Kercem Primary School students will start the scholastic year in a new, modern and more accessible educational environment, following an investment of around €3.2 million, the Government said.

The finished project will result in an air-conditioned school, accessible via a new lift, with improved educational and recreational spaces and modern infrastructure.

Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, together with Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, visited the school where they followed the final phases of the works being carried out by the Foundation for the Schools of Tomorrow (FTS), as the project nears its completion.

Kercem Primary School is located in a two-storey building that was built in 1921 and is spread over approximately 1,200 square metres. The project is modernising this building while adapting it to the needs of today’s students and educators.

The Education Minister said that “a school that has been serving the community for over 100 years is now being renovated to continue doing so for generations to come. But our goal is not simply to renovate the buildings. We want to improve the daily educational experience, with an environment where students feel comfortable, safe, and where educators have the conditions that help them do their job in the best way.”

As part of the project, open and recreational spaces are being redesigned, while new spaces are also being created for the teaching of extra-curricular subjects, while outdoor recreational areas are being improved with non-slip surfaces and artificial edges.

The project also includes the installation of an air conditioning system in the school along with new electricity, water and sewage services, internet connectivity, security cameras and alarms, as well as fire protection systems. Measures are also being introduced to improve energy efficiency.

It was explained that during the works, teaching continued to be given in temporary classrooms on the same school site. This was done so that the work could be carried out at a fast pace and in a safe manner, while the students could continue to learn in the same school environment to which they are accustomed.

Maria Cutajar, Head of Contracts Management within the Foundation for the Schools of Tomorrow (FTS), explained that after the extensive work carried out, students will return to a school environment substantially different from what they knew before.

Photo: DOI

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