From Mr J. Galea

Dear Dr Muscat,

As you rightly write in your article… responsible politicians, educators, individuals should lead to responsible families and citizens… or no? One of the key topics you addressed and attacked is the educational system and especially Personal and Social Development, which you have pinpointed as “bringing about questionable mores of our society” and increasing single parenthood. It would have been more advisable had some research been carried out by your kind self on Personal and Social Development in the education system.

PSD as an informal subject in a formal curriculum seeks to address the holistic development of the future citizens of our country. It seeks to empower students to develop awareness, skills, values and attitudes on numerous issues that are affecting them in their daily life. Sexuality education is one such topic. Throughout the years, starting from Year 4 going straight up to Form 5, the ongoing emphasis is on rights, respect and responsibility – not only to oneself but also towards others – whether its one’s family, friends, partner or community. Sexuality education addresses the health as well as the physical elements of sexual development and health, along with the relationship, identity and emotional elements of sex and parenting. Through dialogue and peer learning students are empowered to prevent adopting risk-taking behaviour. However, discussions initiated in the classroom need to be continued and supported with responsible adults, parents and caregivers. Research clearly indicates that holistic educational programmes, which elaborate on providing accurate information, develop life skills and nurture positive attitudes and values while promoting collaboration and developing partnerships, which include all stakeholders is reducing risk-taking behaviour. Although Malta has taken positive strides in aspects of this comprehensive framework especially in PSD, much more still needs to be done.

As an association and as PSD teachers we are very much concerned with this direct attack on the subject. Unfortunately, such destructive criticism will only harm students’ opportunities to enhance their awareness along with the required skills and attitudes necessary for becoming responsible citizens capable of making “lifestyle choices” which you so strongly emphasis in your article. It would have been more beneficial had an attempt been made to identify ways and means on how to provide more effective and encompassing sexuality education to all stakeholders – students, teachers and even more so parents and, at this point, politicians. The present educational situation, although a relatively positive one compared to numerous other European Union States, does call for more specific and elaborate research and educational programmes on the topic. As PSD teachers we firmly believe that ultimately, prevention will always be better than cure.

Jason Galea

President, PSD Association

PSD Association