GozoNews.Com

In its endeavours to enhance the human resource development and the employability skills of the workforce on the island of Gozo, the Ministry for Gozo embarked on a project to fight illiteracy and to enhance the skills of human resources including those involved in the Agricultural Sector. This project benefited from 75% co-financing through the European Social Fund under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006.

A total of 42 participants have recently completed short courses which provided tuition on Poultry Production, Good Agricultural Practices, and Pesticide Application and Use. Another 36 Gozitans are currently aiming to improve their Literacy and Numeracy abilities by attending short courses in Basic Reading and Writing Skills, Basic English, Basic Maltese and Basic Numeracy. Another 20 individuals are following a course in Viticulture and Wine Production, as part of the set of courses aimed at improving agricultural education.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, visited the University Gozo Centre in Xewkija yesterday, where she met co-ordinators and participants during one of the sessions. Minister Debono praised the interest shown by participants in availing themselves of this opportunity and commented that their participation also encouraged the Ministry for Gozo in its commitment towards promoting human resource development in Gozo.

Meanwhile, a new course in Water Management will be starting in the coming days, while another set of seven courses relating to Agriculture are scheduled to start in March along with another four in Literacy and Numeracy skills. These courses are particularly addressed at enhancing and extending the skills pertaining to the Agricultural Sector, which is an important sector for Gozo’s economy. Such educational opportunities will ultimately usher in modern methods of production and management practices and thus improve the prospects of those working in this industry.

Applications for these courses will be issued shortly. Further details may be requested through the Short Courses Coordinator at the University Gozo Centre, Mgarr Road, Xewkija.