A few days ago, I watched the programme Fast Track on NET TV, where Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and GRTU director general Vince Farrugia were the main speakers discussing the budget. Both were of the opinion that the productive worker should be encouraged to work more and not stay at home. To increase our “holidays” is not an issue, kept on saying Mr Farrugia, with the prime minister continuously nodding his head to show his support. They continued to say that Malta is among the European countries having most number of holidays.

So, both speakers were implying that nowadays, it is sort of a disgrace or laziness to stay at home and relax. Yes, the fashion trend of productivity dictates: work, work and work, with hardly time for play. Otherwise they laugh at you. But does the sun rise equally the same for all Maltese workers?

I understand that Mr Farrugia has nothing to do with schools. I am also aware of the fact that both speakers were referring to the issue of public holidays falling on weekends. However, doesn’t it also ring a bell that when one simply mentions the word “holidays”, the first thing that should come straight into one’s head are the more than 6,000 school employees and not the ordinary worker who strives to find some free leisure time to relax with his family?

The number of vacation leave and public holidays is a sacred issue for most workers.

On the other hand, productivity-minded key speakers are thinking that the ordinary Maltese workers have enough holidays. But why is it that no one considers why school employees, who enjoy among the best free-time packages in Europe (consisting of nearly four months of holidays, working on average about 30 hours a week) are always immaculate?

Although Maltese children are no longer allowed to sit for their Matriculation and Ordinary Levels examinations before Form 5 unlike other countries, Malta still has among the highest percentages of children attending private tuition. Is it likely, as they are arguing, that “all” parents are obsessed with exceptionally high marks? Then, why do they quit going to private tuition once they get the results saying that they just made it through?

Why has Malta excelled in the global childhood obesity scenario? It is lately being also criticised internationally as the laziest country in the EU with respect to physical activities. Do school children have enough PE lessons per week, as they do abroad?

Why are Maltese children obliged to attend evening doctrine lessons in order to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation?

Indirectly, low academic productivity may also negatively affect the retail, industrial and other work sectors. Many working parents have to accompany their children to private and doctrine lessons. Also, working mothers often have to take a day off to remain with their children or bring their child with them at work when they have no school. Many are forced to work on reduced hours in order to pick up their children early from schools.

Money from our taxes is every year being pumped for the education sector. The million euro question is: are schools delivering enough?

C. Micallef

Fgura