Alternattiva Demokratika leader Harry Vassallo yesterday stressed that it was feasible to radically improve both the range and quality of educational, training and employment opportunities in Gozo.

Speaking in Gozo, Dr Vassallo said that, “our education system is modelled almost exclusively on the English system”.

Alternattiva Demokratika will ensure that other models from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Australia and New Zealand are also introduced and adapted into to our country.

“We will review the conditions of teachers and lecturers. More effective programmes of continued professional development need be updated and will be introduced for all teachers, including administrators in education.

Alternattiva Demokratika will require more effective and open inspection regimes. Annual staff appraisals will be compulsory and marginal performers supported.

“Institutions will be required to publish action plans after the inspections. The reasons why so much out-of-school tuition is occurring will be investigated and reformed. This is a burden on many families who are left without any option but to finance private lessons. If it is found that they are necessary, then the state should financially support the families for having to seek private tuition. Otherwise, the government should commit itself to formulating a national policy on private tuition,” Dr Vassallo said.