Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday inaugurated the new extension built at St Anne’s Primary School in Marsascala worth Lm150,000.

Education Minister Louis Galea, Marsascala mayor Carmelo Mifsud, head principle, teachers and students attended the press conference.

“Education is one of the government’s top priorities, alongside the environment and the economy,” said Dr Gonzi. “We believe the quality of education offered is an important element to build a thriving economy.”

Education is the key to attracting top foreign investment such as SmartCity@Malta and the pharmaceutical industry, he added.

“The government’s challenge is to provide and educate enough people to ensure that all the jobs created in the IT sector are taken by the Maltese,” said Dr Gonzi.

St Anne’s School was one of the first projects undertaken by the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS) when it was set up in 2001.

During the first phase, six new classrooms and sanitary facilities for people with a disability were built.

Apart from the structural works carried out, new classroom furniture, computer networks, drainage systems and water and electricity services were installed.

The school was made more accessible through ramps and a platform stair lift.

During the second phase, a new storey was added and was completed by September 2005.

Students were able to make use of the new facilities as soon as the new scholastic year started.

The new facilities were built to keep up with the increasing numbers of students at St Anne’s and the residents’ needs.

“St Anne’s School is one of the many projects carried out by the FTS,” said Dr Galea. “It is the government’s aim to send children to the best schools possible.”

Children deserve a high standard of education from their first school years, all throughout until they reach Mcast or university.

“Through education, we are giving them the best tools for students to prepare themselves for work,” said Dr Galea.

In the future the government aims to improve the educational system by clustering state schools in autonomous colleges.

“Issues such as absenteeism, Matsec exams, inclusive and special education, and career guidance are being seriously tackled to further improve the Maltese educational system,” added Minister Galea.

A new kindergarten will be built in the near future and a site has been earmarked for development close by to St Anne’s School.