January 17 was Open Day for Year 6 students and their parents at the Gozo College.

After being addressed by Chev. F. Gatt, Gozo College co-ordinator, and heads of Agius de Soldanis Girls' School and Ninu Cremona Lyceum Complex, the girls and their parents gathered in the main hall at Agius de Soldanis to listen to a teacher representative for French, Italian, German, Spanish, Arabic, Home Economics, Textile Studies and Graphical Communication giving a talk.

Arabic was dealt with by Charles Daniel Saliba, who graduated with a diploma in Arabic in December after attending a two-year University course, sponsored by the SDO. The Department of Arabic and Near Eastern Studies within the Faculty of Arts organised this diploma course.

Mr Saliba highlighted the benefits of choosing Arabic as a foreign language, mentioning investments in Malta by Arab companies, such as SmartCity and Maltacom, and investments by Maltese businessmen in Arab countries, like Corinthia Hotels International.

Mr Saliba also said that, on Mr Gatt's initiative, an introductory Arab language and culture course would be launched for fourth formers attending the Gozo College.

The next day the course, which is being held at Agius de Soldanis Girls' School was overbooked. This course is being held every Wednesday between 2.45 and 4.15 p.m.

After the presentation, a leaflet promoting Arabic was distributed. Parents and students were later greeted at the Arabic stand, set up by Mr Saliba.

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