A group of parents whose children attend the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School (MVPA) have formally written to Education Minister Clifton Grima requesting access to the technical report certifying that the hall at Mikiel Anton Vassalli College (MAVC) is safe for use, following last week's incident in which debris fell from the ceiling during a dance class.

The letter was signed by 169 parents and circulated as an open appeal.

It was reported last week that part of the ceiling at the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School fell while students were attending a class. The Times of Malta also quoted an Education Ministry spokesperson as saying that "as soon as the matter was reported, the ministry engaged qualified professionals to carry out the necessary inspections and certification. Following these assessments, the hall has been confirmed to be safe for use."

Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

But the incident itself raises concerns, such as how this happened in the first place. Was there a lack of maintenance? Was something else to blame?

Parents are insisting verbal assurances are insufficient, and have called for access to the technical report. "We are formally requesting that the Education Department provides a copy of the report prepared and endorsed by a perit confirming that the MAVC hall's building fabric is in a good state, fit for use, and free from any further risk of collapse, in whole or in part," the letter states.

Their request should be granted, both in the name of transparency, and to ensure that parent's minds are at rest. It is completely understandable that parents would want to make 100% sure that things are safe for their children, and the ministry must respect that.

Hearing that some debris fell from a ceiling, aside from being a hazard, also alludes to a lack of care or investment in the educational facility itself by the authorities. Even more so when recent questions were also raised about investment in this school.

It was separately reported that Education Minister Clifton Grima acknowledged that the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School needs a new theatre. The Times had reported that students had to perform at various venues across the country, because the stage at their school has been deemed unsafe for student use.

This shows the need for urgent investment in the school. It makes no sense for the Malta Visual and Performing Arts School not to have an adequate stage.  One hopes the government also takes action on this point.

Investment in schools must remain a priority, and students should have the very best equipment and facilities at their disposal.