BUDGET 2021: Government to invest in new university sports complex

• More MCAST facilities to be constructed
• Government to continue construction of two new schools
• One-year free internet for 16-year-olds who choose to continue studying

One of the government’s biggest budget proposals for the education sector is an investment in a new sports complex at the University of Malta. The complex will include, among other things, performing arts facilities, an indoor track, a full-sized football pitch, an Olympic track and a new building for the Institute of Physical Education and the Performing Arts School.

The budget also included a proposal that will see more improvements made at MCAST and the construction of more facilities in this institution so that students, educators and the community will have access to sports, recreational and educational facilities.

The government will continue with works on the construction of two new schools – the Rabat (Gozo) primary school and the school in Msida. In addition, work will continue on the extension and modernisation of the Santa Luċija Secondary School and the San Gorg Primary School in Qormi.

The government also committed itself to continue providing learning opportunities to all youths and adults in order to help them attain the necessary skills to succeed in both the workplace and society.

This is all taking place in the framework of a strategy for the educational system, that should result in the gradual reduction of the early school leaver’s rate; the increase of adults aged between 30 and 34 who have tertiary level qualifications and more participation in learning by adults.

The pandemic saw schools and educational institutions close down temporarily. This resulted in e-learning, where students continued their education from home, showing the importance of the internet. For this reason, the government said that it is giving students who choose to continue studying after concluding their secondary education free internet access for one year.

The government also announced that the National Commission for Further and Higher Education will regularise online education.

In addition, online session for parents will be offered so that, together with educators, they can contribute and help with their children’s education.