Subsidy as an educational benefit

Following the recent debate on subsidies to private, independent schools, I would like to refer to Mariam Al Batool School, a Maltese independent school where I have been teaching since 2000.

The government has the duty, if not the obligation, to give financial help to all schools that open their doors on the island. Education should be seen holistically for the benefit of everyone, irrespective of who provides it.

I am a Catholic working hand in hand with Muslims and I have never had any religious conflicts. Instead, we discuss constructively and look for the common elements that can bring us together. The majority of Maltese seem to have a phobia of Islam.

If there were any problems because of different beliefs, I would not be starting my eighth year at the school. This also applies to my other Catholic colleagues. If there were any conflict, the headmistress herself would not work so hard to establish a secondary school. For several years, a good number of Maltese teachers have applied to work at Mariam Al Batool.

Mariam Al Batool School is a Maltese school following the National Minimum Curriculum. It is run by Maltese teachers and is licensed by the Education Division.

Most of the parents are Maltese citizens, who pay taxes, and the majority of our students are Maltese. The school pays its contributions to the Maltese government. One should also note that this school provides a unique curriculum, since it offers Islamic education and teaches Arabic at primary level.

Financial help from the government should not depend on one's convictions. We are arguing about giving financial support for the benefit of students who in a short time will become state citizens. It is important to help the Muslim community to integrate in Maltese society and they should enjoy the same privileges as the rest of the Maltese citizens.

Everyone has the right to be treated equally. Quality education is a must! The principle of diversity, as seen and mentioned in the National Minimum Curriculum, is not being given the proper weight.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy argues that religion is to be taught in schools. In doing so, students will be able to understand and appreciate other cultures. Tolerance and mutual respect towards diversity are the main aspects that contribute to peace and social solidarity in today's world. We must have universal basic human values.

Mariam Al Batool School's administration is willing to meet the authorities to discuss proposals about financial help or any subsidies that the government may offer.