The Gozo University Group (GUG) has presented the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development with a number of proposals for the upcoming budget.
The GUG stated that, in view of the ever-increasing demand from Gozitans students to find appropriate accommodation close to the University of Malta, GUG proposes the building of a student hostel for Gozitans in an area close to the University, at a reasonable cost and which is operated through a means-testing system.
“This will help to address the present escalating problem of ridiculously higher rents being asked for the same accommodation conditions, which combined with other inevitable financial burdens, well exceed the students’ budget and the Government grant.”
GUG also suggested that the Government grant for Gozitan students residing in Malta is extended to those students who, after successfully finishing their post-secondary education, pursue a full-time course on a private basis in Malta which is not internship based, corporate financed or which is also available in Gozo.
It also called for the need of more cultural and entertainment events during non-busy seasons to address the seasonality problem Gozo suffers from.
The Gozo University Group said that it is hopeful that these proposals “do not fall on deaf ears and that they get taken into serious consideration.”
“We strongly believe that Gozitans and Gozo as a whole will benefit highly if these proposals are implemented,” the Gozo University Group concluded.