European Parliament President Roberta Metsola relived a part of her youth as she visited St Aloysius College, where she attended sixth form, on Friday, telling students not to take values and liberties for granted.
Metsola attended the sixth form between 1995 and 1997, and was greeted at the entrance of the school by Rector Fr Jimmy Bartolo, the Sixth Form's management team, staff, and members of the Sixth Form's Student Council.
In her address, Metsola spoke fondly of her time at Sixth Form, mentioning the values she gained, and the birth of her interest in activism. While sharing her professional background, she stated how politics is “really a force for good if it is not abused.”
She went on to explain that we “can't take values, liberties and democracy for granted”, and encouraged all students to use their voice and their vote well.
The questions posed by members of the college’s Sixth Form Student Council included challenges faced by women in politics and the ongoing war in Ukraine. When asked to share a message to students wishing to pursue a career in politics, Metsola asserted: “put your hand up, be ready, don't let anyone hold you back. Just do it.”
Head of Sixth Form, Gabby Abela, thanked Metsola and presented her with a special memento - a frame featuring a collage of photos taken from the College annuals - in honour of the occasion.
Following the ceremony, Metsola was escorted to the Sixth Form for a nostalgic trip down memory lane: a viewing of the class photo hanging in one of the Sixth Form's corridors. After a few joyous interactions with students in the corridors, she was then treated to some refreshments in the Assembly Hall, along with the Sixth Form management team.
“My heartfelt wish is that you may continue to embrace the values you have received from your family, and from the education you received from Church schools, including this College. May you continue to do a wealth of good and raise the dignity of the weak and vulnerable in Europe. Above all, may you live as a person for others and with others,” Fr Bartolo told Metsola in his address, before thanking her for her visit.