Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Education Minister Clifton Grima, and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, inaugurated two schools in the educational campus in Rabat, Gozo: Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School and Agius de Soldanis Middle School.

In a statement Thursday, the government said that the unique educational campus cost €18 million, which includes a childcare centre and an archaeological interpretation centre.

The primary school project includes 16 classrooms for primary level, 10 kindergarten classrooms, science, IT, and art classrooms and laboratories, all built on an 8,000 square metre area, of which 3,000 square metres are dedicated to sports and recreational areas for children.

The primary and kindergarten schools together can accommodate around 650 boys and girls.

As part of this project, the Middle School in the same area was also expanded and modernised.

It now consists of 30 renovated classrooms, science laboratories, two new multi-use halls, a gymnasium, and new classrooms for art, music, and drama.

Abela visited various primary school classrooms and met children engaged in educational activities.

After visiting the modern childcare centre, he also toured the middle school where he observed art and science sessions, as well as a discussion with students that included the participation of well-known Gozitan personalities Mark Laurence Zammit, Sarah Bonnici, and Daniel Formosa.

Abela concluded the discussion with a personal intervention among the students.

In his address, Abela said that what was inaugurated was not merely two schools, but an investment in the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of Gozitan children.

"This campus is a clear example of how we want to view education, as modern and inclusive. This project was made possible through an investment of around €18 million and includes a childcare centre, sports facilities, and an archaeological interpretation centre built around Punic tomb remains discovered during the construction," Abela said.

Grima said that although construction is important, the most crucial aspect is that this complex has created the right environment for children to develop their skills.

"Today, these students and educators have the necessary educational environment to help them not only develop their abilities, but also achieve their future aspirations," Grima said.

He said that this new school and the modernisation of the complex join the chain of new and modernised schools government is delivering, and which are being enjoyed by students and educators.

Camilleri said that the inauguration of the Rabat Primary and Middle Schools marks another important step in the modernisation of the education sector in Gozo.

"With the construction of the new primary school and the expansion and modernisation of the middle school, these educational institutions reflect government's concrete commitment to ensuring an adequate, safe, and innovative learning environment for our students," he said.

Camilleri said that that this investment is clear proof of government's vision for inclusive and quality education that places Gozitan children at the centre of the island's social and educational development.

This project makes the educational campus in Rabat, Gozo, unique in Malta as it offers education from childcare all the way to sixth form, the statement said.