Minister for Education and Employment Owen Bonnici was present for the opening ceremony organised by the Malta College for Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) for the new academic year.
In view of COVID-19 restrictions, the College held the event with limited participation to ensure safety, whilst encouraging staff and students to join the event virtually.
MCAST Principal and CEO Prof Joachim James Calleja was also present for the ceremony, together with President of the College’s Board of Governors Professor Ian Refalo, Permanent Secretary Dr Frank Fabri and President of the MCAST Student Council Jesmar Frendo.
MCAST opened its doors to over 1,280 students in August to complete the previous academic year, followed by 40 courses that started on the 1st of October for the new academic year.
Minister Owen Bonnici said that; “I am very satisfied with the fact that this year MCAST saw an increase of 20% in the number of applications for around 230 full-time courses. MCAST has always provided an education that goes beyond the classroom curriculum, with the opportunity to obtain internationally recognised qualifications. New study and training programs are constantly being added to the list of courses offered, so that the aim remains to address the specific needs of individual students pursuing courses at different levels while ensuring that each student has the possibility to go to higher level courses without difficulty.”
“MCAST has grown a lot and giant strides have been made for the benefit of students. Our focus is to have successful graduates who are the first choice for employers. Our goal is also for students to graduate with ambition and entrepreneurial ability so that they can succeed even if they start a company on their own. MCAST offers qualifications in the most important areas of the economy where there are the most job opportunities,” Minister Bonnici concluded.
In an encouraging message to students and lecturing staff members, Principal and CEO Prof Joachim James Calleja said; “As we welcome you in exceptional circumstances, I know that the past months have been difficult. The abrupt closing of our campuses in March and the transition to online and face-to-face learning has made us deeply appreciate the resilience and connection of our MCAST community. As we adapt to safety practices and welcome you back on campus, we will keep ensuring continuity in the quality of your education. Now more than ever, we need to make sure that you keep aiming high in your learning, career and life aspirations. To all students, I urge you to actively participate in your education and training and to air your expectations as often as possible. A strong student voice makes a difference to the services that we offer.”
The President of the MCAST Student Council Jesmar Frendo said that this was a time when students needed to work together to support each other. He urged students to reach out for help when needed, as services like those offered by the College’s Wellbeing Hub are open to all.
In addressing international students, Creative Arts student Astrid Dorekens said; “MCAST is not just a choice to follow your career path; our community welcomes the language, the culture and the diversity you bring with you.”
The ceremony closed with a prayer by representatives from different religions.
This year, the College registered an increase of 20% in the number of applications received for students to join around 230 full-time courses.
