A child was made to kneel down in a yard at the Zabbar Primary School while his classmates were asked to laugh at him, PN MEP candidate Helga Ellul said today.

In a statement Ms Ellul said that she had been contacted about the matter by a number of parents and upon investigating further found that the rumours were true.

“This should not happen anywhere, let alone in a school,” said Ms Ellul. “I am asking Education Minister  Evarist Bartolo to take immediate action and make sure that a proper investigation is held.  The Ministry should also make sure that the student involved gets all the necessary help for any psychological implications s/he may have suffered due to the incident.

"I also express my solidarity to the student involved.  It is rather unfortunate that the teaching profession is brought to shame by such occurrences, and I express my gratitude for the work educators perform within our educational system.” 

In reaction the Education Ministry said that "in light of these allegations the Ministry has immediately launched an investigation into the matter."

Mayor Quinton Scerri also reacted to the story, with a letter to the media which is being reproduced below:

"I have been approached by many local residents to put forward my position in regards to the news item published earlier today on a child who was made to kneel down in a yard as a punishment in primary school A at Zabbar, 

"I personally would like to show my solidarity with the child and his family while categorically condemn the act by the teacher in question. According to a recent international study Malta has one of the highest bullying rates and such incidents surely do not promote pro-social behavior within the educational system in order to minimize bullying.

"I would like to thank the College Principal and the Ministry for Education for their immediate intervention in order to take the necessary actions. 

"When I was a college student I have personally passed from a similar incident and I can truly understand the difficult situation the child might face to overcome such chagrin. I therefore appeal Ms. Helga Ellul not to take any political advantage of the happening and allow authorities to investigate and take the necessary actions if needs be. The victims should be given immediate support rather than any other form of promotion which could lead to further embarrassment. 

"I look forward that justice takes place and the child is assisted with all necessary support," the mayor said.