The Third Eye’s Shaun Cassar had the opportunity to meet the seven KSJC members. He interviewed them to learn about the work that they have done through the past year.
How did you divide the work between you? And how did you decide when the proposals were to be carried out?
Mauro Karl Sultana: Basically, a few days after being elected, we all met and divided the proposals according to our capabilities and roles between us. Furthermore, with regard to time, we saw when the proposals would affect students the most and we decided when they should be carried out.
When was the peak of your work and what do you think the reaction of students was when they saw your work on social media?
Jake Scerri: The peak of our work was during Freshers’ Week, with several new proposals launched during that week. We received good feedback from students because they could see the difference that we made. Such proposals included the new green area, another water fountain, new wifi, sockets in the library and ventilation fans in Chrisco and the library. We used social media to continue reaching out to students and to show them all the work that we have been doing for them and the difference we are making to the school.
How does KSJC work to create a better environment for students of different cultures and religions?
Kendra Farrugia: As a council, we saw that several meetings were held with the canteen manager in order to commence the serving of halal food. Furthermore, we finally saw the opening of the multi-faith room that can be used by the students who practise different religions. Apart from this, we keep in constant contact with the students through the “You Complain, You Gain” system.
There was controversy about the KSJC live-in, because apart from being stopped half way through, certain students stated that they weren’t allowed in for the KSJC sessions.
Stephanie Bonnici: First of all, I wouldn’t call it controversy, but rather complaints that we can call misunderstandings, because of the fact that students who were not allowed in for the sessions did not advise us of their attendance, as stated on the facebook page as well as the event. Unfortunately, it wasn’t in our control, since the hotel manager insisted that it was impossible for the council to let everyone in for the sessions. However, we have talked to certain students and they even admitted that the council was not to blame.
What feedback are you receiving from students, Pulse and SDM and the administration of the college?
Stephanie Bonnici: We tried to keep in continuous contact with students. We used different methods including the "you complain you gain’ system for example, through which we saw how we can be more effective when completing the proposals that we hadn’t yet carried out. In terms of administration, we spoke to the principal and with several other departments and I think that there was good contact. Everything went well. Apart from this, there was a culture sub-committee that was set up to help us with events. There were numerous students who involved themselves and offered their help. Finally there was the help of organisations. Several KPS meetings were held regularly. We kept contact and tried to help when we could.
What was the contribution of KSJC in the realisation of the Youth Hub?
Simon Forster: Basically we continued working on the work done last year. Steve Zammit Lupi met with Miriam Theuma, form Agenzija Zghazagh, last year and, upon being elected, we continued on the work that had been done both by him and me. This year, with satisfaction, there is a youth hub that students can use during their frees, instead of going out from school.
What were the most difficult moments that the council had to face? Which was the nicest or most humorous moment?
Ritianne Caruana: The most difficult moment was when we had to face a number of students with regard to the fact that the KSJC ball had to be postponed, and when a live-in had to be stopped half way through because of a problem that was not in our control. Obviously the good moments are the ones that result in satisfaction, when you see students praising and thanking you for your work and the proposals being carried out. Obviously I feel that after months of work, the 6 colleagues also became friends.
What are you expecting with regard to the AGM? Do you think that students will approve your work?
Mauro Karl Sultana: I personally expect everything, but I believe that after all the work that has been done, the students will approve all the work of the council on the day.
