Structural works as well as other maintenance and embellishment works are currently being carried out in various schools around Gozo, in preparation for the approaching scholastic year, while students and teachers are in the midst of their summer holidays. Most of these works are being undertaken by workers employed in the Education Maintenance Section within the Department of Customer Services of the Ministry for Gozo.

Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, said that these works confirm the Ministry for Gozo's commitment towards the continuous development of educational services in Gozo. The aim of these works is that of improving the structures and environments in all Gozitan schools so that their students may benefit from more modern and safer educational facilities, which are accessible to all. The Minister said this during a visit which she made earlier today in various schools where works are underway, amongst which Peter Paul Grech in Kercem, Karmni Grima in Gharb, Sir Arturo Mercieca in Victoria which are all primary schools.

In Kercem, apart from the painting of classrooms, a new Kindergarten section, comprising two new classrooms, has been built. As construction works are in an advanced stage, other relative arrangements for plastering, tile-laying and new apertures are being coordinated. The apertures at Karmni Grima Primary school in Gharb are also to be replaced while paint works are currently underway. Accessibility at Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary in Victoria will be considerably improved through the installation of a new lift whilst facilities at Sir M A Refalo Centre for Further Studies will be similarly addressed. Present works being carried out at this centre include the plastering of the structure which will house a new lift and related mechanism. Other works include the setting-up of a new Careers Room, where students from other schools will be able to avail themselves of guidance facilities regarding courses and studies connected with career and employment options. Minister Giovanna Debono ended her visit at Agius de Soldanis Girls' Secondary School where the sanitary facilities on two storeys are being renewed.

Works in other Government schools in Gozo include those at Rev Andrea Vella Primary in Zebbug, where extensive refurbishment works have also been lately effected on the main entrance, the San Lawrenz Primary School where embellishment works were carried out on the main hall and the administrative section, and also at the Xaghra Primary where a tender will soon be issued for a soffit to be mounted following the installation of new electricity and PA systems. Another interesting project is that concerning the Special Unit in Sannat, which is going to be furnished with a new central heating system. Works related with these projects are being coordinated through the Education Maintenance Section of the Department for Customer Services within the Ministry for Gozo. This section is also involved in the coordination of works related with the construction of a new secondary school for boys in Victoria which is managed by the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools and requires an investment of €7 million.

Minister Giovanna Debono remarked that Government considers Education as one of the main pillars on which it builds its policies. The process of educational reform on our islands, besides giving importance to the enhancement of standards and quality of education, also gives due consideration to the development of structures, in order that these may be welcoming, offering safe and accessible environments to all, thus also delivering on its principle of inclusive education.