Educators must be at the heart of education policymaking

Educators must be at the heart of education policymaking.

At present, we have a Government that is drawing up education policies without listening to educators, while failing to carry out the necessary monitoring to evaluate the outcomes of these policies once they are implemented.

During a meeting with the Union of Professional Educators (UPE), as part of consultations ahead of Budget 2027, Opposition and Partit Nazzjonalista Leader Alex Borg discussed the various challenges affecting educators and the education sector, including shortcomings resulting from a lack of planning, even when it comes to the allocation and expenditure of resources.

He highlighted the need for greater investment in our educators, including Learning Support Educators, Kindergarten Educators and teachers.

The PN Leader also expressed concern as to whether the curriculum is truly meeting students’ needs, particularly in key subjects such as science and mathematics, and whether the education system is equipping students with the critical thinking skills needed to build a society of independent thinkers.

He also referred to trade schools and the importance of Malta having specialised schools established through proper planning, ensuring that they do not develop a negative reputation but are instead recognised as institutions providing specialised training.

Alex Borg said that the Partit Nazzjonalista wants to take this discussion further through a National Conference on Education.

For its part, the UPE expressed disappointment over promises made in the education sector that have not been honoured in recent years. These include support for teachers, proper risk assessments in schools, improvements to school environments – including schools that still lack air conditioning – and schools that remain inaccessible because they do not have lifts.

Also present for the meeting, held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta, were PN Spokesperson for Research and Innovation George Vital Zammit and Spokesperson for Family and Children’s Policy Norma Camilleri.

13.10.2026