Yesterday morning, two main student organizations, Pulse and SDM, representatives in educational institutions such as Junior College, University of Malta, MCAST and Sir M.A. Refalo, have finally reached an agreement with Giovanni Curmi’s officials to be recognised within the school. This was announced by both organisations respectively on their Facebook pages.
Despite the fact that both organizations are proud of the fact that they have achieved another important milestone, this news has stirred mixed reactions from students already attending the school. Whilst some have welcomed this with arms wide open, others have had a negative reaction. Many have argued that these organisations, even though they claim to work and be there for the students, are a waste of time, cause chaos around the school (especially during the election period) and are a reason why a number of students get distracted. In addition, some have said that they have chosen to start attending this school, precisely because there are no student organizations that would disturb them.
At present, GCHSS holds its own student council, SRC (Student Representative Council), consisting of 7 members. As of now, students can put themselves forward for the election held at the beginning of the year and fellow students are allowed to vote for the candidates they wish to represent them. When Pulse and SDM are introduced, the election will take place differently with representatives chosen by the respective organisations.
Whilst I believe that there is always room for improvement from the present council’s end to ensure that there is a bridge between them and the students, and a clearer path with regards to what is to be done during that scholastic year, I think that the apathy coming from the students and lack of student activism is the main problem and this is a common occurrence even at other institutions. Even with the present SRC council, there is still a greater need for support from students as well as the administration, and even though I agree that it is a good idea that student organisations are introduced within the school, I believe that if this apathy is not addressed, no organisation will truly succeed.
Finally, students are urged to join student organizations when they truly feel part of it and when they sense that they are actually contributing towards it. Undoubtedly, there will always be those individuals who care less about Pulse and SDM but in the end, it is just a matter of opinions. No one is forced to join any organisations!
