PN promises continuity in education sector, to increase funds for research

The Nationalist Party has promised continuity in the education sector so as not to disrupt the system and will be increasing funds for research, PN leader Simon Busuttil said yesterday.

Addressing a press conference, Dr Busuttil presented eight proposals on education in compulsory schools and another eight for post-secondary and higher education.

He said the PN promises to work on giving teachers all the respect they deserved, including improvement of their salaries and working conditions. A code of discipline and behaviour for students will be introduced.

Dr Busuttil said the existing policies will be retained and improved, while a council for educational development will be set up to allow teachers to participate in educational strategies and policies.

Retired teachers and LSAs will be encouraged to return to work, even at reduced hours, while the general conditions of LSAs will be improved.

Relationships with church and private schools will be strengthened, while extra payments introduced by the Labour government for MATSEC examinations will be reversed.

A school of performing arts will be opened on the same lines as the school of sport that was launched by the Nationalist government seven years ago.

A Nationalist government also pledges to improve the conditions of work of teachers employed in the post-secondary and tertiary school sector. MCAST students and teachers will be given better facilities and the University of Malta will be given administrative and academic autonomy.

The budget for research will increase from 0.6 per cent to three per cent over a period of five years, Dr Busuttil said.