Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation Owen Bonnici and Minister for Education Justyne Caruana held a press conference at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre to launch the Esplora Education Programme for the scholastic year 2021-2022.
The school education programme will include several blended learning opportunities, both on site at Esplora as well as online. Amongst other things, the programme features educational visits for schools, suited for students from kindergarten to secondary school level. During the conference, demonstrations from the programme were showcased.
During the same event, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malta Council for Science and Technology and the Ministry for Education was also signed. Through this MOU, the MCST and the Ministry for Education will be joining forces to reach more students and bring them closer to the STEM subjects by facilitating school visits to the Esplora Science Centre, thus exposing them to the sciences in a way that is enjoyable and hands-on.
In his address, Minister Owen Bonnici explained that it gives him great satisfaction to see that from now on, state school students will be interacting with the sciences in a way that is certain to entice their interest and curiosity.
Minister Bonnici went on to say that, “The STEM subjects are at the very centre of research and innovation, and these are recognised today as the pillars of our economic future. By exposing children to the sciences in such interactive ways and making them an integral part of their educational journey, we are literally preparing them for the future.”
“We need to keep working to encourage more of our youths to opt for careers in STEM, and this is one great step in the right direction”, concluded the minister.
During her speech Minister for Education Justyne Caruana spoke on the importance of having a curriculum that goes beyond the classroom. “Today we are talking about a very important subject – science. This agreement will make sure that this subject is not only taught in schools, or during school lab sessions, but students will also be able to experience what they learn hands-on.”
Minister Caruana said that we need to keep giving science the importance it deserves while being perfectly in line with the ongoing effort to increase interest in it. This agreement also shows ministries and entities working in synergy for the benefit of our students, which is the ultimate aim.
Executive Chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando had praised teachers with whom Esplora enjoys an excellent relationship based on respect and mutual support. He thanked them for their constant support during the last five years, and most especially during the pandemic, during which they enthusiastically participated in the online activities offered by Esplora.
“We are making every effort to show that STEM subjects can be relevant and fun – thus stimulating interest and participation among our students. We are able to do this thanks to our Esplora Science Communicators who work hand in hand with Malta’s educators”, he continued.
He also showed appreciation for other collaborative entities, including the Ministry for Education, with which Esplora works with all year round in order to have such a varied educational programme. He thanked the Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation for the support shown towards Esplora during this last year.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister