At a press conference convened by the Centre for Language Studies and Training of Funchal (CELFF), the Professional School of Hospitality and Tourism of Madeira management, and the Board of Directors “vehemently” rejected accusations of discrimination against students from São Tomé and Príncipe.
“Any accusation of discrimination is absurd and unfounded,” said João Pedro Entrudo, chairman of the Board of Directors, who said he was “saddened” and “surprised” and blamed the students for the damage to the dormitories, pointing the finger at “excessive” behaviour.
The official also said that the board of directors met yesterday with the 70 students in question. “I explained to them that their attitudes harm this project,” he said, stressing, however, that the survey was initiated by a smaller group of 14 students who arrived later in the Region, thus highlighting their “adaptation problems.”
“This survey was caused by students arriving in December and January. It is precisely these students who caused this controversy,” he said.
The CDU – United Democratic Coalition has submitted a request to the Regional Assembly for a parliamentary hearing in the presence of the pedagogical director of the Hotel School.
According to a statement from the CDU, the hearing will have as objectives: To identify the real conditions of accommodation and food of the São Tomé students who study at the Hotel School and if there are illegal and poorly paid work practices perpetrated on the students of the Hotel School with the connivance of the School Administration.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
