Ombudsman, Commissioner for Education and Auditor General visit MCAST Freshers’ Week

Ombudsman, Commissioner for Education and Auditor General visit MCAST Freshers’ Week

Published October 05, 2026

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, together with the Commissioner for Education, Chief Justice Emeritus Vincent A. De Gaetano, and the Auditor General, Mr Charles Deguara, visited MCAST during its annual Freshers’ Week.

They were welcomed by the Principal of MCAST, Mr Stephen Vella, who presented them with a commemorative publication marking the 25th anniversary of MCAST.

For the second consecutive year, the Office of the Ombudsman and the National Audit Office participated jointly in MCAST Freshers’ Week through a shared information stand. The initiative, led by the Office of the Ombudsman, reflects the common role of the two parliamentary oversight institutions in promoting accountability, good governance and public awareness.

The stand provided an opportunity to engage with students, academics and staff and to explain the functions of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Commissioner for Education and the oversight responsibilities of the Auditor General. The joint participation also reflects the commitment of the two Offices to closer collaboration in promoting institutional accountability and engagement, particularly among younger generations.

During their visit, the Ombudsman, the Commissioner for Education and the Auditor General toured the MCAST campus and visited the section dedicated to non governmental organisations, where they met representatives of several organisations presenting their work and encouraging students to become involved in community initiatives.

The tour was guided by Dr Ing. Stephen Sammut, Deputy Principal for Vocational and Professional Education and Training, and Dr Caroline Demarco, Director within the Office of the Principal responsible for Legal Affairs and Data Protection.

Participation in Freshers’ Week forms part of the Office of the Ombudsman’s ongoing outreach programme aimed at bringing independent oversight institutions closer to students and increasing awareness of their role in safeguarding fairness, accountability and good administration.