Standard Summary Project Fiche for the Transition Facility 1. Basic Information 1.1 CRIS Number: 2004/ 16762.07.07. 1.2 Title: The development of University-based courses to strengthen Malta s capacity in the field of interpretation. 1.3 Sector: Administrative capacity 1.4 Location:Malta 2 Objectives 2.1 Overall Objective(s): To develop and strengthen the capacity of Malta to meet its operational requirements in the area of interpretation arising from EU membership. 2.2 Project purpose: To assist in the procurement of the necessary equipment to set up a dedicated room at the University of Malta for the training of students following the course in Interpretation. 2.3 Justification The Comprehensive Monitoring Report, which the European Commission issued in November 2003 is silent about the matters relating to interpretation. However, in his letter of February 2, 2004 to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Neil Kinnock, Vice- President of the European Commission expressed his concern that as far as interpretation is concerned, only six Maltese freelance conference interpreters have received provisional accreditation with the European institutions. Clearly, that falls well short of what would be required to provide more than a token presence of Maltese interpretation in EU meetings. In Mr Kinnock s view.it is now essential that the necessary measures be taken at all levels in order to resolve the situation Furthermore, he affirms that The Commission is, of course, firmly committed to continuing to assist Malta in all efforts it made and that Commission officials have recently visited Valletta to discuss the possibility of setting up a fast track dedicated interpreters training course. The Commission would be happy to contribute its considerable experience and expertise in this field as well as material assistance. 3. Description 3.1 Background and justification: Malta lacks a proper post-graduate masters course in interpretation. 1
A shortage of trained Maltese interpreters creates serious difficulties in keeping the Malta booth functional in the European institutions namely, the Commission, the European Parliament and the Court of Justice. In May, the Commission published a series of calls to fill vacancies for interpreters and only four applicants were short-listed. In the case of the interpreters the Commission is seeking to compile a list of accredited interpreters that can work either directly with the European institutions or as freelancers. The Commission is concerned about the situation in Malta in this sector as it is clear that in the past there was no training at all for interpreters in Malta. The University of Malta is trying to address the situation through a part-time post-diploma course in translation and interpretation. This course seems to fall short of EU requirements in interpretation as a separate skill. This was the view expressed clearly by DG Interpretation, the EU Parliament and the Courts of Justice at a meeting held in Malta on March 16, 2004. This concluded a series of meetings and exchange of letters between the EU institution and the Maltese authorities, as set out below: a. January 29, 2004: The Director EU Affairs and Policy Development met Mr. Tony Scott, Head of Department EU Commission Directorate-General for Interpretation and Mr. Patrick Twidle, Head of Division in the European Parliament Interpretation Directorate. Discussions focused on cooperation in conference interpretation, conference interpreter training and on the establishment of a course leading to a European Masters in Conference Interpreting (EMCI). Other meetings were held with the University students currently following a course leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Translation and Interpretation, and with the University lecturers delivering this course. During these meetings reference was made to the European Masters in Conference Interpretation launched by the European Commission's Joint Interpreting and Conference Services (JICS), DGXXII and the European Parliament in 1997. b. February 2, 2004: The Rt. Hon. Neil Kinnock, Vice President of the EU Commission, wrote to the Hon Dr. E. Fenech Adami, Prime Minister of Malta, about the current state of affairs with regards to translation and interpretation and reiterated the "The Commission would be happy to contribute its considerable experience and expertise in this field, as well as material assistance." c. February 5, 2004: Meeting between Director EU Affairs and Mr. Tony Scott at his Office in Brussels to discuss further collaboration between EU and Malta with regards to setting up the EU Masters in Conference Interpreting course. d. February 16, 2004: The Hon Dr. E. Fenech Adami, Prime Minister of Malta replied to the Rt. Hon Neil Kinnock's letter, conceding that with regards to interpretation, there is need for flexibility on both sides and for a pragmatic approach to be adopted until such time as the required complements of interpreters are recruited by the different European institutions. The Prime Minister noted that, "Assistance is being offered by the Commission with regards to tuition and equipment as well as in the provision of allowances for the students following the course." e. February 19/20: An EU Delegation led by the Rt. Hon Neil Kinnock, Vice President of the European Commission held meetings in Malta at the Office of the Prime Minister and at the Ministry of Education. 2
f. March 2-8, 2004: Internal discussions between the Directorate EU Affairs, Ministry of Education and the University of Malta g. March 16, 2004: An EU delegation composed of Mr. Marco Benedetti, Director General, DG Interpretation and Mr. Tony Scott, Head of Department, DG Interpretation (EU Commission Delegation), Ms. Olga Cosmidou, Director of Interpretation, and Mr. Patrick Twidle, Head of Division (European Parliament) and Ms. Caren Baviera- Betson, Head of the Interpreting Division European Court of Justice held formal talks in Malta particularly with the Ministry of Education and the University of Malta. The outcome of these talks was an agreement that Directorate General Interpretation would provide expert advice for the University of Malta to develop a professional curriculum leading to a post graduate Masters in conference interpretation in line with EU standards. During the 2004-05 academic year a first generation of interpreters will be trained elsewhere in the EU. Meanwhile preparations will be set in train to enable the University of Malta to run its own postgraduate course as from 2005, with support from the DG Interpretation and EP Interpreting Directorate. DG Interpretation will provide institution building support, through its technical assistance programme, for the establishment of interpretation curricula in the University of Malta. In particular it will provide curriculum advice, guiding the selection of course participants, training of trainers, giving teaching assistance, possibly awarding study bursaries and/or a small operating grant as of 2005 (as part of its general bursaries and grants schemes). No funding under the Transition Facility is being requested for these activities. However the University of Malta is seeking Transition Facility assistance through this proposal to purchase equipment required for the setting up of a 6 booth dedicated training room. This procurement will be closely co-ordinated with the assistance described in the preceding paragraph being provided by the Commission Directorate General for Interpretation. 3.2 Linked activities: No pre-accession projects have been undertaken in this field. A two-year part-time post-graduate course leading to a Diploma in Translation and Interpreting was set up in October 2003 at the Faculty of Arts, University of Malta. Fifty students are following the course at present. As a result of a bilateral agreement between the two institutions, a one-week course in consecutive interpretation was organised by the University of Roma San Pio V and the Faculty of Arts of the University of Malta. The fifty students following the post-graduate diploma course (referred to above) attended. The course took place in February 2004 and financing was provided by the University of Rome San Pio V. A curriculum for a Masters degree in conference interpreting is being developed with expert advice and assistance being provided by Directorate General Interpretation. 3.3 Results: 3
The results envisaged for this project are: A fully equipped dedicated training room for interpretation set up. 3.4 Activities: A supply tender will be launched to procure the following items of equipment for the dedicated training room. Indicative prices are shown next to each item: Quantity Description Price 1 Chairman's unit (microphone 1,800 not included) 6 Delegate units (microphones 4,500 not included) 7 Microphones 1,350 1 Central control unit 3,300 12 Audio Media Modules 17,400 2 Mounting trays 150 12 Interpreter units 26,000 12 Interpreter Headphone 1,500 1 Transmitter panel housing 2,000 4 4ch module 4,900 1 AUDIO Input Module 600 2 Emitter panels 2,500 10 Receivers 3,500 10 Headphones 300 6 Booth Audipack Silent 6300+ 73,500 extension Cables 4,700 Total 148,000 This project activity will be closely coordinated with assistance provided by the Commission Directorate General for Interpretation through other channels. 3.5 Lessons learned: To date, the Faculty of Arts have received no assistance under the EU pre-accession funds, so it is not in position to draw any lesson relating to the implementation from previous projects. 4. Institutional Framework The University of Malta traces its origins to the founding of the Collegium Melitense in 1592. Situated at Tal-Qroqq, it is the highest teaching institution of the State by which it is mainly financed and is open to all those who have the requisite qualifications. There are over 9,000 students including over 750 foreign/exchange students from 80 different countries, following full-time or part-time degree and diploma courses, many of them run on the modular or credit system. Some 2,000 students graduate in various disciplines 4
annually. The degree courses at the University are designed to produce highly qualified professionals, with experience of research, who will play key roles in industry, commerce and public affairs in general. There are a further nearly 3,500 pre-tertiary students at the Junior College which is also managed by the University. The Faculty of Arts (http://www.arts.um.edu.mt) within the University of Malta will maintain overall responsibility for this project. The designed course will follow the University s rules and regulations and its academic standards will conform to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The course will supply qualified personnel for recruitment by the European Commission itself, as well as the other European institutions (including the Council, the European Parliament, the Court of Auditors and the Court of Justice) and interpretation agencies. The post-graduate course in interpretation will be run by the Faculty of Arts. The Faculty of Arts has various Departments, namely Arabic & Near Eastern Studies, Classics & Archaeology, English, French, History, International Relations, Italian, Maltese, Philosophy, Sociology, and Art Programme. The Faculty has research and cooperation links with: La Trobe University, Australia; University of Innsbruck, Austria; University of Leuven, Belgium; Université de Picardie Jules Vernes, Amiens, France; Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France; Université Paris IV-Sorbonne, France; Université Rabelais de Tours, France; Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Università di Cagliari, Sardegna, Italy; University of Catania, Italy; University of Florence, Italy; University of Genova, Italy; University of Macerata, Italy; University of Palermo, Italy; University of Torino, Italy; University of Udine, Italy; University of Ca Foscari Venezia, Italy; Université de Saint-Esprit, Lebanon; University of Bristol, UK; University of Cambridge, UK; University of Durham, UK; University of Leeds, UK; University of London, UK; University of Nottingham, UK; Open University, UK; University of Oxford, UK; Oxford Brookes University, UK; University of St. Andrew s, UK; University of Surrey, UK; University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Clioh (History) Programme; TEMPER Project (Training, Education, Management, and Prehistory in the Mediterranean-EUROMEDHERITAGEIIProgramme). The Faculty also published Humanitas: Journal of the Faculty of Arts, Journal of Maltese Studies, Lehen il-malti, and Malta: Esplorazzjoni: Dghajsa Karti. The Faculty of Arts within the University of Malta shall own the procured equipment. 5. Detailed Budget Transition Facility Support Institution Building Investment Support Total TF (=I+IB) National Cofinancing* IFI* TOTAL Equipment 111,000-111,000 37,000 148,000 Total 111,000-111,000 37,000 148,000 * In cases of co-financing only 5
The Institution Building part provided through DG Interpretation technical assistance programme. For the investment component, co-financing will be joined. The co-financing will be monitored by the beneficiary and the National Authorising Officer. For the earmarked co-finance, a clear and verifiable set of costs will be provided. The beneficiary will define which budget lines are the source for co-finance. 6. Implementation Arrangements 6.1 Implementing Agency Faculty of Arts University of Malta Tal-Qroqq Msida MSD 09 Malta Project Leader nominated by the University of Malta Prof. Joseph Enyaud Deputy Dean of Faculty Tel: +356 2340 2307 Fax: +356 21372433 Email: joseph.eynaud@um.edu.mt Contracting Authority Department of Contracts Notre Dame Ravelin Floriana CMR 02 Malta Contact Person Mr Dennis Attard, Assistant Director Tel: +356 21247682 Fax: +356 21247681 Email: dennis.attard@gov.mt 6.2 Twinning N/A 6.3 Non-standard aspects N/A 6.4 Contracts One supply contract having a value of 148,000 is envisaged. The national procurement rules in force at the time of tendering will be followed. 6
This procurement will be closely coordinated with assistance to be provided by the Commission Directorate General for Interpretation through other channels. 7. Implementation Schedule Start of tendering/call for proposals: September 2004 Start of project activity: September 2004 Project Completion: September 2005 8. Sustainability The University of Malta guarantees that it will provide the funds and human resources required to maintain the equipment. 9. Conditionality and sequencing A further evaluation of the necessary budget (up to the maximum budget foreseen in the fiche) of the Investment component will be issued on the basis of the results of a needs assessment study when they are available. The equipment contract is conditional upon the results of this needs assessment study. Annexes I II III Logframe planning Matrix Detailed implementation chart Contracting and disbursement schedule by quarter for full duration of programme (including disbursement period) 7
Annex I Log Frame matrix LOGFRAME PLANNING MATRIX FOR Project The development of University-based courses to strengthen Malta s capacity in the field of interpretation. Programme name and number Contracting period expires: 15/12/2006 Disbursement period expires: 15/12/2007 Total budget: 148,000 TF budget: 111,000 Overall objective Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification To develop and strengthen the capacity of Malta to meet its operational requirements in the area of interpretation arising from EU membership. Development of conference interpretation course curriculum. Setting up of a dedicated training room with 6 booths. Launching of a publicity campaign to raise awareness amongst graduate students and the general public about new opportunities of a conference interpretation career. The enrolment of 10 students to follow a post-graduate course in conference interpretation. Monitoring reports University enrolment records Project purpose Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions To assist in the procurement of the necessary equipment to set up a dedicated room at the University of Malta for the training of students following the course in Interpretation. Dedicated training room with 6 booths set up. Launching of a publicity campaign to raise awareness Monitoring report Faculty of Arts, University of Malta inventory. DG Interpretation assistance. Equipment to be in 8
amongst graduate students and the general public about new opportunities of a conference interpretation career. The enrolment of 10 students to follow a post-graduate course in conference interpretation commencing October 2005. Monitoring report University records place after a public call for tenders. Dissemination of information: media (audio, visual, print) dissemination; involvement of student organisations. Positive response to call of applications 9
Results Objectively verifiable indicators Sources of Verification Assumptions A fully equipped dedicated training room for University of Malta registration DG Interpretation interpretation set up. records. assistance. Installation of fully equipped dedicated room at the University of Malta with 6 booths. Faculty of Arts, University of Malta inventory. Equipment in place after a public call for tenders. Activities Means Assumptions Supply tender to procure the items of equipment Supply tender Tender documentation Project approved for kickoff for the dedicated training room. July 2004. Curriculum in place by December 2004 Tenders for the purchase of equipment issued by September 2004. University of allocate space for dedicated room by July 2004. Preconditions Transitory Facility to be forwarded.
Annex II SUMMARY DETAILED TIME IMPLEMENTATION CHART FOR THE PROJECT Title: The development of University-based courses to strengthen Malta s capacity in the field of interpretation COMPONENT 2004 2005 2006 J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D All Components D C C C C C C C C I I I I I X X X D = Design C = Contracting I = Implementation X = Closure 11
Annex III CUMULATIVE CONTRACTING AND DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULE Title: The development of University-based courses to strengthen Malta s capacity in the field of interpretation All figures in Euro 01/06/2004 01/09/2004 01/12/2004 01/03/2005 01/06/2005 01/09/2005 31/12/2005 CONTRACTED 148,000 DISBURSED 88,800 148,000 12
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