PN proposes first sports complex for UoM

Nationalist Party (PN) Candidate George Vital Zammit said that the PN would develop a sports complex for the University of Malta, highlighting that currently none exist.

Additionally, the PN would introduce an improved parking system at the university and address the lack of space, especially since it attracts a number of foreign students in the health sector.

On Wednesday, the PN outlined a series of education-focused proposals from their electoral programme, insisting that the party has always recognised the importance of education and would invest strongly in students and educators.

Zammit proposed a third specialised secondary school focused on STEAM subjects education while opening an Innovation Campus for students from all schools and equipping every school in Malta and Gozo with STEAM labs.

Zammit elaborated that the PN would commit to constructing new schools and upgrading current ones as needed, with the goal of improving conditions across all public schools and introducing modern facilities for the arts and sport. The PN would also invest in improvement projects in both Junior College and Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary. 

Finally, Zammit stated that the party would develop a sports complex and an improved parking system for the University of Malta. He also stressed the importance of resolving the ongoing space challenges, ensuring the campus can comfortably support its international student population. 

PN Candidate Justin Schembri proposed a reform of the childcare sector to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. This includes universal speech and psychological screening for all kids entering kindergarten or childcare, a service that will also be extended to those who do not attend childcare.

The PN called for a revision of school curriculums, noting that the current one has expired. The party proposed a change in syllabi in primary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions which should be based on curiosity and creativity rather than just memorisation. 

Schembri committed to reform the assessment process, stating the current method is unviable and insisted that flaws must be resolved.It additionally proposed to reform MATSEC by providing the necessary resources to meet modern demands, ensuring exam papers consistently match syllabi without compromising academic standards.

The PN promised to raise stipends by 25% in October, explaining that these will continue to rise in proportion to the cost-of-living. Additionally, stipends for healthcare students at MCAST and the University of Malta will increase to reflect minimum wage, reaching close to €1,000 a month.

The PN pledged to introduce a financial grant for Gozitan students to further their educational pursuits. Additionally, all students would receive contributions to their social security throughout their post-secondary and tertiary education

While acknowledging the positive reduction in early school leavers, Schembri pledged to keep investing in targeted programmes that equip these students with the practical skills needed to successfully enter the workforce.

Schembri insisted that educators are the backbone of the education system. To reduce workloads and foster educational diversity, they proposed dedicating weekly collaborative hours for teachers. It advocated for improved salaries and enhanced wellbeing initiatives for all education professionals.

Arguing that the state currently fails to recognize KGEs and LSEs, the PN proposed a just licensing system. The party insisted that education cannot be addressed without recognising educators.