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Language school federation expresses concern about missing Russian
FELTOM says situation requires ‘more complete media coverage’ and updates from authorities.
23 July 2012, 12:00am
Matthew Vella
Matthew Vella
1 min read
Missing teenager Polina Rahman.
The Federation of English-language Teaching Organisations Malta (FELTON) has expressed concern at the recent disappearance of a Russian 17-year-old, Polina Rahman, while studying English in Malta.
"Although, not a student of a FELTOM member school, FELTOM would like to show support and offer any help to the family and authorities in locating the teenager," the organisation said.
FELTOM said Rahman's disappearance required more complete media coverage and that the authorities should provide regular updates on all and any developments. "It is of utmost importance that international media, along with the local public, is made aware that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that Rahman is returned to her family safely."
FELTOM member schools have been advised to ensure that several precautions are taken when handling junior students.
"FELTOM recommends to its members that students under 18 years of are supervised at all times, have curfews in effect, and are kept as much as possible from areas such as Paceville, by attending FELTOM organised events and others conducted outside of the area. Further to this, FELTOM accredited schools are required to have contracts with host families and enforce a student welfare code of conduct," the organisation said.
FELTOM also said the authorities should establish with the school hosting the student, why Rahman was out unsupervised, at 4am, and why the media published the notification more than 48 hours after her disappearance.
Matthew Vella, a freelance journalist at MaltaToday, was formerly executive editor at Malt...
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A revised system of the handling of students should be introduced as soon as possible as responsibilities are being shifted when such cases occure. It is a known fact that students are housed by families who are seeing these as to improve their income. Many of these students are seen in the early hours of the morning walking to their places of stay.
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Have we become a failed state? Everything is in shambles and law and order are nearly non existent. How many times have we heard that Paceville has become a dangerous place to be? Now its not even safe for our 18 year daughters; isn't this alarming enough? What are the Police doing about it?
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Have we become a failed state? Everything is in shambles and law and order are nearly non existent. How many times have we heard that Paceville has become a dangerous place to be? Now its not even safe for our 18 year daughters; isn't this alarming enough? What are the Police doing about it?
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Last seen in Paceville at 4 am after wellcome party.Some schools, they practically organise welcome party every day as long as they get it free. This is good fertile introduction to the bars of Paceville.This is introduction to alcahol.And we all know what type of alcahol they give these poor goos. Cheap Taquilla and loads of salt.The authorities needs to supervise the area especially in which bar this girl was last. They lift CCTV. Was surprised me is that we havn't seen an apeal from the school.They are afraid of bad publicity they dont seem interestead in the welfare of the child.Not all host families are the same. I know students who live on their own pretending that some host familes live with them. Is there a carefew? 4am it is too late for 17 year old. After all the school is responsible and it should shoulder responsability. The track record of the school is very important, and the authorities should do inspections frequent and they cannot trust the sweet talking.
