Education to fight fear of double insularity • new MCAST campus opens in Gozo

Education is key to fighting insularity and the fear that arises out of it, according to MCAST chairman Silvio de Bono.

A new MCAST campus is being inaugurated this evening in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, bringing together two centres previously located in Xewkija and Xaghra and offering an array of subjects in vocational training.

A total of 318 students will be attending the courses offered by the Gozo campus, 132 of which are new students.

The new campus in Gozo cost an investment of €400,000 which included a new workshop area and computer labs with parquet flooring. Internet and Wi-Fi are available throughout the whole campus and students will now enjoy form a new leisure area, new library facilities and improved building services.

The Ghajnsielem campus is another project which aims to provide Gozitan students with top level education in Gozo pic.twitter.com/3lFi3R4GeG

— @edukazzjoni (@edukazzjoni) October 6, 2014

In comments to MaltaToday, de Bono said due importance had to be given to vocational education and increase in the number of students applying for vocational education.

“The opening of this new campus is a very important milestone. We are now offering good facilities in one location and promoting new areas of trade,” he said.

De Bono explained that this was very much in line with the government’s national policy to give Gozo “a fresh of breath air” and ensure that Gozitan students have access to full facilities and expand their knowledge.

“It forms part of the national policy to give impetus to Gozo. The first step to fight double insularity is to fight the fear of it. Education, not only academic but also vocational, can cut through it, helping the individuals to open up and realise their own potential,” he said.