Parliamentary Ombudsman addresses students at De La Salle College Graduation ceremony

Parliamentary Ombudsman addresses students at De La Salle College Graduation ceremony

Published May 29, 2025

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, was invited as the guest of honour to deliver the keynote speech and present the certificates at the Graduation Ceremony for Form 5 students at De La Salle College. The event, marking a significant milestone for the students as they completed their secondary education, was attended by students, parents, educators, and members of the College leadership.

The ceremony featured addresses by Mr Stephen Cachia, Director of La Salle College; Mr Norbert Zahra, Head of the Senior School; and Head Boy Eric Briffa, all of whom paid tribute to the students’ accomplishments and encouraged them to embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm and integrity.

In his address, the Parliamentary Ombudsman congratulated the graduating students and expressed appreciation to the Director, educators, Learning Support Assistants, administrative staff, and parents whose collective efforts had contributed to the students’ success.

Judge Zammit McKeon also used the occasion to deliver a broader message on public responsibility and social values. He reminded the audience of the Ombudsman’s constitutional role as an oversight institution and reflected on global injustices and the suffering of vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict zones such as Gaza and Ukraine. He stressed the importance of compassion, moral courage, and ethical leadership in today’s world, urging students to be advocates for those without a voice and to act with honesty and a sense of service to society.

The Ombudsman encouraged the students to uphold values of respect, empathy, and civic responsibility while also embracing innovation, leadership, and a commitment to the common good as they step into the next chapter of their lives.

The full speech delivered by the Parliamentary Ombudsman is reproduced below:

Director, Head of School, Proud parents and guardians, Rightfully happy students
Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is an honour for me to be here with you today as we bear witness to the achievement of an important chapter of the students` learning and education, and the start of a new phase.

Dear students,

Today should be a happy moment. You should not feel as if you moving into the known.  At the College  you have received knowledge and education not to feel that way.

Today is much more than a ceremony.  It is a celebration of perseverance, growth, and boundless potential that is present in every one of you. Your formative years at this institution of excellence have not only provided you  with knowledge but also with solid life-long values and critical thinking skills which will be necessary you to find your way in modern society.

Therefore my sincere congratulations to you. I also extend my congratulations:

To the Director of the College, the Head of School, the teachers, the LSA`s and all administrative and support staff for your unwavering dedication that has been fundamental for the success of the students. Your commitment to excellence and mentorship will certainly bear fruit in future.

My congratulations: To you parents, guardians and families of the students for your dedication, support  and sacrifice to them.

Due acknowledgements being said,  I now extend to you my thoughts as Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, a Constitutional Office, that within its mandate also acts an oversight institution.

The tragic state of affairs that the most vulnerable around the world especially in war zones are living is indeed unprecedented since World War 2.  The scenes of the real world which we witness every day should make us shudder: Gaza, Ukraine foremost amongst others : innocent families with children, old people, homeless.  Ironically we also witness multi billionaires splashing their wealth for all to see, even in favour of charities, maybe to tame their conscience, most probably forgetting that even they like the rest of us have their expiry date, which happens to be irrevocable for them as well.  

Therefore everyone in his own way should strive to be the voice of all those without a voice, of all those who are vulnerable, with the courage to stand to be counted when necessary.

Dear students,

I encourage you to nurture respect, compassion and empathy towards persons who are seek help. Do your very best to be proud citizens of this country with a heart for all. Be true to your principles and beliefs.  Be honest and accountable in your behaviour.  At the same time, because around there is also a lot of good, show innovation, skill and leadership in whatever you intend to do in future.  Embrace the future with courage.  Let your actions be guided by integrity and a commitment to the common good. 

As you move forward, I encourage you to remain curious, to seek out diverse perspectives, and to contribute positively to the good of your country. Your generation has the potential to shape a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

Thank you.