Ombudsman Office participates in Institute for Education Freshers’ Day

Ombudsman Office participates in Institute for Education Freshers’ Day

Published September 11, 2025

The Office of the Ombudsman took part in the Institute for Education (IfE) Freshers’ Day, an event marking the start of the academic year and welcoming new students embarking on their Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.

The Commissioner for Education, Chief Justice Emeritus Vincent De Gaetano, addressed two groups of students – those beginning Master’s studies and those pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. In his remarks, he congratulated the Institute for its strong performance over the past decade in providing specialised training for teachers and educators.

Chief Justice De Gaetano noted that the CEO of the Institute, Ms Joanne Grima, had rightly reminded students that teaching is not just another profession but a vocation that demands full and passionate commitment. Echoing this sentiment, he recalled the words of the sixteenth-century Jesuit educator and playwright Juan de Bonifacio: Puerilis institutio est mundi renovatio – the education of youth is the renewal of the world.

The Commissioner also observed that the Institute for Education stands out within the education sector as the entity that gives rise to the least complaints reaching the Ombudsman’s Office. Any issues that do arise are typically resolved in-house, without the need for formal reports or opinions. This, he said, reflects well on the Institute’s administration, which has consistently acted with flexibility and responsiveness in the best interests of its students.

Freshers’ Day is a significant milestone for IfE students, many of whom pursue their studies online. It provides a first opportunity to meet peers in person, build connections, and engage in team-building activities, laying the foundation for a strong sense of community as they begin their studies.