We are living in a civilisation that is continuously changing and therefore it is important that in today’s society, the government is aware of the aspirations of young people and offer all the possible tools and opportunities for them to reach their goals. The youths themselves are a key instrument for their development, but in order to succeed they need to find an adequate environment to live in. Maltese youngsters should feel fortunate enough to have a Nationalist government in power, helping them to pave their way to success.

All this was highly recognised by the youth sector during the last March general election. The majority of the youngsters in possession of a vote opted to choose the Nationalist Party to lead them for another five years.

Education and youths are a top priority for this government. An excellent education system is a guarantee for a good future for our country. This is why our government is recognising the importance of such a sector.

We are committed to secure the future of our children and this is what the Nationalist government, led by Dr Lawrence Gonzi, has been doing for the past years. The fact proves our dedication to make sure of tomorrow’s success.

What about the Malta Labour Party in opposition?

Before the EU referendum, the former opposition leader lacked respect and criticised the youths who were supporting Malta’s accession in the European Union. Some months ago, during the election campaign, the youngsters were well condemned because they showed full support for the PN. We can still remember what Dr George Vella said about the students following a debate held at the University on 18 February.

Unlike the Malta Labour Party, the Nationalist government cares for the education of our youngsters. Thanks to the party in government, Maltese students can now choose to attend the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), when for some reason or another they opt not to attend University. The mission statement of such institution is to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy. This mission is being accomplished thanks to the government’s vision.

One of the government’s top priorities is to ensure a better educational system, with more opportunities for youths. The contrary is to be said for the party in opposition. We all should remember what the Labour party promised to the young Maltese electorate before the general election in 1996. At that time, Labour’s spokesperson for Education, Evarist Bartolo assured that a new Labour government would keep giving stipends to the University students, on the same lines as they were receiving them at that time. In 1997, the opposite happened because the socialist government reduced the monthly stipend to Lm50, with another monthly Lm50 available as a loan. Surely this was a blow to universal availability of tertiary education, and thus, undemocratic. When Alfred Sant was Prime Minister, he didn’t keep his word with the younger generation.

Today the government is giving a financial grant to more than 14,000 students. During the last scholastic year, the government paid e19.1m in maintenance grant to students. The government is also helping 600 students, 250 University students and 350 post secondary students in supplementary maintenance grant to students coming from families with financial problems.

During its 678 days in government, the Malta Labour Party opted to stop the process for the opening of MCAST. The contrary happened with MCAST under the helm of the Nationalist Party, as we believe in the success that such institution can bring to youngsters; in fact today MCAST is the first European institution to receive the Edexcel International Centre of Excellence Award. Edexcel forms part of the Pearson Education, which is renowned to be the biggest educational organisation in the world. Additionally this is the best organisation that is in a position to acknowledge excellence in vocational education and training.

All youngsters can now put their mind at rest. With the Nationalist Party in government and Dr Gonzi at the wheel we have a guarantee that our children can have a brighter future full of opportunities.

David Casa is a Nationalist MEP

[email protected]

www.davidcasa.eu