Gonzi: Labour has no ‘concrete proposals’ on education

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi lambasted Labour for declaring that it will vote against the Education Bill currently discussed in Parliament and said that the Opposition has no "concrete proposals" on education.

Prime Minister and PN leader Lawrence Gonzi, this morning addressed the party faithful in Qawra. The meeting's theme was education and apart from Gonzi, the crowd was also addressed by Education Minister Dolores Cristina and former University Students Council president Karl Grech.

Gonzi began his address by thanking mayors and local councillors who "strive to improve their respective localities." On education, Gonzi emphasised the importance of human recourses.

"Our children are most precious for government. We must make sure all our children receive the best education possible, irrespective of political creed and ability. We have no intention to mould our children in a similar fashion to Labour who wanted to create a socialist generation."

 "We want to give our children the key to their future. The wealth generated by the country should be invested in education, from kindergarten to university levels and beyond," he said.

Gonzi added that government intends to persist with its policy to give "the best to our children". He said that this is not only proved by words, but by government's daily deeds. "Government spends €1.45 million for every school day. Parents hold children special and so does government. There should be no compromise on our children's future."

He said that success in education is not only measured with university degrees. "Students and young people have other talents and that is why government offers the opportunity to undertake vocational studies."

Gonzi also commended Mcast's impact on education. "Whilst Labour closed the former Polytechnic down and whole generations lost many opportunities, we have invested in Mcast which offers training and education for aspiring engineers and technicians in many fields."

He explained that the investment government is attracting requires skilled employees in diverse fields such as the technical and touristic sectors.

Gonzi boasted that since becoming Prime Minister in 2004, his government has invested €183 million in stipends for thousands of university, Mcast, ITS and other students. He said that 18,000 students have benefitted from these stipends, since 2004.

"We are now bearing the fruit of these investments, with 22,500 university students graduating since 2004. Adding the Mcast graduates, the number rises to 36,000. This is our pledge, to generate investment and wealth and invest it in education."

Gonzi lambasted Labour for criticising the Malta Song for Europe contest and said that he was impressed with this year's winner Kurt Calleja. "This week I met Kurt and his band and his other aides. The entourage includes university, Mcast, law and architecture students. They are the product of our educational system."

Gonzi also criticised Labour for its "partisan stand" on the Education Bill being discussed in Parliament. "We do not agree with Labour on its stand. The education bill concerns everyone, especially parents and children, however Labour said that it will vote against the bill although it agrees with it. For the Opposition politics is just a game. It is certainly not a game for government, because our children are precious and we will do our utmost to improve education in our children's best interest."

He also thanked teachers and said that although government has had its fair share of disagreements with teachers he has "extreme trust in all our teachers". He also thanked parents for supporting children in their studies.

Gonzi stressed the importance of inclusion in education and said that he is proud that disabled children now attend regular schools together with all other students. "Over 3000 children benefit from the services provided by Learning Support Assistants. Not many countries can boast of similar successes in education."

"We have opened a new school in every year of this legislature. We provide the best technology, the best facilities and the best education possible," Gonzi said.

Gonzi turned his attention back on the Opposition's stand on education. He asked "Why turn education into a political ball game? Why will you vote against a law which will benefit so many persons? The country needs to reflect and ask what Labour's policy on education is. They have no answer and no concrete proposals."

He said Labour's attitude on education is vindictive and motivated by piqué. "On the other hand when a concrete proposal, such as the Education Bill, is discussed in Parliament, Labour votes against."

As Gonzi concluded his speech amongst loud cheers, he appealed to young people to be wise and choose well. "We are the only party that can claim to have defended freedom of thought and expression. We have introduced computers and mobile telephony when others were scared. Young people have tools my generation would never have dreamt about. The world is your library. Use your head as I am sure you will.  I can assure you of one thing only, we will continue providing the tools for young people and for the country in order to achieve success."