The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) and its commercial arm, MCAST Gateway to the Industry (MG2I), successfully held another MCAST Teens Summer Programme  on campus in Paola during the summer months.

This year, 88 participants followed the 7-week programme, which ended on 29 August 2024. To mark the end of another successful programme, the MCAST President of the Board of Governors, Mr Horace Laudi, and the MCAST Deputy Principal for Business Development and Communications,       Mr Stephen Vella, presented all participants with award certificates.

The Teens Summer Camp exposed participants to various educational areas, which will help them make an informed decision when choosing their next learning and career journeys. Subjects included ceramics, pop art, food handling, candle making, woodwork, introduction to archaeology, and holistic therapy. The MCAST Institute of Engineering and Transport (IET) also provided a seminar to the participants focused on automation and robotics together with Arduino and drone technologies.

ICT and media-related courses such as social media awareness, an introduction to Artificial Intelligence, and creating audiovisual content and graphic design were also part of the programme. Performing arts subjects, which included an introduction to drama and dance sessions, were also well received by the teenage cohort.

Throughout the programme, several esteemed guests were invited to give informative talks to the students. These sessions were not just lectures but interactive discussions in which students had the opportunity to learn about the work of various local entities and ask questions on various topics.

Singer Ira Losco held a session titled ‘Dream and Achieve’, encouraging students to reflect and act on their aspirations. Dr Nikki Petroni from the Malta Arts Council delivered a session on the arts sector titled, ‘Supporting your Future in the Arts’. The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) delivered an informative talk on the importance of health and safety within workplaces. Officials from Malta Enterprise delivered a session on entrepreneurship. The Local Council Association conducted a session on youth empowerment and active citizenship. In another interesting session, the K9 Search and Rescue unit also explained to students the role of dogs in search and rescue operations. A speaker from the NGO Junior Achievement provided a talk on Financial Literacy.

As part of the programme, participants had the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through a variety of outings, including a stargazing event, a laser activity, and visits to cultural institutions such as the MCAST ICA Festival at Spazju Kreattiv, the Manoel Theatre, and the CPD marine unit.

The main sponsors for this year’s MCAST Teens were AquaBiotech, the OHSA and Malta Enterprise. Other sponsors included this year’s MCAST Summer Teens programme, including VJ. Salamone, La Roche Posay, Cleansing and Maintenance Division, Benna, CoseCasa, MTS, Burgers. Ink, SPAR and JB Stores.