenia the donkey, chosen intentionally to challenge a common stereotype. In popular culture, the donkey is often seen as a symbol of slowness or lack of intelligence. In reality, donkeys are thoughtful, resilient, observant, and highly intelligent animals.

With this mascot, Ascencia Malta communicates a simple but powerful message: we are breaking stereotypes, because we believe that everyone can learn when given the right opportunity.

Our donkey represents all the people who do not believe in themselves, because that is what they were told, or because they were never given the opportunity to learn. Ascencia Malta is here to break the barriers that hinder growth and learning and to prove that, with the right method, patience, and the right tools, learning is achievable.

Cenia, the mascot, embodies the spirit behind our bold statement:

We empower everyone to learn.

This is the Ascencia Malta promise: making learning clear, accessible, and achievable for everyone

The donkey therefore becomes a symbol of:

• Perseverance
• Accessible learning
• Practical intelligence
• Hands‑on experience

Friendly, curious, and determined, Cenia accompanies students on their learning journey, showing that learning is not about innate talent, it’s about the right method, the right support, and the determination to keep going.

August is one of the most vibrant and eagerly anticipated months of the year in Malta. With long, sunny days and warm Mediterranean evenings, it is a time when families and friends make the most of the summer by visiting the beach, enjoying outdoor activities, staying out till late, and spending quality time together.

The month is also synonymous with the traditional Maltese festi, when towns and villages are beautifully decorated with colourful lights, banners, and flowers to celebrate the town’s patron saint. The celebrations include marching bands, religious processions, local delicacies, and spectacular fireworks, bringing communities together in a unique celebration of Maltese culture and heritage.

One of the highlights of the month is the Feast of Santa Marija on the 15th August, a public holiday celebrated in seven localities across the Maltese Islands. The real charm of Santa Marija is that it is not one feast, but seven, celebrated simultaneously by Mqabba, Qrendi, Mosta, Attard, Gudja, Ghaxaq, and Victoria in Gozo, and every one of them believes with total confidence that theirs is the best. Moreover, Dingli and Mgarr celebrate it a week later to allow people from neighbouring towns and villages to come to their festa. Beyond its religious significance, this date also marks one of the most important moments in Malta's history.

The Santa Marija Festa in Mosta

On 15th August 1942, during the Second World War, the Santa Marija Convoy reached Malta after a perilous journey through enemy attacks. At a time when the islands were facing severe shortages of food, fuel, and essential supplies, the arrival of the convoy, particularly the tanker Ohio, brought renewed hope and helped Malta survive one of the darkest periods in its history. Today, the Santa Marija Convoy is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the determination of the Maltese people.

Whether enjoying a traditional village feast, relaxing by the sea, or reflecting on Malta's rich history, August beautifully captures the spirit, culture, and resilience of the Maltese Islands.

The 1942 Santa Marija Convoy

MY EXPERIENCE IN MALTA AS A STUDENT OF ASCENCIA MALTA- Yvonne Appiah-Adjei

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This ancient proverb truly hits home for me as I think back on my move from the lively streets of Accra, Ghana, to the shores of Malta. I have always dreamt of studying abroad. After a lot of careful thought, I chose Malta, a decision I have absolutely no regrets about.

Moving from West Africa to Malta was a huge step, but the welcoming locals and rich culture, coupled with the fact that Malta is an English-speaking country, made me feel right at home. This move has completely reshaped both my personal life and my career goals.

I moved to Malta mainly to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management at Ascencia Malta. Before this, I spent years managing executive offices and corporate communications in Ghana. That experience made me realise that to continue to grow my career, I needed a solid, modern foundation in organisational development. Ascencia has given me exactly that, from Strategic talent acquisition and Labour law to Public Speaking and Professional Development. This program has not only improved my HR skills but has also given me a completely new perspective on human resource development.

Living and studying here has shown me that personal growth happens when you push through challenges. It isn’t easy to balance schoolwork with exploring a completely new country, but it is incredibly rewarding. I have loved combining my Ghanaian work ethic with the fresh, creative ideas I am learning in Malta.

As my time here continues, I am so grateful for the chance to add my voice to the community and share my background. A huge thank you to the Ascencia Malta team for giving me this space to share my story. Every single step of this long journey has been completely worth it.