PN In Favour of Quality Of School Time Not Quantity

The Nationalist Party (PN) has expressed its opposition to extending school hours, as proposed in a recent study by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.

The study, which addresses work-life balance, has sparked widespread debate.

During a press conference on Friday, PN education spokesperson Justin Schembri emphasised that enhancing formal education at school requires complementary informal education at home.

“The quality of education matters more than the quantity. Extending school hours is pointless if the standard of education remains unchanged,” Schembri said, adding that the role of families is often overlooked in today’s fast-paced society.

He argued that a society prioritising economic concerns over quality of life risks becoming cold and detached. Instead, Schembri called for improvements to existing programmes, such as breakfast clubs and Klabb 3-16, through increased resources, better facilities, and higher pay for staff.

MP Albert Buttigieg stressed the importance of keeping families at the centre of society, even amid shifting social dynamics. He suggested establishing a task force with sectoral stakeholders to explore such issues further.

Education Minister Clifton Grima also voiced his disagreement with extending school hours earlier this week, prioritising children’s well-being over aligning school hours with work schedules—a view contrary to that of Labour MP Edward Zammit Lewis.

#MaltaDaily