9 February
Former president ‘overwhelmed’ by Foxes visit
The former President of Malta was in Minehead at the weekend to visit Aurora Foxes as part of a fact-finding delegation.
Her Excellency Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who served as President of Malta from 2014 to 2019, was part of a seven-strong delegation from the Mediterranean island country which spent two days at Aurora Foxes to see what they do.
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 chair of The Malta Trust Foundation, which supports disadvantaged young people, and she, together with members of the country’s Institute for Tourism Studies, hope 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. Also in attendance were Aurora’s Chief Operating Officer Sharon Pearson and Operations Director Kim Welsh.
Other members of the delegation included Prof Stephen Montefort, Malta’s High Commissioner to the UK; and Pierre Fenech, CEO of the Institute for Tourism Studies.
Aurora Foxes Principal Mark Costello said: “Thanks to the hard work of the incredible team at Foxes, we’ve 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's truly been an overwhelming experience. Aurora Foxes is excellent. Something really beautiful is happening here. It’s social justice delivered in the most beautiful way, addressing and bringing to life the rights, dignity and self-confidence of these young people. It's so commendable. This experience will always be in my heart. Thank you so much Foxes.”
Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, Aurora Foxes in Minehead is a specialist hospitality college and training hotel for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, situated in the seaside town of Minehead.
