A wide range of upgrading and modernisation works is currently underway simultaneously in six schools in Gozo in preparation for the beginning of the next scholastic year. This means that work is currently in progress in just under half of the public schools in Gozo for students below 16 years of age.

The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, visited the works in progress at the Xewkija, Nadur, Ghajnsielem and Zebbug primary schools yesterday. The Minister said that, the current works once again confirm the Ministry's commitment in the continual development of the educational sector on Gozo.

The Rosa Magro primary school in Xewkija is nearing its upgrading project's final stages. Benefiting from a direct investment of Lm130,000 this school now boasts of newly refurbished classrooms on the first floor, the installation of fire-alarms and a CCTV system, new aluminium apertures closing off the ground corridor, a new electrical system as well as renovated sanitary facilities throughout the school. Other completed works include the refurbishment of the hall and stage area, new light and stage facilities, the treatment of the external façade columns and other general works including tiling, painting and plastering. Works currently in progress include the total upgrading of the Kindergarten wing, the entrance corridor, administration area and the basement area.

Structural and upgrading works are also in progress at the Mons Salv Vella Nadur primary school where the roof of the upper floor corridor and that of a classroom located on the second floor has recently being totally replaced. A second classroom on the same floor has also been enlarged and had its electrical system re-installed, with plumbing works expected to start in the coming days.

The Anton Cassar primary school in Ghajnsielem is another school undergoing modernisation works, including works in classrooms and the corridor. New aluminium apertures and doors were also recently installed through funds from the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools (FTS).

More works are underway at the Mons Giov Andrea Vella primary school in Zebbug where refurbishment works consist of the curing of concrete structures and painting works. In recent weeks, FTS funds made it possible for this school to see the complete replacement of its previously wooden apertures into aluminium ones. The replacement of doors and hall windows is to follow in the coming days.

During her visit to four of the six schools where works are in progress, Minister Debono said that the Ministry for Gozo together with the Ministry of Education are investing heavily in the upgrading of the existing educational infrastructure on Gozo with the final aim being that of providing Gozitan students of all ages adequate facilities and equipment to promote and encourage learning for all. Quoting the investment of more than Lm2.5 million that were spent on schools' upgrading projects on the island in the last eight years, Minister Debono referred to other ambitious projects in this area for Gozo including the investment of Lm3 million for the construction of a new boys' secondary school in Victoria.

Minister Debono also referred to other upgrading projects that are currently underway in Gozo which include the setting up of five new laboratories, the refurbishment of classrooms and the installation of a lift to improve accessibility for disabled students at the Aguis de Soldanis Girls Secondary school, while refurbishment works on three blocks of sanitary facilities, including one for students with disabilities, the upgrading of the electrical system and the installation of air-conditioners is currently underway at the Sir M.A. Refalo Centre for Further Studies. An application for the installation of a lift at this latter school was also recently approved by MEPA.

Minister Debono also visited the Skola Sajf Centre at the Nadur primary school where children were engaged in a creative based activity. Children attending one of the nine centres around Gozo enjoy the variety of sessions held, with topics ranging from painting and cookery to the creative arts. Sessions held include those given by various philanthropic organisations and personalities working in the educational and social sectors, with particular attention being given to topics such as healthy-eating and the introduction of the Euro. Currently there are 300 students attending the Skola Sajf Centres.