Christian Peregin
Private schools free for all?
Everyone should be given the choice to send their children to private schools, according to architect Alex Torpiano who was very active in the late 1980s to get parent-run schools off the ground.
The news that independent schools were asking the government to give aid to parents so the schools do not close down prompted many negative reactions from those who felt rich people were asking for subsidies.
But Mr Torpiano believes there could be a system which benefits everyone if the government were to work out how much it costs to educate a child in state schools and give all parents a voucher to that amount to use in any type of school they want.
“I believe in the right to free education and the right to choose where to educate my children,” Mr Torpiano argued, adding that the Maltese were too conditioned into believing that their children’s education should lie in the hands of the Church or the state. “Why not have parents or private education experts decide on how to educate our children?”
He said the whole point of this exercise – which has already been implemented in Sweden and the Netherlands and is being discussed in the UK – was not to help rich people who can afford private education anyway but to give poorer people the choice.
“This is the opposite of elitism. What I am saying is that we should have a right to choose to educate our children in a state school, a Church school or a private school. Then the market will decide. The question is: If you could afford any type of schooling, which would you choose?”
He was quick to point out that some private schools are not-for-profit, so the argument that this was just a way to help them make money “is fake”. However, he recognises that other schools are run like a business and he finds no problem with that.
“Many independent schools manage to charge a fee to parents considerably lower than what it costs the government to educate each child. Some are so efficient they manage to turn a profit. What is wrong with that?”
He says parents of children in independent schools have to pay twice for education: in the form of taxes and again in the form of fees. “So my taxes go to a Church school, which is competing with the school I want for my kids. I think this would go against EU laws in fact.”
The voucher system is just an extension of the tax credits initiative that already exists. Parents who send their children to independent schools get some of their taxes back because they are relieving the state and not using a service they pay taxes for.
“If you agree with this principle, that children should have the right to free education and a choice of schools, then this is the next step.”
His proposal is not the same as that being made by the Independent Schools Association, which is so far only suggesting a partial voucher to make schools more affordable.
He agrees with critics that if the discount is too small it would simply make life easier for the people who can already afford schooling. But if it is substantial enough to make it really affordable it would be fair all round because everyone would benefit.
Private schools, he says, are pioneers who introduced many innovations that eventually found their way to state schools. And without independent schools, there would be no incentive to change the status quo.
The issue sparked a heated debate on timesofmalta.com were many negative reactions were registered.
Lawyer Lynn Zahra accused parents who send their children to independent schools of being “snobs who turn their noses at the thought of their children mixing with those of commoners”.
Labour education spokesman Evarist Bartolo said the party “cares” for the 7,000 children in independent schools and was committed to make their education affordable.
He pointed out that the ISA had not yet given the party a copy of the report that is now the basis for the schools’ request for assistance and which the party had promised it was willing to discuss.
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26 Comments
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Mr Peter Mercieca
Feb 2nd, 09:29
Excellent article and totally agree... free competition has allowed for a setting of higher standards in all three schools, state, church and private and I believe many will agree it is becoming more difficult to ascertain which schooling option is actually the "best" as it is no longer one sector that totally dominates in quality of service over the other/s.
Charles Muscat
Aug 21st 2010, 12:27
Why this had to be so obvious that public schools are so inferior than private? So much to look forward for public students.
CZARB
Aug 20th 2010, 09:14
People who send children to state schools shouldn't subsidize the children of those who go to private schools. On the other hand it only fair that people who send children to private schools should not subsidize the children of those who send children in public schools. Its ridiculous that in this country the people who pay most taxes are the one who enjoy little benefits out of them. The tax payer is not and should NOT be father Christmas or Madre Theresa. No wonder why so many people evade tax and why so many proffesionals are refusing to have children, while immigrants, single mothers and bummers are producing more children then anyone else.
Jason Spiteri
Aug 19th 2010, 22:08
This is really a socialism v free market argument.
Those who think the state is great doing things like educating people will obviously dislike the idea of vouchers to 'help the rich'.
On the other hand taxes in this country aren't paid by the rich or the poor but by the middle class. The vouchers idea would not only create more private schools but would make them more competitive and most importantly, more accessible to the very people that the whole country depends on - the middle class.
As a middle-class parent who can't afford private schooling for my children, I'd say a big 'thank you' to any government which finally spent my tax-money on something worthwhile for a change.
S. Abela
Aug 19th 2010, 18:11
From the recent comments read, there seems to be a current social stigma in Malta AGAINST independent schools.. I send both my children to an independent school - we make great sacrifices to fund their schooling. They are happy, independently curious thinkers and learners, and I am confident that their schooling has helped develop their nature. Individual educational plans exist for each and every student, they grow up in a co-ed environment all the way until they leave school, a thematic approach and adequate resources allow for creativity and sports to form an everyday core part of their curriculum, mixed ability is CELEBRATED, not seen as a problem in class; but above all, they are happy. Most students do not come from 'snobbish, rich families', and I would be happy if all students, whatever their background, were able to benefit from such an environment. The tax credit we currently receive actually amounts to a mere pittance of what is paid. Our taxes are also funding the multi-million Euro extension of church/state schools, so it works both ways... It seems that an elitist environment exists in fiercely anti-independent church/state school 'parents', making you wonder who the real 'snobs' are.
Lynn Zahra
Aug 19th 2010, 17:52
Our taxes go towards education for children in all schools . But to subsidise Private schools when there are so many children out there who are in need - no. Until the many parnets whose kids have learning difficulties are subsidized , (becasue at present these have to fork out hundreds of euros out of their own pocket to facilitate their children's learning abilities , with absolutely NO help from the State) I find the idea of subsidising Private schools totally out of line. When you think about it Subsidisation of Private schools would never work. Where would the snobs send their children then? Many do it becasuse they want to show they consider themselves better than others, and that's not a sweeping statement but an assertion made out of what Prof.Demarco , God rest his soul used to call "the experience gained from the University of Life" I'm sorry for those who cannot really afford private schools to see them going without just to keep up with the Jones as the English say. Having attended a Private school myself , my belief is that it is not the school that makes one , it is one's attitude at learning.
GiovDeMartino
Aug 19th 2010, 15:13
The taxpayer should no longer be forced to subsidize these schools. If you want free education, send your chn to state schools. It's already more than enough having to subsidize the chn of the so called single mothers.
M. Mallia
Aug 19th 2010, 16:14
If the thousands of children currently in independent schools were to suddendly flood the state schools, it would create a mini-crisis for the government and would result in Joe Public having to pay much higher taxes to subsidize the education of such children anyway.
L Galea
Aug 19th 2010, 14:30
I send my children to private schools... from what I see the more expensive the school is the more high society the children will be in the future . My children By saying that they went to xxxx School will be seen as the elite of society. I'm sure that many people will take the subsidy as an offence.... some of us even boast of how much expensive the fee is !!
In short those who send their children to a private school is because they want and are happy and honoured to pay !! We will never accept that the son of Joe next door goes to the same exclusive school as our children
MBorg
Aug 19th 2010, 15:57
Now, now, Mr Galea don't forget that you are living in Malta where everyone knows you, your father, your mother, your grandmother, your grand father, your wife's family, need I go on ? Believe me going to a private school will not change your background.
No one can be seen as forming part of the elite of society just by going to an expensive xxx school. Why even the boasting part will put you down. If you really form part of the elite society you do not need to boast about the expensive fees you pay or anything else for that matter.you see you will take everything for granted, boasting is such a let down.
But well done keep being honoured of being able to pay the high fees asked and convey your feelings to other parents, that way they might just stop begging for help.
D.Degaetano
Aug 19th 2010, 17:17
Could you please kindly let us know where you send your children for M.U.S.E.U.M. lessons? And have you ever taken them to the playground? Do you go to the beach or do you stick to your swimming pool at home?? Has it ever crossed your mind that in all these places and lots more you and your children are mixed with the 'son of Joe next door'? Will you forbid your children to make friends with these son of Joe as you call them once they're teenagers and out and about on their own without you around to control who they mix with? Get off your high horse because belonging to this 'elite' society of yours doesn't necessary make you or your children any better than the rest of us!!!!
T Camilleri
Aug 19th 2010, 19:27
I agree with you that its our choice to send our children to a private school. However I dont agree with you that by sending them to a private school you are keeping them secluded from Joe next door's children. I have worked in a private school and those who think that children who go to private schools are the children of elite parents are wrong!!! Private schools accept anyone who can pay for the fees.
Another point I want to make is that if you think by secluding your children from the children of Joe next door is a good idea, maybe you need to think again. When our children go to 6th forms and eventually into the working place, they have to work and be civil to everyone and not just the elite. Society is made of all sorts of people and our children need to appreciate this and they need to learn to talk to everyone and not snob anybody, because at the end of the day we are all human beings!
lgalea
Aug 20th 2010, 09:36
L Galea thanks for confirming that those who send their children to private schools are snobs who do not want their children to mix with the lower class children.
T Camilleri
Aug 20th 2010, 09:42
T Camilleri good comments. As L Galea has shown, those who send their children to private schools are snobs because they do not want their children to mix with lower class children. Those who are not from the "high" class and still send their children to private schools suffer from an inferiority complex because they think that by sending them to private schools they will be accepted as equal with those coming from the higher class, but as L Galea has shown this is not the case. Can anyone not consider them all as snobs? p.s. I am another T Camilleri
Paul Caruana
Aug 19th 2010, 14:08
The government provides education facilities for anyone who wants to attend. If parents choose to send their children to a private schools then they must shoulder their burden and pay for them themselves and not try to dump their choice on the rest of the taxpayers. The government offers certain health services and everyone is free to use them. If someone chooses to go to a private hospital, would he also expect to be reimbursed because he choose to go to a private hospital. No way. You make your choice and if you choose something private then YOU pay for it.
MBorg
Aug 19th 2010, 13:56
@ P Pace
Do you really believe what you wrote ? That parents " send their children to private schools so that they don't mix with children who have a disrupted family background ."
What is " a disrupted family background " to you ?
Do you mean having parents who are separated ?
Do you mean having parents who are living with a partner ?
I can assure you that you can find children with these backgrounds in any of the private schools. All it takes to get a place in these schools is money. You are right on one thing , send your children to these schools if you can afford it, but do not ask for help if you can't
ppace
Aug 19th 2010, 16:23
I would not mind my children mixing with other children whose parents are separated / living with a partner. BUT I would mind if my children emalgamate with children of a lower social strata.
MBorg
Aug 19th 2010, 16:35
@ P Pace
Sorry but you are mixing your values, It is true that money talks , but having money will not put you in a higher sociial strata. If your dustman won the lottery he would also be able to send his children to mix with yours. will you still be happy ?
MBorg
Aug 19th 2010, 13:25
Tax credits are already being given to parents who send their children to private schools to help them out with the school fees.
The voucher system these schools are now asking for together with the Tax Credits which already exists, will not really help parents. It is common knowledge that these schools put up their fees every year. The vouchers they are asking for might not even cover this year's increase. There is only one way out , these schools have to put their fees down they cant ask for more help from us tax payers.
PPace
Aug 19th 2010, 12:46
No one crossed his mind that maybe parents want to send their children to a private school so that they don't mix with children who have a disrupted family background ? Or maybe they don't want their child to be brain washed with Religion from Church schools? I think private schools should keep high standards and carefully choose their students. Whoever can afford to pay then has the option to send their kids to a private school.
T. Camilleri
Aug 19th 2010, 12:11
I dont think that its fair for people to generalise and state that all parents who send their children to private schools are rich. Our children go to a private school, however not because we are rich or because we dont want them to mix but because we believe in the school we have chosen. It is a big sacrifice to pay for the fees. In addition, it is a very big misconception that children who go to a private school dont mix because in the school which our children go to, there are children from all backgrounds - which is great!
Lewis Borg Canada
Aug 19th 2010, 14:50
Well said Mr.Camilerri, you are ofcourse correct and i believe it is the case, but reading the above i really want to see action and not talk. in otherwords i think private schools should be free for all and not just for the chosen few, i know of many young people who are just as inteligent who attend public schools as oppose to going to private schools, besides i still think that the people that pay for private schools do it not just for(?) a better standard but also to impress their neighbours who are unfortunaly less well off. I live overseas and visit my country quite often, but the education/come private lessons etc., is taking it too far, i know of many of my ex-colleagues who emmigrated as normal labourers and believe me done far better then the once that attended private schools with diplomas that are worthless outside Malta. Many including myself return to Malta on regular bases and believe me the amount of money i brought in and spent in this country is enough to buy half the island, guess what I attended a public school and NOT a private school, wre just couldn't afford it.
Raymond Camilleri
Aug 19th 2010, 12:10
Yes Mr Torpiano you pay taxes to pay for services which are available for EVERYONE... it is called redistribution - those who earn more pay for those who earn less.... if you pay twice for education is because YOU AFFORD IT.... it is called social justice.
And do not invent things up... it IS NOT against any EU law...minn fejn gibtha din!?
patrick zammit
Aug 19th 2010, 10:58
With the same argument, I want the taxpayer to fund my:
(1) visits to private doctors/specialist/hospitals
(2) private pension fund
(3) use of private transport
etc etc
Mario Tabone-Vassallo
Aug 19th 2010, 10:45
Kif ktibt il-bierah, fil-GB l-iskejjel privati huma obbligati jedukaw b'xejn percentwali ta' tfal svantaggati. Malti jridu jaghmlu bil-maqlub. Diga ghandna problema kbira ta' eluf ta' tfal minn familji svantaggati li mhux qed jigu ndukrati kif suppost fl-edukazzjoni taghhom. Diga kabbarna hafna l-qasma bejn min hu komdu finanzjarjament u min hu inqas. Socjeta maqsuma hadd ma jghix fiha sewwa u ma ttulx.
M Xuereb
Aug 19th 2010, 10:30
Mr Torpiano couldn't have hit the nail on the head more directly, and you don't need to be an accountant to understand such basic reasoning either. I had tried to explain this exact argument to the Education Minister a number of years ago - largely because I'm stretched to the limit between wanting to keeping my children in the school they've grown up in and love, yet no longer being able to cope with the steeply-rising school bills (10% p.a.!!) - but unfortunately she didn't appear to grasp it. And BTW, that tax credit on PART of my bills only serves to rub loads of salt in the wound!