Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for Education and Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima and the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, inaugurated two new schools at the educational campus in Rabat, Gozo: the Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School and the Agius de Soldanis Middle School.
The Primary School project includes 16 Primary classrooms, 10 Kindergarten classrooms, science, IT and art classrooms and laboratories, on an area of 8,000 square meters with 3,000 square meters of which are children’s sports and recreation areas.
The Primary School project includes 16 Primary classrooms, 10 Kindergarten classrooms, science, IT and art classrooms and laboratories, on an area of 8,000 square meters with 3,000 square meters of which are children’s sports and recreation areas. The Primary School and Kindergarten together can accommodate approximately 650 children. As part of this project, the expansion and modernization of the Middle School located in the same area was also carried out and consists of 30 renovated classrooms, science laboratories, two new multipurpose halls, a gymnasium and new classrooms for art, music and drama.
The Prime Minister visited several Primary school classes and met with children during educational activities. After a visit to the modern Childcare Centre, he also visited the Middle School where he attended art and science sessions, as well as a discussion with the students which included the participation of well-known Gozitan personalities Mark Laurence Zammit, Sarah Bonnici and Daniel Formosa. The Prime Minister closed the discussion with an intervention made among the students themselves.
Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed that what was inaugurated is not just two schools; it is an investment in the dreams and aspirations of hundreds of Gozitan children. This campus is a clear example of how we want to see education – modern and inclusive. This project was made possible through an investment of around €18 million and also includes a childcare centre, sports facilities and an archaeological interpretation centre built around the remains of Punic tombs that were found during construction.
Minister Clifton Grima said that although the building is important, the most crucial thing is that the necessary environment has been created in this complex for children to develop their skills. “Today these students and educators have the necessary educational environment so that the educational path helps them not only develop their skills, but also leads them to achieve their aspirations for the future. This new school and the modernization of the complex joins the chain of new and modernized schools that we are providing and are being enjoyed by our students and educators,” said Minister Grima.
Minister Camilleri stated that the inauguration of the Rabat Primary and Middle schools is another important step on the path of modernising the educational sector in Gozo. “With the construction of the new Primary school and the expansion and modernisation of the Middle school, these educational institutions reflect the Government’s concrete commitment to ensuring an adequate, safe and innovative learning environment for our students,” Minister Camilleri said.
Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by saying that this investment is clear evidence of our vision in favour of inclusive and quality education, which places Gozitan children at the centre of the island’s social and educational development.
This project makes the educational campus in Rabat, Gozo, unique in Malta as it offers education from childcare to sixth form in one integrated environment.
Photo: OPM
