476 Councillors From 68 Localities Sworn In

Jun 26 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela, at a swearing-in event for councillors from 68 localities across Malta and Gozo, emphasised their crucial role as partners in driving national progress. He praised councillors for their diverse backgrounds and highlighted their commitment to improving community life and services.

Abela underscored the importance of environmentally conscious decision-making and advancing digital services to enhance resident convenience.

Minister Owen Bonnici commended the councillors for their election and celebrated the initiatives undertaken by local councils over the past five years, including projects like open spaces, gardens, and improved transport services.

He reaffirmed the government’s support through financial allocations and immediate strategies to strengthen local governance.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at meeting evolving local government needs and aligning with the National Strategic Vision for Local Government. She expressed gratitude to all elected councillors and urged them to continue prioritising community welfare and effective governance.

Overall, the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to empowering local councils as drivers of positive change and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to serve their communities effectively.

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Six out of Ten Maltese Students Receive Private Tuition

Jun 26 2024

A survey found that six out of ten Maltese secondary school pupils attend private lessons.

As shared by Times of Malta , Mathematics was the most popular topic for tutoring across all age groups, followed by Maltese, English and Physics. This study indicates that children in early years of education, specifically those between the ages of four and seven, had the lowest likelihood of attending private classes.

However , even in this age group, about 29% of kids in this age range attended private lessons. For children aged four to seven, Maltese was the most sought subject.

Times of Malta concluded the accredited quantitative research project in February, interviewing 500 parents of children between the ages of four and eighteen. The need for extra work (47%) and individual attention (33%), as well as the ability to address substantial challenges within the areas students were attending private sessions for, were identified by respondents as the key benefits of tutoring.

The purpose of the survey was to gain insight into the market and attitude from Mokosi, a Lithuanian tutoring company that plans to start in Malta.

With 17 years of experience as a tutor, its CEO, Jurgita Jaruseviciene, anticipated that the study’s subject and conclusions would spark a “wide discussion about the effectiveness of the education system in Malta.”

She claimed that other countries displayed an average of 30% and that Malta’s 60% rate was exceptional.

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Benna Announce Iced Coffee Flavour

Jun 26 2024

Benna have done it again – this time taking the Iced Coffee route!

‘Made from real coffee, it’s a great refreshing treat to indulge in during the summer heat. And yes, its also Lactose Free’, wrote Benna on social media.

The flavour is expected to hit supermarkets tomorrow – will you be trying it?

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Prime Minister’s Chief Of Staff Glenn Micallef Resigns

Jun 26 2024

Colonel Mark Mallia is set to replace Glenn Micallef as the head of the secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), according to an announcement by the government on Wednesday. Micallef’s resignation comes amid speculation whether it is linked to the Labour Party’s recent decline in voter support during the MEP elections.

Micallef had been instrumental in managing the Labour Party’s campaigns, including the successful 2022 general election effort alongside close aides Alexander Balzan and Johann Grech, chief of the Malta Film Commission.

Micallef’s departure follows that of Daniel Micallef, the party’s deputy leader, who resigned shortly after the elections.

Prime Minister Robert Abela expressed gratitude to Micallef for his professionalism and service in a published letter, indicating a smooth transition to Mallia, who recently held roles at Transport Malta and the Foundation for Medical Services.

Micallef, previously Director General of Malta’s EU Coordination Department and a prominent figure in student politics, had also overseen the implementation of recommendations from a public inquiry.

The role of OPM head of secretariat is pivotal, overseeing government operations and advising the prime minister, though details on Micallef’s future within the government remain unclear.

#MaltaDaily