A wide range of upgrading and modernisation works is underway simultaneously in six schools in Gozo in preparation for the beginning of the new scholastic year. This means that work is currently in progress in just under half of the public schools in Gozo for students below 16 years of age, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said when visiting works in progress at the Xewkija, Nadur, Ghajnsielem and Zebbug primary schools.
The Rosa Magro primary school in Xewkija is nearing its upgrading project’s final stages. Benefiting from an expenditure of Lm130,000, this school now boasts of newly refurbished classrooms on the first floor, the installation of fire alarms and a CCTV system, new aluminium apertures closing off the ground corridor, a new electrical system as well as renovated sanitary facilities throughout. Other completed works include the refurbishment of the hall and stage area, new light and stage facilities, the treatment of the external façade columns and other general works including tiling, painting and plastering. Works in progress include the total upgrading of the kindergarten wing, the entrance corridor, administration area and the basement area.
Structural and upgrading works are also in progress at the Mgr Salv Vella Nadur primary school where the roof of the upper floor corridor and that of a classroom located on the second floor have recently been totally replaced. A second classroom on the same floor has also been enlarged and had its electrical system re-installed, with plumbing works expected to start in the coming days.
The Anton Cassar primary school in Ghajnsielem is another school undergoing modernisation works, including works in classrooms and the corridor. New aluminium apertures and doors were also recently installed through funds from the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS).
More works are underway at the Mgr Giov Andrea Vella primary school in Zebbug where refurbishment works consist of the curing of concrete structures and painting works. In recent weeks, FTS funds made it possible for this school to see the complete replacement of its previously wooden apertures into aluminium ones. The replacement of doors and hall windows is to follow in the coming days.
Minister Debono also referred to other upgrading projects that are underway in Gozo, which include the setting up of five new laboratories, the refurbishment of classrooms and the installation of a lift to improve accessibility for disabled students at the Agius de Soldanis Girls Secondary school, while refurbishment works on three blocks of sanitary facilities, including one for students with disability, the upgrading of the electrical system and the installation of air-conditioners is currently underway at the Sir M.A. Refalo Centre for Further Studies. An application for the installation of a lift at this school was also recently approved by Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
Mrs Debono also visited the Skola Sajf Centre at Nadur primary school where children were engaged in a creative based activity. Children attending one of the nine centres around Gozo enjoy the variety of sessions held, with topics ranging from painting and cookery to the creative arts. Sessions held include those given by various philanthropic organisations and personalities working in the educational and social sectors, with particular attention being given to topics such as healthy-eating and the introduction of the euro. Currently there are 300 students attending the Skolasajf Centres.