Private school privatisation 'never crossed our minds'

Claims by the Malta Union of Teachers that it had not been involved in discussions about the proposed schools reform were yesterday rebutted by Education Minister Louis Galea.

Following a rally for the union members on Friday, Dr Galea yesterday denied that things were being done behind the MUT's back, explaining that a meeting was held with union representatives in the middle of last year, and that the union had been kept informed of developments.

During the rally, union president John Bencini voiced concern about the possible privatisation of state schools and questioned the suggestion of creating school clusters, a pilot project of which is expected to start on January 2.

The union representatives expressed disgruntlement at what they claimed to be the lack of consultation by the ministry about this issue. But in a letter sent to the union a few days ago, and which was published yesterday, Dr Galea said state education privatisation "never crossed our minds".

The minister stressed that a regeneration of the entire education system was "urgently required", to ensure quality education and stimulating further educational growth, while reducing bureaucracy and enhancing the autonomy of schools.

In yesterday's statement, the ministry said the MUT was aware that Dr Galea had already held discussions with top officials within the ministry and the Education Division, that the document about the proposal was currently being finalised and had to be presented to the government prior to a public discussion.

The minister also questioned how the MUT arrived at the conclusion that 80 per cent of the National Minimum Curriculum had not yet been implemented.

On Friday the union representatives also had talks with the Opposition, and Dr Galea expressed satisfaction that this was keeping an open mind with regard to the proposal for school clusters.