The National Youth Council (KNŻ) and several endorsing organisations have expressed their deep shock towards the recent stabbing at St. Clare's College, Pembroke. In response, they have called for stronger support systems.

"This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger support systems addressing bullying, conflict resolution, student support and wellbeing," the National Youth Council stated.

This statement comes two days after a 14-year-old student was stabbed, allegedly by a fellow student at St. Clare's College, Pembroke, on Monday morning. The suspect has been charged in court.

KNZ  declared that young people deserve to feel confident that their respective schools have the necessary means to support and protect them, without fear of repercussions from their peers.

KNŻ also called for mental health services to be prioritised over checkpoints, and for investment to be directed towards these services in all educational institutions.

"While safety and security are crucial, they require addressing in a manner which does not turn educational spaces into intimidating environments," the National Youth Council stated. "Such measures would not be addressing the root cause of arising issues, but rather would only continue to add unnecessary stress and burdens on students."

The youths continued that it is imperative for schools to remain safe environments in order for students to learn, flourish, and feel protected. Hence, KNŻ and the 20 endorsing member organisations echoed the concern expressed by some educators that introducing metal detectors in response to this incident "would transform an environment that fosters growth to one of hostility."

In addition, KNŻ affirmed that there should be "absolutely no place for racism or discrimination in our schools or society" and that "every student, regardless of background, deserves respect, dignity, and equal protection."

The National Youth Council welcomed the Education Ministry's decision to instate an advisory board at Pembroke's St. Clare's College to assess the situation and propose concrete improvements. It also applauded the "qualified personnel" within this board.

However, KNŻ called for the Ministry to directly consult youth for this pressing matter, as they are "the main stakeholders on the issue," it said. KNŻ continued that in its view, it is vital for students to be represented in this advisory board, whose decisions will directly impact students' day-to-day school experience and environment.

The group concluded by stating that its thoughts are with the victim, their family, and the entire school community during this difficult time.

This statement was endorsed by the following student organisations: Betapsi Malta, S-Cubed - Science Students' Society, SDM - Studenti Demokristjani Maltin, JEF Malta, Malta Model United Nations Society (MaltMUN), KSU - Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, MIRSA: Malta International Relations Student Association, the Gozo University Group (GUG), the Earth Systems Association (ESA), KSM - Kunsill Studenti MCAST, ELSA Malta, Żgħażagħ Laburisti, Moviment Graffitti, Pulse, the Malta Law Students' Society (GħSL), MŻPN, Erasmus Student Network Malta (ESN), LGBTI+ Gozo, the Malta Medical Students' Association (MMSA), and the Junior Chamber of Advocates.