Some time back I penned an opinion where I indicated that education is an issue that must always be at the forefront of good governance. The Malta Labour Party has not shirked from this responsibility and has indicated clearly that one of the measures to be examined is the possible implementation of a reception class in between the kinder and primary classes. The necessity of this measure was brought about by the statistics which make horrible reading for us Maltese. We are at the bottom end in the European Union for post secondary preparedness in education. We have an illiteracy rate which is inexcusable and, to top it all, when it comes to statistics it seems actual hands-on education is regarded as secondary in relation to the creation of new facilities. Of course proper educational facilities are a must. As are a must a proper educational curriculum and the educational tools such as computers and internet access.

Which is why the reception class is a good measure since it is intended to tackle problems right at the critical point. Between the ages of five and seven children take on education like the proverbial sponge (sponza). Results in Scandinavian countries as well as the United Kingdom and France have shown that the introduction of a reception class has benefited the students. The Nationalist Party in this matter has, with respect, acted strangely. By calling the new class a “repeater class” the PN is in effect denigrating the teachers who are preparing our children in kindergartens.

This is grossly irregular since it shifts the focus of the matter from the provision of good education to the field of political expedience. This is a measure which is solely intended to give a helping hand to all children. Those that are brighter than others will move on regardless simply because they are brighter, while those that need the helping hand will then also be able to move on. Nobody will be held back. At this crucial stage of a child’s development what can be wrong with giving a helping hand!

At the other end of the spectrum is the rumour going round (supported by some billboards) that when the MLP is in government it would remove student stipends. This is untrue and is a clear fabrication intended to mislead. Criticism is always acceptable, sometimes it is unfair, but it comes with the package we call democracy. However, fabrication is always wrong no matter where it comes from and as such is always morally reprehensible. It can serve no purpose other than to mislead. The electorate is wiser than that and deserves better.

Simon Micallef Stafrace

Valletta