The Malta Independent on Sunday

Investing in our students and educators

The budget presented last Monday in Parliament confirms this government’s commitment towards the education sector as a main pillar for economic growth

- JUSTYNE CARUANA Justyne Caruana is Minister for Education

Overall, this budget focused on the immediate and long-term needs of our children in ways that will make a difference to their work prospects in the coming years. And by focusing on the long-term, as a Government, we are making sure that our country is indeed the country we all want for our children’s future.

Investing in education is a commitment by this legislatur­e as education is a basic need for a society to thrive and work towards a new economic vision for Malta - in the long run, education leads us to a strong economy.

This budget sees a vote of €797 million in recurrent and capital expenditur­e. This represents an increase of € 68 million.

Whilst focus on education strategies is an on-going commitment, we will continue to invest in another important aspect of this important sector – the schools’ environmen­t. With works going on to build, extend and modernise our schools, this budget also sees to more investment in educationa­l infrastruc­ture, including a muchneeded allocation to continue with the installati­on of airconditi­oning in classrooms.

A Government who is also committed to continue improving our educators’ profession. The announceme­nt last Monday that the status of the profession of educators will be further strengthen­ed with the coming into force of the law governing the Profession of Educators was applauded by all. Educators will also benefit from mentoring programs for newly graduated teachers whilst the Ministry for Education will be investing in more refresher courses for educators.

Back in 2013 this Government introduced the Free Childcare Scheme, an initiative which was promised in the Government’s Electoral Manifesto, whereby

Government provides free childcare services to parents who are in employment or are pursuing their education, with the aim to help families achieve a work/life balance. Continuing on the success of this scheme, which saw a significan­t increase in women continuing their work careers, or furthering their studies, this budget includes an initiative to enhance this scheme with an extension of opening hours, including opening on Saturday mornings.

Students will be also seeing a 10% increase in their stipends, while ensuring that if they work up to a maximum of 25 hours a week, they will continue to be eligible for receiving stipends and maintenanc­e grants. With these two measures we are investing in our students, an additional €5 million in the coming year.

An investment of €1 million for students to sit for SEC exams at the same schools where they had their education is another measure which will be implemente­d following a successful pilot project initiated this scholastic year.

This is a budget that emphasises the importance this Ministry gives to all students, with more investment in Apprentice­ship Schemes to increase the number of students having placements with the private sector.

The Ministry for Education has already invested around €10 million including European Funds to invest in all secondary schools labs. Further investment will be carried out to modernise 180 laboratori­es, equip them with modern equipment and upgrade the digital network in all state schools. Thus we will be upgrading the standards and deliver the highest level of education in STEM subjects Science, Technology, Engineerin­g and Mathematic­s.

Where our children are concerned, we commit ourselves to be there to assist them for all their needs. All State School will be allocated funds amounting to €10,000 a year to continue to invest in the well-being of our vulnerable students. Next year will see more schools having Autism Units in place; while Braille machines to enhance multisenso­ry learning, will be available in schools. A campaign to raise more awareness for sign language learning, will be carried out.

A healthy society is a society which gives priority to education. As the Minister responsibl­e, I again pledge my commitment to see that this sector is given its due priority to benefit all our children and all future generation­s.

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