Friday, 16th May 2008 - 12:45CET
Updated: Industrial action affecting disabled children
(Adds MUT reaction)
The Chief Executive Officer of Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Nathan Farrugia, has called on the Malta Union of Teachers to lift industrial action by facilitators who assist children with physical and learning disabilities during therapeutic sessions at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.
Mr. Farrugia explained that these actions have been in force for almost the whole of this scholastic year, thus causing children with physical and learning disabilities to lose out on important therapeutic services offered for free at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.
Late last year, the MUT had ordered facilitators not to accompany children with physical and learning disabilities during therapeutic sessions at Razzett tal-Hbiberija.
Mr. Farrugia told a press conference that the government should take all necessary measures to safeguard the children’s interests.
“It is unacceptable to have children with physical and learning disabilities falling victims of a dispute between the MUT and government. Unfortunately, we have no control over this situation. We strongly feel that children are losing out on important therapy that contributes to improving their quality of life”.
In a reaction, MUT president John Bencini said the MUT had only asked the government to establish a legal framework so that Razzett would be recognised as part of the workplace of teachers and facilitators and their rights would be protected should something happen to them there.
"The government agreed with our request, the agreement has been minuted, it is now up to the government, not the union, to establish the legal framework. The sooner that is done, the better, there is no doubting the benefits for the children who go to Razzett," Mr Bencini said.
During the same press conference Gordon Pace, Head of Fundraising at Razzett tal-Hbiberija, announced that on June 7, Razzett tal-Hbiberija will hold a 12-hour televised fundraising marathon.
He said that contrary to other fundraising events held once a year, Razzett was aiming to generate a build-up of smaller events leading to a peak on June 7.
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Comments
Since there is still no agreement, such youngsters requiring facilitators should stay at home with their parents untill the problem is resolved.
Undoubtedly, EVERY industrial action will leave behind it 'victims' and those who are, sadly, negatively affected.
I am all out for equal opportunities and society has done wonders in order to try and achieve this. However, as a general comment, I feel that we are having far too much 'facilitating' and there are many, many instances when those who are benefitting from this modern-day service are the least to appreciate it, without realising that this service is being provided thanks to all the taxpayers.
So, come on, let's be reasonable and not expect too much for ourselves from the State.
The heading of this article needs to be reworded please!!! Who are the "disabled children" please?? We have children with different abilities and children with different needs. A child with Down Syndrome might have abilities which I wish I would have. Disabled children are only those whose parents/carers perform everything themselves for them, thus not allowing them to be ABLE to perform in the outside world. Children with different and alternative needs are nowadays integrating wonderfully within our society so it would be a shame to continue reading "disabled children"!
To Mr. Keith Goodlip: The role of facilitator is so essential that the government must not keep dragging his feet to make the presence of the facilitator outised the school premises legally protected. If you know the law better, you would not blame MUT for this.