When Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the Maltese College of Arts, Science and Technology, MCAST, in the Paola Gdid campus, he stressed that the opportunities for MCAST students must translate into experiences of ‘ success. Dr Abela, accompanied by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, met the students during Freshers’ Week which is being held to welcome the 8,000 students.
The Prime Minister spoke to the students including sitting with them in the college canteen. There were several themes that arose, from new courses offered, to the opportunities in the field of vocational education, to even the current situation on the issue of the collective agreement between the representatives of the lecturers and the management of -MCAST.
Robert Abela noted that at the beginning of this summer, the Government intervened so that the students get what they deserve, that is to say they receive the assessment of the work they carried out during the year of teaching at MCAST. He said however that this was a temporary solution that must now be complemented with an agreement that gives stability to everyone.
Prime Minister Robert Abela explained that the lecturers deserve the best conditions and an agreement as the Government has already secured with the same union for educators in State and Church schools. Dr. Abela called for the discussions to continue to reach another agreement that would mean another strong agreement that everyone would benefit from.
Prime Minister Abela also spoke to the student unions and the Student Council of MCAST. This is apart from young people from many organizations who are participating in MCAST’s Freshers’ Week where there are 150 organizations present, including 60 non-governmental organizations.
During Freshers’ Week at MCAST, the main message is ‘Your success story, starts here’, where students are being encouraged to continue their educational journey and gain more skills that will lead them to quality careers .
Photograph (OPM-DOI)
