It is very necessary that in today's society the government is aware of the aspirations of the young and offer them all the possible tools and opportunities to reach their goals. The youths themselves are a key instrument for their development but, in order to succeed, they need to find an adequate environment to live in. Maltese youngsters should feel fortunate enough to have a Nationalist government in power, helping them to pave their way to success.
Education and youths are a top priority for this government. An excellent education system is guarantee of a good future for our country. This is why the government is recognising the importance of this sector.
Following the inauguration of the boy's secondary school in Kirkop, the Nationalist Party in government is committed to continue improving the educational facilities with the building of five new schools in Qormi, Cospicua, Mosta, Pembroke and Gozo.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment will profit from about €50 million in EU funds for regional development (ERDF). These funds will be invested in infrastructure development projects, falling under the Education Ministry responsibilities, including the University of Malta, the Junior College, Mcast and the ETC. These institutions will benefit from faculties extensions, computer services, a wide range of laboratories and equipment and technology for people with special needs. In addition, government secondary schools will be having their laboratories upgraded with the latest technology.
We are committed to secure the future of our children and this is what the Nationalist government, led by Lawrence Gonzi, is doing. Facts prove our dedication to ascertain tomorrow's successes.
What about Alfred Sant and his party?
Before the European Union referendum, the Opposition Leader lacked respect and criticised the youths that were supporting Malta's accession to the EU.
Maybe not all readers remember or know what Dr Sant used to say about youngsters wanting to vote for Malta joining the EU. On October 29, 2000, the Opposition Leader, speaking in Hamrun, called the younger generation "mohh ir-rih" (nonchalant) and "imbecilli" (fools) because, according to his survey, the majority of people age 32 and less at that time were in favour of Malta being part of the EU. This is the way Dr Sant reacts whenever someone doesn't agree with his politics.
Such behaviour is very predictable! The Labour leader did not believe that the younger generation was capable of making a rational decision on the EU membership issue but, in reality, Dr Sant was once again proved wrong.
Unlike the Malta Labour Party, the Nationalist government cares for the education of our youngsters. Thanks to the party in government, Maltese students can now also choose to attend the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) when for some reason or another they opt not to attend the University. The mission statement of Mcast is to provide universally-accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the needs of the individual and the economy. This mission is being accomplished thanks to the government's vision.
One of the government's top priorities is to ensure a better educational system, with more opportunities for youths. The contrary is to be said for the party in opposition. We should all remember what the MLP promised to the young Maltese electorate before the general election in 1996. At that time, the Labour spokesman for education, Evarist Bartolo, assured the voting public that a new Labour government would keep giving stipends to the University students, on the same lines as they were receiving them at the time. In 1997, the opposite happened because the socialist government cut the monthly stipend to Lm50, with another monthly Lm50 available as a loan. Surely this was a blow to the universal availability of tertiary education and, thus, undemocratic. When Dr Sant was Prime Minister, he failed to keep his word with the younger generation, not to mention other episodes!
Today, the government is giving financial grants to more than 14,000 students. During the last scholastic year, the government paid €19.1 million in maintenance grants to students. It is predicted that this sum will increase to €20.9 million as from this coming scholastic year. The government is also extending supplementary maintenance grants to 600 students - 250 University students and 350 post-secondary students - coming from families with financial problems.
During his 678 days in government, Dr Sant and his party decided to stop the process for the opening of Mcast. The contrary happened with Mcast under the PN because we believe in the success that such an institution can bring to youngsters. In fact, today, Mcast is the first European institution to receive the Edexcel International Centre of Excellence Award. Edexcel forms part of the Pearson Education, renowned to be the biggest educational organisation in the world. It is the best organisation that is in a position to acknowledge excellence in vocational education and training.
Finally, may I invite all Maltese youngsters to meet Dr Gonzi, my colleague Simon Busuttil and myself tomorrow at Valletta Waterfront from 9 p.m. onwards. This is surely an exclusive occasion for all youths to meet up in a unique and friendly atmosphere. See you there!
Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of the European Parliament.
www.davidcasa.eu