Stipends will be granted to first degree students studying abroad, the Prime Minister announced during his budget speech on Monday. Dr Gonzi highlighted the fact that since becoming members of the European Union student opportunities have increased. This decision was taken after close consultation with the National Commission for Higher Education (NCHE).
The details of the stipend scheme will be developed in consultation with the NCHE and will be published before the next academic year. Dr Gonzi emphasised that "the time has come to help our youth who, for various reasons, decide to study abroad to obtain their first University degree".
During his speech the Prime Minister set out a target that by 2015 Malta "will be recognised as a centre for quality educational services that will attract a bigger number of foreign students both post secondary and University."
Dr Gonzi also talked about measures for better education. He highlighted the fact that the methods used and the quality of education offered are just as important as educational infrastructure and facilities. In this regard he thanked all teachers for their dedication and valid efforts who are "giving our children and families the key to a better and secure future." Dr Gonzi set out another goal, that by 2015, 85 per cent of all 16 year olds continue with their education.
Dr Gonzi said that "The government is allocating Lm5.3 million in capital investment for the University and lm5.2 million for Mcast."
Among the projects, Dr Gonzi mentioned the new faculty of Information Technology and Communications and new chemistry, biology and engineering laboratories at the University of Malta. An extension of the Junior College is also among these projects a number of which are co-financed by the European Union.
The Prime Minister highlighted the main developments that are planned for Mcast. He noted that the Campus Master Plan has been concluded and the final plans have been presented to Mepa. Lm1 million will be allocated towards this end, which will consist of the modernisation of a number of laboratories and workshops at Mcast in Malta and Gozo.
Dr Gonzi also noted that Lm1 million has been invested in cooperation with private IT centres that are offering an estimated 60 certificates, from diplomas to Master's degrees, from foreign universities. For the third consecutive year the Government is offering Lm200,000 for Masters and Ph.D scholarships through the Malta Government Scholarship Scheme.
Dr Gonzi also spoke about the myPotential II initiative. He noted that all those who followed private courses in technology ended up getting back all the money they had invested. The scheme was, and is open, to all employers to continue training their employees.
With regard to e-learning the Prime Minister stated that by the end of 2008 more that 57,000 students in primary and secondary schools will benefit from new technologies. Dr Gonzi stated that "we want our children in primary and secondary schools to learn with the latest modern technologies". More computers, projectors and interactive whiteboards will be added.
On Monday a record sum of Lm102 million for 2008 was announced by the Prime Minister. He also estimated that Lm13 million will be allocated to church schools and Lm8.3 million will be allocated for stipends for more than 15, 000 students.
Dr Gonzi highlighted that next year more focus will be put on students under 16 years of age. He said that in 2008 three more colleges will be introduced to the already existing seven. Therefore 113 schools will be incorporated in ten colleges.
Furthermore the Spiteri Report on people with special needs was underlined by the Prime Minister who stressed the need to implement the report's recommendations. Measures to improve kindergarten, primary and secondary schools were also highlighted by Dr Gonzi.