Speaking during a seminar on education, leader of the Opposition Alfred Sant said that for Labour, an improvement in the quality of education is one of the toughest challenges currently facing Malta.

He said that the MLP is aiming for an educational system of everyone and for everyone.

“The MLP is worried that, compared to other countries in the European Union, Malta ranks in the lowest levels for education.”

Dr Sant said that school-leavers who are unable to read and/or write are a threat to Maltese society and its social justice. He reiterated that the solutions offered by the MLP are aimed at all those involved in the education sector, such as parents, teachers, administrators and researchers, among others, but above all are targeted towards students.

“To fight the literacy problem, the MLP proposes the creation of a new level between kindergarten and primary, which would offer solid bases for children to learn how to read and write.”

He also said that the MLP proposes that books should be given to students attending public schools, instead of being lent to them.

Dr Sant concluded by referring to the ongoing restructuring of state schools which, he said, is positive and contributes to the quality of education that is given to students.