A total of €43 million are currently being spent in 28 educational projects, with most initiatives either finished or will be finalised during the summer.
Education first: €43 million for educational projects including 6 in Gozo
The Ministry for Education said that this includes 6 projects in Gozo, Gozo College Secondary School Phase 1 & 2, MCAST Gozo Campus, Sannat Primary School, Gozo 6th Form and Gozo College Premises. The GC Secondary School Phase 1 and MCAST Gozo Campus are both completed, the remainder have completion dates of September 2015.
Work at the new sports hall and facilities as part of the Sports School at Pembroke is at an advanced stage while preparatory work has started on the Kirkop, Swatar l/o Rabat and Marsascala projects for the construction of new schools.
Initial planning work for the new schools in Mosta and St Paul’s Bay is also taking place.
During a site visit at Rabat’s Secondary School, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said the government is working hard on these ambitious projects. He also thanked the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools and the Directorates for making these projects a reality.
The Minister said that mega-schools no longer fit a modern educational approach, and stressed the importance of having smaller schools with a community-feel, which leads to better learning and improved behaviour.
Construction works are important both for students and staff, but what happens between the four walls of the class is what truly counts, the Minister said.
The sum, which does not include 2013 works and minor works under €80,000 across the ten colleges, is being spent on different projects consisting of new schools, refurbishment and upgrades, sport and artistic facilities as well as youth hubs.