Education in 'partnership' booklet issued

Alfred Sant yesterday launched a booklet entitled Partnership l-Ahjar Ghazla anki fl-Edukazzjoni at the daily morning press conference he is giving as part of the party's European Union membership referendum campaign.

He said the 25-page document makes an objective comparison between what happens in education under the scenario of membership and of partnership, which Labour says it would negotiate with the EU if elected to government.

Dr Sant said the booklet looks at all levels of education, starting from primary to university, under the different options being offered, and participation in the EU programme Comenius under membership and in the framework of a partnership. It also covers Church and private schools.

"Instead of rhetoric and prospects of darkness and isolation, the booklet factually looks at the real opportunities for youths. There was a need for such an exercise because instead of being taught how to make calculations about their future, youths are being frightened about becoming isolated and at the same time are being pushed to take a choice which is not in their interest," he said.

Dr Sant said that education bolstered the future for young people as well as of the country because the country had to have the best talents to sustain its social and economic activity.

"This can be achieved through a policy that ensures everyone has the chance to progress, and through an educational system drawn up according to local circumstances and which offers the best opportunities.

"Through membership, we will not be able to face the challenge because we would have to put in force regulations which do not apply to Malta," Dr Sant said.

But, he added, through a partnership policy, Malta would be able to continue investing and promoting those sectors which were mostly beneficial.