Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/265009
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2014 Opinion 22 T he introduction of free childcare is one of the most important policies of this government because it will have a wide affect on society. Most importantly, it exposes children of a very young age to a well-planned educational experience. This is crucial when research shows that the influences in the first 1,000 days of a child can be fundamental in his or her development. What we learn from other countries is that children exposed to such educational experiences have an advantage over those who don't, allowing them to absorb important learning concepts. Through this initiative we are helping parents who want to study as well as those seeking employment. The pledge has been extended to those fathers and mothers who want to learn and improve their lives. They will be free to continue their studies, gaining the fulfilment that comes from education, while giving their careers a boost too. For many parents this initiative is about allowing them to seek out employment, or return to work. Women will have to opportunity to earn and, most importantly, they will benefit from a productive and dynamic working life and the chance to further their careers. This will give some breathing space to middle class families who have been forking out substantial sums for childcare. The investment is considerable - €4 million is the initial allocation for this scheme. I'd like to thank the Ministry for Finance, the Jobs + team and the private sector for their considerable help in making the April launch of this initiative a reality. This is an exciting time for Malta. We are taking a big step that will be good for families, good for education and good for the economy. And we will be taking the lead, showing other countries what is possible. The building blocks for tomorrow Another major policy unveiled this week was the framework for the educational strategy. This framework aims to group the different areas of education and employment (from a training aspect) into a single ten-year strategy. Having one strategy for all educational initiatives allows everyone to focus on specific areas wherever the needs arises. The idea is to have a wide-reaching consultation so that we get the strategy right. Over the coming months, the different segments of the educational sector will be asked to contribute. There is general consensus that high-quality education is essential not only for an individual's success but also for the social and national socio-economic development of Malta. This puts further pressure on the education system to deliver as well as to adapt to the ever- changing landscapes of global economies. Having a strategy allows the country to be f lexible when it needs to be and agile enough to address specific issues or challenges when they arise. Last year, the Ministry published a number of documents never previously published; they highlighted the many challenges the country needs to address. So we know where the challenges lie. We must now get the consultation underway, so that we can forge ahead. We must be ready to tackle the crucial educational challenges ahead. Evarist Bartolo is Minister for Education Laying the foundation for tomorrow's education COURT NOTICE The Registrar of Civil Courts and Tribunals informs that the Civil Court, First Hall ordered the following sales by auction: Date and time Place Items 5 th March, 2014 10:00am - 31/2013 JGL St. Joseph Farmhouse, Tarxien Road, Gudja Seddon Atkins coloured red with the registration number DPS 001, Ford Cargo coloured white with no registration plates and Leyland DAF coloured blue and white with chassis number DAFT 676RMD 5 th March, 2014 11:00am - 27/2013 JGL 31, Manoel De Vilhena Street, G�ira Vehicle of the make Punto, metallic dark grey in colour, with registration number HAT-021. 5 th March, 2014 12:00pm - 1/2014 EM Garage 447, St. Joseph High Road, St.Venera Vehicle of the make Volkswagen, blue in colour, registration number BBJ 478. 12 th March, 2014 10.00am – 13/13 EGL Stefan Store, Zinzell Street, Qormi Cupboards, top cupboards and corner cupboards, sinks with taps, several tables of different shapes and size, table extensions, slicer machine, grills, fridges, freezer, fridge cupboard, pasta machines, microwave, pots, convection oven, tray holder, hoods, mixer, trays, dishes, electronic weigh, mincer, pasta boiler, hot plates, fryer, heated cabinet, utensils, trolleys, frying pans, pans, several bowls, dishwashers, fan, shelf, hot dishes, several plates of different shapes and size, cups, LCD, reception desk, chairs, standing lamp, vase shaped glass ornaments, palm trees, olive trees, pots with plants, banana tree, garden chairs, umbrella bases, ice machine, ice buckets, printer for food ordering, fire blankets, tissue dispensers, spoons, different types of forks, different types of knives. 26 th March 2014 12.00pm 53/10 EGL First floor of these Courts of Justice, Republic Street, Valletta Various jewel items and gold coins. Further details can be obtained from the website: http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/courtservices/JudicialSales/search.aspx The bidders taking part in the auction must present their identity card Rudolph Marmara For the Registrar Civil Courts and Tribunals Evarist Bartolo Having one strategy for all educational initiatives allows everyone to focus on specific areas wherever the needs arises