Following World War II, students around the world sought to develop intercultural dialogue through student travel. In the long term, they aimed at preventing the break out of a third world war. In 1954, Maltese university joined their European counterparts to develop student exchange programmes. Back then, members of the student council travelled to a number of countries, establishing a solid foundation for international relations still evident nowadays.
Eventually, foreign students started visiting our islands. This provided for the origins of the National Student Travel Foundation (NSTF).
Inevitably, such student exchange programmes are subject to criticism from some, who argue that students visiting Malta cause disturbance for the locals. However, Mr Stivala says that the benefits such programmes provide for our country strongly outweigh any downfalls.
Today, students exchange programmes such as Erasmus are funded by the European Union. However, in the past, it was NSTF which provided for travel expenses for local students. At the time, NSTF ran a series of charter flights to provide low cost flights for students. Students paid a sheer €25 to go to Rome, for example. Low cost deals then replaced the charter flights in summer, to provide a year round facility on all Air Malta’s networks.
“At the core of its development, the foundation sought to compliment formal education through non-formal methods. The educators within schools were doing a great deal, however students required other skills not taught within the formal educational structure.”
Music, a universal language, provided for a foundation for this non-formal educational concept. NSTF organised a series of international music festivals spread over a fortnight, and musicians from different countries visited our island.
Since then, the foundation developed immensely. “Greatness has been achieved. Over the past 60 years, the foundation has continuously developed and improved. “NSTF gives you the tools for you to select what you want to do.”
Mini European Assembly – providing for ambassadors, journalists and executives
One of the most popular projects of NSTF is without doubt the Mini European Assembly (MEA). Launched in 1989, the MEA gives Maltese youths a chance to acquire hands on knowledge on European politics.
“Students are being prepared for life; they are being taught soft skills – negotiation, debating, research and public speaking skills. Participants are encouraged to listen and take into consideration what the needs and opinions of other member states are. This induces a sense of tolerance. Debating also leads to compromise, and consensus building. One can definitely sense commitment within former participants of MEA.”
Last Month, participants of MEA 2013/2014, spoke with The Malta Independent, expressing how, the experience has allowed them not only to develop their ideas but also to be able to publicly present them.
In the 1990s, all diplomats assigned by the foreign office in Malta were former participants of the MEA. Other former participants are today ambassadors, journalists, business people and executives within renowned airline companies such as Air Malta and Emirates.
Developing a new manner in which students approach the study of science
Other exceedingly popular projects by NSTF are related to science. In the 1980’s, the foundation collaborated with The Science International Youth Forum, to provide hands on projects for science students.
“Science is within our everyday life. We needed to develop a new manner in which students approach the study of science.”
In October of each year, the foundation approaches a number of schools inviting them to participate. Students have the opportunity to develop upon a chosen topic, and then present their project during the Science Expo week, held at MCAST every year. In this manner, the students are not only being trained to develop their scientific skills; but also to present that concept to adults and students who visit.
All of this takes place on a competitive basis. The awards always include travel. “We encourage students to travel, and broaden their horizons,” Mr Stivala urges.
The projects have now been broadened to include primary school children. Some have analysed the sugar content in the soft drinks and snacks we consume. 6000 people, mostly school children, visited this year’s science expo.
The winner of this year’s Science Expo ,Juan Sarcia, devised an electronic car tracking system, which gives information of how a particular car engine is working and provides the user any information required. This could be of use for car distribution or car rental companies.
This year, NSTF will launch the Malta Student Psychology Forum. Students will have the opportunity to debate particular psychological issues, which effect people in different walks of life. The topics will be chosen beforehand. The debate will take place within different contexts related to mental health, such as Mount Carmel hospital and the Ministry of Health.