I am a University of Malta BA graduate in German. I also have a one-year MA qualifying in the subject. I have studied and worked for over a year in Germany and have taught for more than two years in both Church and state schools, with the government issuing the necessary temporary teaching warrants.

Although I was offered other jobs, my wish was always to become a professional teacher of German. Since learning the German language was always my objective, I cannot further my career (and be regularly employed) and obtain the necessary warrant to teach as a regular German teacher in local state schools. This is because the University does not want to issue a one-year course known as a PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate in Education) in German, which I need to obtain the warrant.

I opted for a BA in German and not for a B. Ed, because I always believed in quality and not quantity. I have studied the German language thoroughly and I believe if I take this one-year course, I will be a fully qualified German teacher.

My abilities can be vouched for by the Education Division and the schools and pupils I previously taught. Malta has the lowest female labour participation rate in the EU, which is insisting that this should grow. Is this the way to encourage aspiring Maltese women to work, by not offering a simple one-year PGCE course in German?

I hope the authorities concerned take heed and take the necessary action before the next scholastic year.