Facts and opinions on the Malta primary schools

Abstract

[Excerpt] The only provision which the Local Government has made for the instruction of the lower classes of this Population, is the institution of a few Primary Schools, scattered in the Towns and Villages. These Schools, although they have been in operation for many years past, yet, from the kind of instruction given therein, and the mode of communicating it, as far as regards mental and moral improvement, have proved an entire failure. Attempts have successively been made by different persons-as well as by Committees, appointed by Government, to devise measures for improving their condition; but the individuals so appointed, were so ignorant of the nature of the duties they were called upon to perform, and the plans adopted by them so whimsical and various, that they have proved quite abortive, and have tended more to the prejudice of the Education of the People, than to its improvement.