Meetings being held to pre-empt language student issues

An increase in the number of public toilet facilities in localities commonly populated by English language students during summer may alleviate the hygiene problem distressing residents of those areas.

This was one of the proposals made during meetings held between the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (Feltom) and the local councils of Swieqi and Sliema being held in an attempt to enhance law and order.

Last summer language students received a fair amount of negative media publicity when, among other things, residents complained that certain areas were being overrun by students who urinated and vomited on their property and used gardens as rubbish bins.

While stressing that such behaviour did not reflect the complete picture of the language industry, Feltom chairman Andrew Mangion noted that, in an attempt to pre-empt residents' complaints, this season Feltom has scheduled meetings with stakeholders in the industry with the aim of tackling issues related to the heavy influx of students in the neighbourhoods.

He said Feltom represented 16 of 50 registered language schools and tried to implement checks and balances among its members.

So far the federation has met representatives from the Sliema, Swieqi and Pembroke local councils and are planning to meet the St Julians council in the coming days.

"The discussions focussed on the potential of pre-empting student issues when possible. Reference was made to the lack of simple facilities such as public conveniences...

"Another issue is the need for constant police presence especially in residential areas in the early hours of the morning. This would ensure that the public peace is maintained," the federation said.

During the meetings Mr Mangion discussed the measures that the federation has adopted to ensure that students are disciplined. Consultation meetings are held with host families and a rigorous curfew is imposed on students. Feltom also promotes alternative entertainment organising non-alcoholic parties outside Paceville in open, non-residential areas.

He added that this year the Malta Tourism Authority, in consultation with Feltom, had produced a students' guide featuring guidelines on conduct, familiarisation information and stipulated hospitality regulations for foreigners.