Education, youths and culture

● €850 for students learning foreign language abroad ● Maltese spellchecker to be developed ● Archaeological restoration at Cottonera Lines, Victoria Lines and Fort Ricasoli

As regards education, the government will continue to invest in advanced technology and infrastructure to ensure the best quality of education for Maltese students. With the introduction of Blockchain in education, this technology will be extended to institutions such as the University of Malta. After the introduction of the One Tablet per Child measure for Year 4 to Year 6 primary school students, the government will be introducing a similar pilot project for middle school students. The pilot project will provide a recommendation report on the expansion of technology in school, and how it aids both teachers and students in middle schools.

Educators providing research in education, vocational training or private tuition will be exempted from VAT payments.

Budget 2020 also includes a €7 million investment towards the infrastructure of both the University of Malta and MCAST for more appropriate facilities, including more modern laboratories. The allocate funds to the university to motivate academics to work on innovative research.

2020 will also see the opening of a new primary school in Qawra; works on new school blocks in Żejtun; a hall at a secondary school in Santa Luċija; and continued preparations for primary school in both Msida and Rabat, Gozo.

The government will invest in the initiative of an online Maltese spellchecker to put the Maltese language on a par with other languages. The initiative is to promote the use of written Maltese. The budget also highlights the organisation of more Maltese writing contests and the significance of the literary works of Dun Karm on the Maltese language, so as to increase interest. To increase interest among students to in learning about and experiencing different cultures, the government will be providing a maximum of €850 to those learning a foreign language abroad.

The government will be investigating a guide on the weight of school bags for students, through a national study measuring the weight of each student as well as the weight of their bags. The government is also pushing for a plan for each state school to provide water fountains.

The government will be starting a new youth work programme at the Corrective Centre in Mtaħleb. The educational programme will build the necessary skills to understand their potential and increase confidence.

A new affiliation agreement with the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) and Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management will provide new opportunities for ITS students. The agreement will see the first master’s qualification in the field of hospitality (heritage interpretation) along with the first bachelor’s degree in the field of diving. Construction of a state-of-the-art campus at Smart City will also begin. The campus will include a hotel run by the students of the institute.

The government will also be investing in closing the skills gap with the creation of an Industry Education Hub, which will ensure that diverse operative boards and apprenticeships meet the quality requirements.

The government will also be pushing for educational campaigns for students. One campaign in particular will highlight the effects of drug abuse and the use of cannabis. The campaign is expected to reach over 9,000 students. The government will also be pushing for a financial scheme for Achievers, a voluntary organisation which will organise activities for children and youths in culture, music and sports.

The government will also be investing in environmental voluntary organisations (organisations which have been confirmed by the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations and have been running for over five years) through a €1,000 cap for organisations pushing forward an appeal before the Planning Authority. The government will also be pushing for a new voluntary centre in Marsaxlokk and continue strengthening the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.

Culture

Next year will see the government begin consultation on whether or not to carry out further works on Pjazza Teatru Rjal to improve the national cultural calendar. The government will receive all proposals on fostering respect towards national heritage, including plans to potentially roof Teatru Rjal.

The government will be investing in the conservation, restoration and modernisation of the historical Bibliotheca building. Such an investment will make the site more accessible and attractive to tourists and researchers. There will also be investment in the National Library to provide more interactive space to facilitate more inclusion and promote literacy.

The government highlights the importance of culture and wishes to provide more opportunities in the field of culture. The government will be pushing further initiatives related to UNESCO world heritage sites, so that the Maltese Islands can highlight their heritage, placing them on the World Heritage list. The government will invest further in archaeological research, exploration and archival research. The government will begin archival excavation to save what is left of the Neolithic temples at Xrobb LGħagin, as well as improving and documenting underwater cultural heritage. With regard to restoration works, 2020 will see important restoration works on the Cottonera Lines, Victoria Lines and Fort Ricasoli.