80 persons have started reading for a Diploma course in Facilitating Inclusive Education whilst another 80 persons, already working with children with special needs in mainstream education, have started to attend a separate training course being offered in Gozo.

The Ministry for Gozo is providing the financial support needed so that, when possible, courses that are of benefit to Gozitans are held on Gozo. It was through the continuous collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo, the University of Malta, the University Gozo Centre and the Education Division, together with the financial support of the Ministry for Gozo, that courses such as the Diploma in Facilitating Inclusive Education and the in-service course for Supply Kindergarten Assistants could be held in Gozo for Gozitans.

These two courses are aimed towards improving the abilities of those already working with children in classrooms, with an emphasis on the skills needed to continue improving inclusion in schools. This was said by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, on Friday 19th January during the inauguration of the first course held in Gozo leading towards a Diploma in Facilitating Inclusive Education.

The Diploma in Facilitating Inclusive Education, which is a two-year part-time course, is being organised for the first time in Gozo by the University Gozo Centre. Employed Gozitan facilitators are amongst those benefiting from this course, aimed to empower them with further skills and know-how in relation to their own work. This course was also open to those unemployed to help them strengthen their employability chances.

The training course for Supply Kindergarten Assistants is also addressed towards employed staff wishing to improve their skills and to gain additional knowledge that will benefit students with special needs. Supply Kindergarten Assistants working in Government schools in Malta and Gozo and those in Church schools in Gozo are attending this course.

The Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, said that the Ministry for Gozo is offering its financial support so that these courses will be held in Gozo to provide more Gozitans with the opportunity to continue studying, even after they are in employment. This is in conformity to Government?s policy, to provide as many as possible educational and training opportunities for adults, in direct relation to their employment, also in Gozo.

Minister Debono also spoke about Governments? policy on inclusion in schools, where in the past ten years Government practiced its policy to enable students with special needs to join students in mainstream schools. At the same time, Government continued to improve special schools with more resources and facilities so that children with special needs, not able to attend mainstream schools, would be able to follow the educational process in an environment suited to their needs. Minister Debono referred to the Special Unit in Sannat, as well as to a number of other schools around Gozo, that were furnished with lifts and other facilities to accommodate a larger number of students with special needs in the last few years. Minister Debono also mentioned the recommendations made by the working group on inclusive and special education, which Government started implementing on a national level, aimed towards enhancing the quality of inclusive education.