Government has launched the EDU Infrastructure Programme, a €91 million expenditure towards educational infrastructure and modernising schools over the next 13 years.

The project was officially launched Friday morning by Education Minister Clifton Grima, where government promised to modernise and carry out maintenance works on more than 100 schools over a 13-year period.

Each year, this initiative will fund eight projects, with a total of €7 million in annual funding allocated to this programme, distributed across these eight projects in different schools each with different priorities, a government statement said.

It continued that wherever possible, these projects will also promote sustainability by integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally sustainable materials.

"This is an ambitious project through which we will invest directly in educators and students by implementing an extensive programme of work in the educational environment," Grima said.

He said that this initiative will ensure that schools are a suitable environment, both indoors and outdoors, prioritising the well-being of individuals.

"This is the core of the National Education Strategy, which places the individual at the centre," Grima said.

Grima said that as announced in the 2025 Budget, several projects are currently underway this year, in addition to the extensive maintenance programme carried out during the summer holidays.

He also said that following the inauguration of the Msida Primary School, which cost €24 million, work on the Rabat, Gozo educational complex, which cost another €18 million, will soon be officially inaugurated.

Grima said that the first state-run childcare centre in Gozo was also inaugurated as part of this investment.

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education Matthew Vella provided details on how these projects will be implemented.

"This school infrastructure programme is an integral part of the transformation of the education sector and the National Education Strategy," he said.

Vella said that the Logistics and Infrastructure Directorate within the ministry will focus on school building renovations and maintenance, major projects ranging from extensive interior renovations to improved school accessibility and enhancements to outdoor spaces.

Through the EDU Infrastructure Programme, sports facilities in schools will also be modernised, both indoors and outdoors, to encourage the use of these spaces for learning activities.

Minister Grima also thanked the workers present at the launch for their commitment and dedication.