MTA's decision to fine teacher an 'insult', 'ridiculous'

Alternattiva Demokratika has described the incident in which a teacher was fined Lm500 for providing foreign students with an explanation about the Goddess of Fertility in Valletta as "an insult to the teaching profession" and "vile stupidity" and Labour education spokesman Evarist Bartolo said the "ridiculous" fine should be revoked immediately.

The teacher was fined by the Enforcement Directorate Board of the Malta Tourism Authority about two months ago.

The Malta Union of Teachers has since issued a circular to school heads telling them not to organise any school outings until the issue was resolved.

Expressing its solidarity with the teacher, AD called on the Education Department to intervene and take full responsibility for the teacher's actions.

It is also demanding that the Lm500 fine be revoked and the law changed to ensure the best education for children.

AD deputy chairman Mario Mallia said: "The fine imposed on the teacher, who was doing his work properly by teaching his students history, is an act of vile stupidity which shows a complete lack of appreciation for the teaching profession.

"The fine could have a demoralising effect on teachers who carry out their job in a practical and interesting way. It amounts to an insult to the teaching profession".

Mr Mallia insisted the teacher was practising what was laid down in the national minimum curriculum. Therefore, the Education Department should intervene and assume full responsibility for the teacher's actions.

"Education should not be restricted to the classrooms. The work of teachers outside the classroom is an integral part of the education of our children," he said.

"The competent authorities should immediately change the law so that such situations are avoided in the future."

Mr Bartolo said all administrative steps should be taken and, if necessary, the relevant part of the Malta Travel and Tourism Services Act be amended to remove the "ridiculous" situation that had been created.

When the Culture Heritage Act was passed in Parliament, everyone spoke of the need to improve education among children and youngsters to cultivate their love for their historical heritage.

The MTA's decision to fine the teacher undermined the whole discussion, he said.

It did not make sense to interpret a clause on tourist guides in such a restrictive and absurd manner, Mr Bartolo said, insisting that immediate steps be taken to ensure that both Maltese and foreigners on exchange programmes could be taken to historical sites and monuments.