Alex Fenech, Feltom president, Ta’ Xbiex
Firm hand needed to rein in wayward language students (2)
I refer to the article Police Officer Complains About “Violent” Language Students (August 23).
While the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta (Feltom) does not condone violent or anti-social behaviour, we are somewhat concerned that members of the national police force are making public statements which refer to foreign students in a derogatory manner. Such remarks are highly offensive and inflammatory and are not likely to generate respect towards the authority of the police force.
It is unacceptable that such blanket statments are made of language students because of the misbehaviour of a few individuals. The majority of language students are law-abiding visitors who cause no offence or disturbance.
With reference to police complaints about “violent language students” Feltom would like to stress the importance of providing the police with adequate means and training to fulfil their role effectively and efficiently. Complaining that crime exists is not going to reduce the number of incidents but an effective system which acts as a deterrent will. This includes augmenting the work of the police on the ground with stricter penalties for those found guilty of criminal offences.
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Mr Joseph Calleja
Aug 27th 2011, 13:14
Mr Fenech it is not fair to blame the police for the student's unruly behaviour. If you cannot control the students yourself, then the police have to. As the president of Feltom you should inform each and every student upon arrival on how to behave while studying in Malta. Don't blame the police and make your students the victims. And by the way, it is more than a few students that disregard the law, there are enough complaints to show that fact. If any student cannot comply with Maltese laws then you should make sure the student is put on the first flight out and return back to his or her mummy or daddy so they can deal with them. If you don't respect the police, neither will your students.
Anthony Borg
Aug 27th 2011, 12:36
@ Alex Fenech, Feltom president.
Sir, why not join the Police on foot and see for yourself “the misbehaviour of a few individuals (Language school students) that are arrogant, violent and vile! Or perhaps ask the residents of Swieqi and neighbouring localities what anguish they suffer because of these “language school students”!
But ofcourse, you only see the argument through the lens of your organization and are afraid that more severe punishment at law would shy away your clientele.
Quoting from a letter in today’s edition of “The Times”: ...” Or are the concerned citizens of the likes of Sliema, St Julians and Swieqi being pushed into forming their own neighbourhood vigilante committees?”
I would rather like to thank Insp. Nikolai Sant, for expressing himself about the deteriorating situation regarding the gross misbehaviour of Foreign Language School students.
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