MCAST reaches out to students to eliminate the digital divide

Over the past weeks, MCAST has loaned 83 devices including computers, laptops and tablets to students so that they can fully participate in online learning from their homes. With the COVID-19 closure of all educational institutions, MCAST immediately switched to online learning since March. Student mentors and educators at the College reached out to students who were missing online classes and identified those who did not have access to digital devices.

MCAST also made donations through the Help Me Succeed fund to support students who did not have the necessary equipment to successfully complete their studies remotely. Some equipment is also being loaned from the College’s workshops and laboratories to assist students in practical work or projects.

MCAST principal and CEO Prof. Joachim James Calleja described this initiative as a tireless, collaborative effort by the administrative staff and lecturers so that no student is left out. “In organising our online learning, we need to take into consideration our students’ different backgrounds. Online learning has its challenges; making sure that all our students have access to learning, including resources and devices, is a priority.”

Commenting on this initiative, student support manager Marina Sciberras said: “The pandemic situation has created even more challenges for those already facing financial or social difficulties. We have students who had to start looking for alternative parttime employment. Some students are the carers of their parents or grandparents. Offering support to all our students, especially those facing difficulties, is a much-needed collective effort.”

The MCAST Student Council welcomed this initiative saying that it will continue to ensure ongoing communication between students, management and administration even at this time when students are not on campus.

Apart from this initiative, the Ministry for Education and Employment has loaned tablets and other equipment to students through the scheme for students from vulnerable families.