While welcoming budget measures on education, PD is concerned over how some issues were not addressed
Partit Demokratiku noted with satisfaction certain positive elements within the budget measures relating to education, such as the removal of all exam fees for MATSEC and SEC exams, and agrees that the education system is to be re-addressed with a programme which is more fitting to an individual student’s abilities.
“The delivery system needs to shift to one of empowerment and formative education.”
PD is, however, concerned that certain issues have not been addressed adequately, despite their importance.
“There is no mention of expanding and upgrading schools, especially in localities where the population has increased out of proportion to the national average due to the massive influx of immigrants.”
“Students who suffer from stress-related experiences have increased, leading to learning and behavioural difficulties. A more focused robust programme is called for. They called for timely psychological assessments. “Certain children who need immediate assistance and support are not being addressed with priority.” They called for educational leaders to be better informed about existing gaps in the system so that certain students are not missed out. They also called for more research and public awareness on the importance of improved parenting from a very early age.”
PD highlighted that discussions pertaining to the proposed Education Act need the participation of all stakeholders, notably educational researchers and parents. “Qualified educators require the certainty that their existing qualification will ensure that they keep the same grade of qualified teacher while at the same time maintaining the parameters of continuing professional development so necessary for the improvement of professional competence. The crisis of the shortage of educators has to be addressed more appropriately. Unqualified supply teachers can only be considered as a temporary solution.”
Lastly, the PD said that a more robust national campaign on the importance of a nutritional and balanced diet is called for. “Malta still has the highest level of child obesity in Europe. Stricter guidelines on food preparation and monitoring of school lunch packs have to be enforced. The milk, fruit and vegetables scheme presently being adopted has good intentions, however, the wastage is dreadful. Offering school lunches across the board seems to be wasteful. This scheme may need revisiting. Children who really need to be helped may be given lunch vouchers which can be exchanged at school tuck shops for more freshly prepared healthy lunches.”