During a press conference that was held at the Institute of Tourism Studies at the Gozo Campus in Qala, Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli announced that practical recovery sessions shall start from the 1st of September 2020.
These sessions are part of the vocational programmes at ITS and are intended to cover the previously missed sessions that should have been held during the second semester of the previous academic year, which were subsequently suspended due to the pandemic. 179 students will be commencing these recovery sessions which will amount to 160 sessions in three different areas of study.
ITS was the first educational institute whose classes all went online immediately, following closure of local educational institutions last March.
The Minister added that the practical element is crucial for vocational education and training at ITS. As soon as the health authorities instructed the immediate closure of schools, the executive and management team at ITS worked tirelessly to find a solution to offer practical recovery sessions that are essential for the respective vocational programmes.
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli communicated that strict health and safety procedures as issued by the authorities will be upheld during the recovery sessions so that the health of all students, lecturers, academic and administrative staff is safeguarded.
In view of the special circumstances present during practical sessions, the Institute of Tourism Studies has also issued supplementary protocols to cover all bases. This is to ensure that a safe and secure environment is guaranteed for all persons involved.
The Minister thanked the teachers’ union for working closely with the executive team at ITS, so that the necessary protocols and guidelines are efficiently and effectively implemented, thus minimising risks. Moreover, the chairperson of the Institute of Tourism Studies Carlo Micallef showed his appreciation towards all employees at ITS, who worked determinedly during the summer months so that the recovery sessions are successful, and so that once again the Institute can receive students at the start of the academic year in October.
