Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi officially inaugurated EC New York during his visit to the United States to attend the UN General Assembly this week.

EC New York is the third school in the USA acquired by the successful Maltese group of English language schools. The school with an enviable location overlooking Times Square opened in early 2009, achieving increased success and flourishing student numbers despite the global economic crisis.

Andrew Mangion EC’s Executive Chairman, referring to the EC success story, credited the staff across the group for the continued achievements the company has experienced.

Mr Mangion explained the motivation of the EC team, “This year, EC’s 700 plus staff will help over 25,000 students from over 120 countries to learn and improve their English language skills. English is a language that expands people’s horizons, which allows them to see further, bringing people together to have a better understanding of one another.”

During the official inauguration Dr Gonzi congratulated EC for its international expansion, and reminded the audience that although Malta is small, as a nation it can compete and succeed in an international environment. The Prime Minister emphasised the fact that his government has supported an entrepreneurial environment across the Maltese Islands and EC encompasses this standpoint by taking a Maltese brand to an international audience. Dr Gonzi referred to EC’s success and the alignment the company has with the government’s Vision 2015 project in terms of promoting educational excellence, one of the main pillars of this initiative.

EC is moving from strength to strength in the English language travel industry, the group now consists of eight year-round English language schools in the USA, UK, South Africa and of course Malta. Plans for continued expansion in the US are underway with the next school opening set to be San Francisco.

Other successes include international recognition after receiving a prestigious award at a recent ceremony in London.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by MP Franco Debono, Walter Mallia and Charles Bonello, completed his visit with the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony. He then toured the school and was introduced to the guests, which included EC staff, students and officials from the New York State Education Department.