Parents protest closure of Msida MUSEUM centre

Parents of children enrolled at the Society of Christian Doctrine, widely referred to as MUSEUM, in Msida are speaking out firmly against a decision that would see the centre shut down. They have urged relevant authorities to review and reverse the move, warning that the shutdown would deprive their children of a space where they have built close friendships, developed moral values, and participated in community life.

A long-standing community institution

The MUSEUM in Msida forms part of a network of centres founded by St George Preca, who is recognised for his contribution to religious education in Malta. These centres are run by lay volunteers and focus on providing Catholic education to children and young people. While their main emphasis is on catechism, they often extend their role beyond religious instruction, acting as places of social connection, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

The Msida branch, like other MUSEUM centres, has been regarded by parents as a safe and structured environment where their children can learn about faith, morality, and civic responsibility. Over the years, it has also become a place where generations have shared experiences, memories, and traditions.

Personal accounts of the impact

Natalia Prokopenko, a parent particularly impacted by the announcement, shared that her son has been a daily attendee at the centre for the past three years. She recounted his reaction upon learning about the closure.

“My son could not stop crying when he found out the news,” Prokopenko said.

She emphasised that for many of the young attendees, “MUSEUM doesn’t just provide religious lessons but is also a centre where they learn strong Catholic values which are important for everyday society. The MUSEUM is also part of Malta’s cultural heritage, and if it closes, we will lose a part of our identity.”

According to her, the connection to MUSEUM goes beyond the present generation. “Before he passed away, his father would talk about all the happy memories he had as a boy growing up and attending MUSEUM, and it was my son’s dream to go and experience the same thing. He doesn’t just benefit from religious lessons, but also learns so much about the community, about values and culture,” she explained.

The moment the children found out

On 22 July, Prokopenko arrived to collect her son from the centre and was immediately struck by the distress of the children.

“I saw him coming down the staircase sobbing; he could not even speak. I saw another child also crying, and an older boy with red eyes, tearing up. I didn’t speak to anyone at the MUSEUM, as my priority was to comfort my son, to understand why he was so upset,” she recalled.

Later that evening, conversations with other parents revealed that the children had been informed the centre was closing. No precise date or explanation was provided to them at the time.

Lack of communication and unanswered questions

That same night, Prokopenko contacted the directorate of the centre to seek clarification. She received a brief response acknowledging that the “decision was difficult”, but stating that nothing could be done to reverse it. She was informed that an official letter containing additional details would be sent to the parents.

According to her, that promised correspondence has yet to materialise, and no comprehensive explanation has been given to the families.

“The centre is part of our children’s life,” she said, expressing frustration at the absence of transparency. She added that she had learned that neither the local council nor the archpriest of the Msida parish had been made aware of the closure decision in advance.

“We have no information as to why the centre is closing and when, and we continue to ask these questions until we receive an answer.”

Broader role of MUSEUM centres in Malta

The Society of Christian Doctrine, founded in the early 20th century, has played a significant role in Malta’s religious and cultural life. Known locally as “Il-Museum,” the organisation operates centres across the islands where volunteers offer catechism classes, organise community activities, and provide guidance to young people.

For numerous families in Malta, participation in MUSEUM is considered an important tradition and milestone in a child’s upbringing. Children often join at an early age and remain active into adolescence. The centres have been valued not only for their religious education but also for fostering discipline, cooperation, and a sense of belonging.

Concerns about cultural and heritage loss

Parents opposing the closure argue that the decision has implications beyond the immediate impact on children’s schedules. They view MUSEUM as a piece of Malta’s living heritage, one that connects the current generation with traditions upheld for over a century.

For families like Prokopenko’s, the closure represents a break in continuity. The loss is both personal and communal, as the centre has served as a bridge between generations and as a tangible link to the work of St George Preca, who was canonised in 2007.

Emotional and social implications

Child development experts note that sudden changes in a child’s routine, especially involving the loss of a trusted environment, can lead to feelings of confusion, sadness, and anxiety. While the MUSEUM is primarily a religious institution, for its young members it also functions as a social network. Friendships formed there often extend outside the classroom, creating a sense of stability in their lives.

The abrupt announcement, without clear reasons or a transition plan, has added to the distress felt by the children and parents alike. Advocates for the centre’s continuation suggest that any decision of this magnitude should be accompanied by dialogue with stakeholders, including parents, educators, local authorities, and church representatives.

Calls for reconsideration

Parents are now appealing to the decision-makers to engage in open discussions and to consider alternatives that might allow the Msida MUSEUM to continue operating. Some have proposed that if operational or administrative challenges exist, solutions could be sought through community fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or revised scheduling, rather than closure.

Until an official explanation is provided, the sense of uncertainty remains. For now, families continue to share memories, organise informal meetups for the children, and keep the conversation alive in the hope that the centre’s future might still be secured.

Conclusion

The planned closure of the Msida MUSEUM centre has sparked deep concern among parents, children, and community members who see it as more than just the loss of a religious classroom. For many, it represents the dismantling of a cherished institution that has nurtured values, friendships, and cultural identity for generations. While the official reasons remain undisclosed, the lack of clear communication has intensified the sense of uncertainty and distress.

In the absence of transparency, families continue to advocate for dialogue, collaboration, and alternative solutions that could preserve the centre’s mission. Whether through community-led initiatives, administrative compromise, or intervention by relevant authorities, those opposing the closure remain committed to finding a way forward. For them, the MUSEUM is not simply a place—it is part of the social and cultural fabric of Msida, and its preservation is viewed as essential to safeguarding both heritage and the future well-being of the children it serves.

FAQs

What is the MUSEUM in Msida?
It is a branch of the Society of Christian Doctrine, providing Catholic education and community activities for children and young people.

Who founded the Society of Christian Doctrine?
It was founded by St George Preca, a Maltese priest later canonised for his work in religious education.

Why is the centre closing?
No detailed explanation has been provided to parents, who are still awaiting an official statement.

How have parents reacted?
Parents have expressed concern, sadness, and frustration, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.

What impact does the closure have on children?
Children are losing a familiar and valued environment where they learned values, built friendships, and engaged in community life.

Is the local council aware of the closure?
Parents say the local council and the parish archpriest were not informed before the announcement.

What role do MUSEUM centres play in Malta?
They offer catechism classes, cultural education, and community activities, forming part of Malta’s religious and cultural heritage.

Can the closure be prevented?
Parents are calling for dialogue and suggesting alternative solutions such as fundraising or restructuring.

How long has the Msida centre been operating?
Exact dates are not stated, but MUSEUM centres have existed in Malta for over a century.

Why do parents see it as part of Malta’s identity?
Because the institution links generations, preserves cultural values, and reflects the legacy of St George Preca.