Page 18 - ELG2505 May Issue 494

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FEATURE

A bold new chapter
A bold new chapter

As the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations Malta

(FELTOM) embarks on its 36th year, CEO Jessica Rees-Jones sits
down with EL Gazette’s Becci Knowles to discuss how FELTOM has
shaped the ELT sector in Malta and its ambitious plans to set new

global standards.

ELTOM’s origins trace back to Malta Agent Training Certificate, a first for a introduction of the Malta Agent Training
5 December 1989, when nine Mediterranean country, aimed at enhancing certificate, because it creates a global
schools united to establish a body agent professionalism. standard. That’s quite a game changer for
Fdedicated to quality in the sector. what ELT standards mean in Malta and
It has since evolved into the sole recognised Milestones and momentum Gozo.” This initiative highlights FELTOM’s
ELT association in Malta, operating under “There are three major milestones in our forward-thinking approach, she says,
Legal Notice 221 of 2015. Since 2006, 35-year history,” says CEO Jessica Rees- addressing the crucial role of agents in the
the federation has been self-regulating, Jones, as she reflects on the federation’s student journey and setting a new global
enforcing mandatory codes and standards journey. “One is forming FELTOM, the only benchmark for professionalism.
through its Accreditation Scheme. This ELT organisation in the sector in Malta.
scheme, running for 18 years, aims to The second milestone, and it’s a fact that A Michelin mark of excellence
guarantee high educational quality for I think is often neglected, is the government The FELTOM Accreditation Scheme is a
students in Malta and Gozo. gazetted legislation - it was the first of cornerstone of the federation’s commitment
FELTOM’s core objectives include fostering its kind in the world, which is critical. to quality. While the ELT Council, a
collaboration among licensed schools and It’s very difficult to have the attention of government-appointed body, handles licensing
driving up standards across all aspects of the policy and decision making, so for ELT, for schools, FELTOM offers something
student experience. A key focus is promoting when we are addressing issues or wanting distinct. “The ELT Council licensing is a
Malta and Gozo as prime ELT destinations, to address or raise issues, it’s a deciding must”, Rees-Jones explains. “What we offer
underpinned by its three pillars: advocacy, feature. It’s not just a nice to have, it takes is different, it’s a membership, so it’s elective
accreditation, and marketing. years to get to that position and it adds and this creates a very different category
Recent developments include FELTOM’s significant weight.” of excellence.”
relocation to Valletta and the signing of four The third milestone, according to For prospective students and agents, the
Memorandums of Understanding with local Rees-Jones, is firmly rooted in the present distinction is crucial. Rees-Jones continues,
and international partners. Notably, FELTOM and poised to shape the future: “The third “If you are going to a FELTOM school,
has partnered with ICEF to launch the milestone is where we are now with the you know that our standards are globally
18 May 2025