A FORMER president of Malta visited Minehead’s Aurora Foxes college and hospitality training hotel for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at the weekend.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who served as Malta’s president from 2014 to 2019, was part of a seven-strong delegation from the Mediterranean island who spent two days visiting Aurora Foxes on a fact-finding mission.

Aurora Foxes is renowned for providing a real working environment where students can gain practical hospitality experience, develop customer service skills, and build the confidence they need to succeed in future employment.

Ms Coleiro Preca is executive chairman of the Malta Trust Foundation supporting disadvantaged young people, and together with members of the country’s Institute for Tourism Studies hopes to set up something similar in Malta.

During their visit, the delegation stayed at Foxes, enjoyed a tour of the site, and met both staff and students.

Other members of the delegation included Prof Stephen Montefort, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK, and Pierre Fenech, chief executive of the Institute for Tourism Studies.

Aurora Foxes principal Mark Costello said: “Thanks to the hard work of the incredible team at Foxes, we have developed a very successful learning and business model and all the staff are keen to share what they do.

“If the outcome of this visit is that young people in Malta enjoy the same opportunities our students have to achieve a meaningful level of independence and make a valued contribution to society, it would be wonderful.”

Ms Coleiro Preca said: “It has truly been an overwhelming experience.

“Aurora Foxes is excellent.

“Something really beautiful is happening here.

“It is social justice delivered in the most beautiful way, addressing and bringing to life the rights, dignity, and self-confidence of these young people.

“It is so commendable.

“This experience will always be in my heart.

“Thank you so much Foxes.”