An investment of around €6 million is being made to further strengthen inclusive education in Malta through the development of new therapeutic facilities at the San Miguel Resource Centre in Pembroke.
Education Minister Clifton Grima announced the project during a visit to ongoing works at St Clare College, San Miguel Primary School, where a new sensory-hydrotherapy pool and jacuzzi are currently being built by the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools.
Grima described the project as another initiative that will make "a real difference" in the lives of children and their families, saying the new centre will include a hydrotherapy pool that will serve as an important therapeutic tool for children's physical, sensory and emotional development.
"This is another project that will continue to make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. With an investment of around €6 million, this centre will have a hydrotherapy pool - an important therapeutic tool that helps children's physical, sensory and emotional development, while also offering a safe environment where they can learn and enjoy activities," the minister said.
The new facility forms part of a 557-square-metre extension designed to enhance both educational and therapeutic services for children attending the resource centre, particularly those with individual educational needs. It has been planned to be fully accessible from the existing school building, while also including a separate entrance to allow for independent use after school hours.
The San Miguel Centre already provides full-time education to more than 20 students aged between three and 11, while also offering services to around 60 students from state, Church and independent schools.
Once completed, the new facility will be able to accommodate up to 16 people at the same time. In addition to the sensory-hydrotherapy pool and jacuzzi, it will include sanitary facilities, equipped showers, a first aid room and multipurpose rooms that can be used for a variety of educational and therapeutic activities.
The government said the project is in line with Malta Vision 2050, specifically macro measure 66, which focuses on investment in educational infrastructure that is accessible and inclusive for all.
Grima said the investment clearly demonstrates the government's commitment to strengthening inclusive education and ensuring quality services for every child.
"Our policy is ensuring that no student is left behind despite individual diversity. It is also a project that aligns with Malta Vision 2050, which clearly ensures that all national policies are aligned with today's realities and tomorrow's challenges, while promoting an improved quality of life," he said.