Saving Maltese history - a very urgent concern

The Malta Historical Society, Malta's leading NGO for the study and research of Maltese history shares with Henry Frendo (March 27) a very serious concern at the way in which the teaching of history is being systematically eroded from the curriculum of the state's secondary schools.

The very ill advised "reforms" that have been proposed will, in spite of all lip service, practically eliminate its teaching from the higher forms. The suggestions are that: (a) history, geography, and social studies, currently core subjects for Forms 1 and 2, be reduced from five to two lessons per week and (b) in forms 3-4-5 they be grafted together into a nondescript subject called "environmental studies" which does not get more than one hour per week!

The lack of appreciation of the seminal importance of history to the national identity of a country is both shocking and shameful. The painful ignorance of the island's history that characterises all strata of Maltese society is a national shame but, apparently, not a cause for concern to the education authorities. A country that thrusts aside its history and culture has no soul and puts in serious jeopardy its national credentials. It is history that makes a nation and defines its identity.

The Malta Historical Society which is proud of 60 years of fruitful contribution to defining Malta's national identity through historical research calls on the education authorities to have second thoughts and give the teaching of history the importance it richly deserves. Saving Maltese history is a national and very urgent concern deserving the support of academic institutions, starting with the University, and of societies and institutions for the promotion and safeguarding of Maltese culture and heritage.