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Issue 102 | November 2022
73
Prioritising Education and Sport The Government has confirmed its commitment towards the education and sport sectors through the budget presented in Parliament on Monday 24th October. Education is a main pillar for economic growth, while sport and physical activity are main ingredients for society’s well-being. DR CLIFTON GRIMA, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SPORT, YOUTH, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION
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verall, this budget focused on the immediate but also the long-term needs of our children, bettering their work prospects and their future. This legislature is prioritising its investment in education, as this is a basic need for a society to thrive and work towards Malta’s economic vision - in the long run, education leads us to a strong economy. The budget for 2023 sees a vote of €846 million being directly invested in our children and educators, reflecting a Government who is committed to continue improving our educators’ profession, in addition to giving our children the best possible in their education journey, hand in hand with all the right opportunities, while continuing with research and innovation programmes. Come January 2023, we will see the start of diligent discussions and negotiations, leading to a new agreement by which all educators will benefit from work conditions, and better pay. This will build on the present agreement which had already drastically enhanced the teaching profession. While improving our education strategies is an on-going commitment, this budget also focuses on investing in the education environment, with the continuation of ongoing projects and new ones on the cards. Highlights of this budget are the increase in the allocation of financial help for vulnerable students, a €10 million vote dedicated to training programmes, improved scholarship programmes and tax credits for students. New laptops for all Year 7 students and the extension of the one-tablet-perchild scheme reflect our policy that digital technology is a must if we want our children to be prepared for the ever-changing needs of the employment sector. This budget also continues with the unprecedented investment in the sport sector. We are committing ourselves to building and finishing the National Motorsport Centre in Ħal Far in this legislature, as well as finalising the first indoor pool in the South of Malta, in Bormla, and the sports facilities earmarked for the Maria Assunta School. Parents have applauded the increase in tax rebate, benefitting those who pay for their
“Parents have applauded the increase in tax rebate, benefitting those who pay for their children to practice sport – an increase from €100 to €300 annually."
children to practice sport – an increase from €100 to €300 annually. The importance of physical activity is also an important measure announced in this budget, with more physical lessons in schools, as we are working to Increase the time and the establishment of a minimum number of Physical Education lessons in schools. With the Small States Games practically on the doorstep, €9 million have been allocated as an investment in the upgrading of the Marsa Sport Complex to an international level sports hub. €1 million is also being allocated to kickstart the necessary preparations to successfully host the Games of the Small States
2023. This budget also sees to the continuation of the preparations at hand to host the UEFA Under-19 European Championship 2023. All these works will see better sport facilities to be enjoyed not only by our dedicated athletes and sport aficionados, but also the public in general. A healthy society is a society which gives priority to its well-being. With education and sport on the top of the list, we are working hard and with determination to achieve results. As the Minister responsible, I again pledge my commitment to see that these sectors are given their due priority to benefit all, including our future generations. n
