Labour's plan for education

I refer to the commentary Politics And The University by an unknown commentator that appeared in The Sunday Times on the University page. It is quite obvious that the writer has a hidden agenda. When I read the commentary I could not believe certain statements with regard to the Malta Labour Party. However, it is quite obvious that the unknown author did not read our plan for education since he would have found the necessary replies there.

Labour is committed not only to improving the quality of teaching in our university but also to promote and invest in research fully aware that most of the research does not give you any return as after all happens in all other universities. However, we are committed to put research on our political agenda. This is clearly stated in our plan for education.

Labour is also committed towards the new campus for Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast). We are committed not only to the building but also to the development of this college. One can find our commitment towards Mcast once again in our plan for education and also in our electoral manifesto. Therefore there is no doubt about the future of Mcast. Certain statements made by an unknown commentator are pure fabrication.

After all it was a Labour government which published a White Paper in May 1998 to set up a vocational college for those over 16.

Regarding the proposal to introduce the educational concept of a reception class we made it clear that we want to discuss its implementation with all concerned. School-leaving age will remain unaltered and as such will continue to be at 16 years of age. The reforms in early childhood education will take place from 0 to 5 - at least this will be our starting point for discussions when in government.

Labour are committed to not only retain the stipends system but also to increase them since we are going to give back the VAT paid on educational items such as books and computers. Also, we are committed to investing some €2,330,000 in post-graduate courses for students who want to continue their studies abroad.

The Labour party is committed to achieving quality education for all from the early childhood years across all levels. Together with a Labour government this would be possible.