It is unacceptable in this day and age to have illiterate people around us. For those who are of a certain age it may be too late, largely because they may be set in their ways and will find it hard, at a personal level, to change. For the younger generations the situation should be different.

The population of Malta is governed by a simple rule when it comes to education: attendance is compulsory. Attendance should however not be enough. Are we sure that our youngsters are getting the education they need in the right way? Are we insisting on proper education in all its respects, and to all? The fact that there still are large numbers of illiterates among our youth is a clear indication that something, somewhere, is wrong.

Sometimes the impression is that there seems to be a laissez-faire attitude when it comes to basic education. If the child/youth does not want to learn then so be it! When it is the parent’s responsibility it is right to castigate them, but the buck does not stop there. It is of extreme importance to identify the problem demographically; however, once an illiterate has been identified, the problem becomes personal to him alone and requires immediate and direct intervention without reference to percentage. I find it so hard to accept percentages in this matter. Of course whenever the percentage goes down this is good, but it is never acceptable. How can it be?

If a child is illiterate that child must be brought into the world of the literate. This has to be the raison-d’etre of basic education. There has to be zero tolerance on this matter. Imagine a life without the tools to further oneself. Imagine having to depend at all times on others for even the most simple of tasks. Imagine never being able to read a newspaper. Imagine never knowing what is being produced in front of you to sign.

No percentage of illiteracy is acceptable. The Malta Labour Party has indicated repeatedly that education will be a priority at all times. The guidelines and policies identified in Pjan Ghal Bidu Gdid, the Labour Party manifesto, necessitates intervention at all levels.

The manifesto (11.1) states clearly that illiteracy is a challenge which we must tackle head on and win.

The MLP vision is simple: more attention and resources will be directed squarely at this problem. It is an obligation for us to do so. We have no choice.

Simon Micallef Stafrace

Valletta