from left: Mr Joe Cini, the Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Prof. Marie Alexander, Dr Carmen Sammut, Prof. Joseph M Cacciottolo
The Postgraduate Diploma in Maltese Sign Language Interpreting was officially launched on 11 January, at the University of Malta Msida Campus, in the presence of the Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Mr Joe Cini, CEO - AÄ¡enzija Sapport, Prof. Marie Alexander, Co-ordinator of the course. Dr Carmen Sammut, Pro-Rector for Student & Staff Affairs and Outreach and Prof. Joseph M Cacciottolo, Pro-Rector Academic Affairs, attended the launch. The Chair, Prof. Ray Fabri and the Director, Dr Albert Gatt of the Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology were also present.
The determination of Professor Marie Alexander was felt in her message during the launch as she explained that the main objective of the course for interpreters is to offer independence to the Deaf community for them to have full access to what is available in society and thus accomplish their goals in life.
The Rector of the University of Malta, Professor Alfred J. Vella stressed that this course is being offered after much research. Today through appropriate training, the University of Malta will be able to offer the necessary support for an aspect in ​​society that needed immediate intervention for the Deaf community, so that they can progress academically.
Mr Joe Cini, on behalf of AÄ¡enzija Sapport, said that sign language interpretation is one of the services offered by the Agency. Today the Agency has five interpreters who, in collaboration with the Malta Deaf Association as well as the people who use the service, offer Maltese Sign Language interpretation in various contexts. This initiative is important, because this new course will continue to improved the resources and the services will be enhanced.
The Hon. Agius Decelis stated that the funds provided by the Maltese Government, amounting to EUR 60,000, turn the dream to teach Maltese Sign Language interpretation into a reality. The Parliamentary Secretary stressed the importance of language and how this helps us communicate our thoughts, ideas and aspirations. Therefore, such initiatives help achieve greater equality and accessibility for all members in society; through equality and accessibility more people can receive the whole message and live life in its entirety.
Full course details are available on the University of Malta website at
Those interested in applying for the course are asked to write to Prof. Alexander on marie.alexander@um.edu.mt and to fill in the application form available at . Application deadline: 17 January
