As the summer holidays are coming to an end, works carried outduring the summer holidays in various schools around Gozo are also be due to be completed. This will mean that Gozitan children and students will return to school in a few weeks time to find better facilities to help improve the environment and safety in schools.
The Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono visited some schools where they have either completed, or are still working on, the maintenance. She was accompanied by officials from the Eductational section from within the Ministry for Gozo.
Among its responsibilities, the Educational section coordinates maintenance works in all state schools around Gozo. These include 11 primary schools, two secondary and the Center for Higher Studies. During this summer various work was taking place including plastering, painting, replacement of tiles and restructuring of classes in various rooms and schools. Another part of the roof was changed at the Nadur Primary school following work on it earlier this year. Work was also carried out in the primary school at Zebby and work completed on the hall of the primary school in Sannat, which also includes a special section for children with disabilities. Some of these tasks were carried out by employees of the maintenance section in the Education section within the Ministry for Gozo which also included carpentry. During this year the carpenters completed work for Xewkija Primary School amongst others as well as building new furniture for the Qala primary school.
Minister Giovanna Debono stressed that these works confirm the commitment of the Ministry for Gozo in the continuing development in the sector of education in Gozo. It aimed to improve further the structures and environments of schools. This will enable students to enjoy more modern educational facilities, offering greater security and be accessible by everyone. She explained that during the next school, the schools within the Gozo College will be hosting 320 children of kindergarden age, 1249 students in primary schools and 1514 pupils in secondary schools of girls and boys. This in addition to 1232 students will attend schools of the church. The Center for Higher Studies will welcome more than 225 students who will continue with courses that began last year, as well as more than 200 post-secondary students starting new courses in this center.
Minister Giovanna Debono said that she was pleased that the outcome of this work will be reflected by the commitment of teachers, students and all those engaged in the educational sector in Gozo. It has also been reflected over time in the successes achieved by Gozitan students at different examinations including those of Junior Lyceum and those at intermediate and advanced secondary level. Last school year more than 900 Gozitan students were attending courses at the University of Malta and other institutions in Malta. Through a specific scheme for Gozitan students, the Ministry for Gozo coordinated a service through which payments were made totaling over €800.000 to help cover costs of accommodation and ferry crossings.