The vast majority of state schools in Malta still leave students and educators facing excessive heat without air-conditioning systems, the Nationalist Party said Tuesday.

Although schools have now closed their doors to regular students, this situation is causing hardship for hundreds of other students who attend Skolasajf and Klabb 3-16 sessions across the country during the summer, as well as for the educators who provide these services.

This situation is unacceptable, particularly as heatwaves become increasingly intense. Classrooms should not be environments where children and educators are forced to endure high temperatures that affect their health, concentration and learning, the PN said.

The Government is saying that air conditioning will be installed "gradually over the coming years". However, students and educators cannot be expected to wait for years for basic working and learning conditions.

The Labour Party's 2022 Electoral Manifesto stated: "We will install air-conditioning systems in classrooms and staff rooms in all schools in Malta and Gozo." However, despite the Labour Government's promise that this work would be completed before the last election, the pledge has still not been fully implemented, with most schools and classrooms still lacking installed air-conditioning systems.

The PN is therefore insisting that the Government accelerate this programme and present a clear plan, including dates and deadlines, to ensure that every school is equipped with adequate air-conditioning systems.

At the same time, immediate measures must be introduced to reduce the effects of the heat, including improved ventilation and arrangements that safeguard the health and wellbeing of students and educators.

Quality education begins with a safe and dignified environment.

In 2026, it is unacceptable that there are still classrooms where the heat makes teaching, learning and working almost impossible, the statement said.

It was signed bu Jerome Caruana Cilia, Shadow Minister for Education and Citizenship.