“…we are all for diversification.
… A Nationalist Government has always been in favour of providing choices in education”
I followed with interest the Prime Minister’s visit to San Anton School – an independent school set up 21 years ago as a direct result of the mess the Labour Party of the 1980s made of our educational system. The visit made me reflect on the dramatic changes that successive Nationalist administrations have brought about over the last two decades. Education was one area that changed dramatically.
Prime Minister Gonzi visited the independent school, giving a clear sign of this government’s appreciation for the work this school and others are giving to hundreds of thousands of Maltese children. This happened a few weeks after Minister Cristina endorsed the setting up of the Independent Schools Association, encouraging them in their work.
Our approach is one of engagement and dialogue – we encourage the establishment of independent schools and cooperate with them recognising that they also contribute greatly to the development of our children and the future of our country. We do not close down schools and force students underground or create repeater classes as others do. On the contrary, we are all for diversification and are also willing to learn from the independent schools in order to better the state education on offer.
Today, the state is working to offer the best quality in education for our children. With an additional €25 million in investment this government is determined to ensure our greatest resource – our human resource – is best equipped to take this country into the next millennium. Heavy investments in infrastructure as well as in inclusive policies, ensuring nobody is left behind in the classroom, are what make our educational policy a dynamic one.
At the heart of our education policy is the concept that nobody is to be left behind. Suffice it to mention the engagement of nearly 1500 Learning Support Assistants in schools across the islands in order to help up to 2000 struggling students keep up with their peers in class. This, together with 36 students that are being home schooled and a serious look at reform in our special schools. In addition, I must also mention the recent commitment the government made to Church schools, which will see the number of places for students increase greatly over the next decade. These are all part of the government’s proactive approach to education.
A Nationalist government has always been in favour of providing choices in education. Instead of keeping everyone back, this government has ensured that all types of schools and educational programmes thrive and succeed. This, whilst at the same time, ensuring that the education provided by the state is nothing short of the best.
From a state-centred, autocratic system we have moved towards a choice of state, church and independent schools that have only enriched our society and will no doubt contribute to a brighter future for our country. Indeed, we have managed to turn education into a tool for a better future rather than the political football to which Labour had reduced it.
Dr Portelli is president of the
PN Executive Council
[email protected]