Marthese Mugliette President of the Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) has voiced the reaction of the Federation to today’s Public Service Expo 2025 Broadcast.
In a statement, Ms Mugliette said that this morning, the Public Service Expo Village 2025 opened its doors, and the national broadcaster aired live segments featuring representatives from several sectors, including education. Officials from the Department for Curriculum were interviewed and spoke about improvements in our education system and how it is equipping students with skills for life.
“As I listened, I couldn’t help but wonder if my television had somehow tuned in to a foreign channel. The picture painted by these officials did not reflect the reality experienced by many families, particularly those of students with disabilities,” said Ms Mugliette.
She warned that “the truth is this: our education system continues to fall short in meeting the real needs of students, and this is especially evident when it comes to mental health. We are witnessing a growing number of children and young people – from a very early age – seeking psychological support just to cope with the demands of school and daily life. This is not a perception; it is a fact. And unless the relevant authorities acknowledge this reality, we cannot hope to bring about meaningful change.”
The MFOPD is committed to elevating this issue – especially the education of students with disabilities – to a national priority, said Ms Mugliette “For years, we have been vocal about the shortcomings of the system, and yet decisions continue to be made by the wrong people, often with devastating consequences for our children.”
She pointed out that “instead of investing in robust, inclusive, and individualised education through well-designed Individual Educational Programmes (IEPs) and consistent support from dedicated Learning Support Educators, the system remains focused on structures that exclude.”
“Today’s directive by the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) is a case in point,” insisted Ms Mugliette. “The MUT instructed all school management in middle and secondary schools not to make any changes to examination timetables and that the exam period should be used exclusively for exams. This effectively means that students with disabilities who are not sitting for exams are to remain at home – denied access to learning during a crucial time.”
“This is unacceptable,” she said.
Ms Mugliette stressed that “students with intellectual disabilities often need more time, not less, to consolidate skills and knowledge. Interrupting their learning during the exam period – simply because their peers are sitting for tests – is unjust, discriminatory, and insensitive. It undermines the very principle of inclusive education and violates the students’ right to continuous and good quality learning.”
The Federation reminded the MUT that its “core purpose is to support educators and promote an effective education system for all students. That goal is clearly not being met when it comes to learners with disabilities.”
MFOPD concluded by urging the Ministry for Education and the MUT “to immediately review their approach. Inclusion is not a slogan – it is a commitment to action. It is time to ensure that our education system leaves no one behind.”
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