Last week, some 2,600 students graduated from university and another substantial number will finish their studies at MCAST and ITS. These figures go a long way towards sending out a message that under the various Nationalist administrations since 1987 we have managed to create a culture in which we have realised one of the party’s main aims, that of having a highly qualified workforce in all sectors.
This notion is not only gaining ground, but the vision enjoyed by Dr Fenech Adami and Dr Gonzi has become a reality. Without any disrespect to the previous Education Ministers, one has to conclude that Dr Louis Galea has converted ideas into action and for three days the local papers have exhibited the results. Such reporting was no exercise in political propaganda but merely a statement of existing facts.
From the smiles of the students receiving their degrees, one could see that the system has moved miles in the right direction.
By-gone times
In the early 1970s, when I began studying at university, the number of students totalled 800 or so. This meagre number represented the tertiary education system. The curriculum was restricted to the traditional professions and any variation was taboo. To make matters worse, the MLP government of the time was hell-bent on insisting that, for some of the courses, each student should have a sponsor, while a 20-point entrance requirement system was the order of the day. To date, no one has managed to put a finger on exactly how the said points could be acquired. However, it was common knowledge that membership of the MLP or close association with the party gurus went a long way towards obtaining these points. Over and above this, if you were a university student you had to participate in a six-month study and six-month work phase system.
It was no easy day.
Furthermore, those following the medical course had to go abroad in order to finalise their studies elsewhere so as to have their degree recognised abroad.
And what of grants and stipends? You would not dare argue on the quantum because the concept was not up for discussion.
Enter PN
1987 saw a belated change in government arriving five-and-a-half years after Labour lost its majority through an exercise of national suffrage.
The new government overhauled the whole tertiary education system – this did not apply solely to the way students were viewed but included the discovery of every possible avenue that could open tertiary education to all who were academically capable.
Stipends were introduced – at the time for some +/-1000 students. Over 19,000 students benefit from stipends today. Because of the changes and diversification in the local economy, the government has this year reviewed the whole system so that those specialising in engineering, IT and other specific areas, benefit form higher stipends and grants.
Furthermore, in order to help Gozitan students cover their extra expenses, this special monthly allowance has been increased substantially.
As to the different courses to be followed at MCAST, ITS and university, these have not only grown in numbers but have mushroomed in diversification. The potential today is unlimited.
Today
During the degree-awarding ceremonies in graduation week, three speeches were given by fresh graduates. Of course, these had to include the sly remarks expected of the newly-qualified, but they also sent messages and vibes which should be looked into, measured and if need be – acted upon.
That which has become the run of the mill today was unthinkable, just a couple of decades ago and is taken very much for granted. This happened because we have managed to change our outlook towards education, which needs to be lifelong and sustainable if we are to be economically successful. To the graduates go my full congratulations.
Among them are my son and his fiancée. Now they have to move into the down-to-earth foray of life. Now they have to enter the labour market and prove to us that their educational stint was no fluke and that they have used these years in good preparation for the challenges ahead.