Education reform needed before compulsory age extended to 18 say experts

Aug 30 2021

According to various education experts, the proposal to increase compulsory school age by two years will only work if the education system is reformed to be more relevant and engaging. Educational psychologist Carmel Cefai stated that the focus needs to be shifted so that young people find it motivating and rewarding to continue education up to 18 years of age. Former dean of the Faculty of Education Carmel Borg also addd that increasing compulsory school age was worth exploring through research and consultation with stakeholders and students.

He pointed out how the two ‘extra’ years cannot reproduce the scholastic experience which has ‘ruined several students over the years’. The one-size fits all principle, according to Borg, would result in disaster. These comments follow the Malta Chamber of Commerce defending its proposal to extend education age to 18 after unions of teachers came out against it. This is not a new concept for Malta as it has been in the local zeitgeist over the years, with former Education Minister Evarist Bartolo also raising the issue.

The former minister stuck to his belief, stating that Malta should take steps to ensure all young people between 16 and 18 are youths in education, employment or training (YEETS). This is to raise the skill level of all young people, he claimed, pointing to increase the provision of meaningful and relevant working and training experience for young people. The Chamber of Commerce highlighted a problem in terms of human capital as there are not enough workers to fill jobs.

The aforementioned Carmel Borg remained of the opinion that forcing students into another two years of education would not solve the issue. Instead, researching and testing different types of education is, according to Borg, the ideal scenario. Senior lecturer in Youth and Community Studies Maria Pisani stated that whilst there is a desperate need to reform and invest in the education, students are not just human capital. Leaving them with no option but to continue their education is just another ‘brick in the wall.’

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Photo Source: Kudos Blog

GoTo car left in Nadur field severely damaged following traffic accident

Aug 30 2021

Photos uploaded to Facebook group ‘Are You Being Served? (Malta and Gozo) Original’ show what seems to be a GoTo vehicle abandoned in a field with substantial damage. According to information sent to this newsroom, police were called at Triq ir-Rabat, Nadur, Gozo on the 28th of August 2021 at around 0500hrs.

Officers found a Renault Zoe in a field, along with noticeable damages on a rubble wall. The car was allegedly involved in a traffic accident, resulting in it being left with considerable amounts of damage, with the driver thankfully having suffered no injuries. Investigations are still ongoing.

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Photo Source: Are You Being Served? (Malta and Gozo) Original FB

Jake Paul beats former UFC champion in close fight

Aug 30 2021

Earlier today, Jake Paul beat former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley by split decision. The fight went on for all 8 rounds, unlike any of Paul’s other 3 professional fights. His previous fights ended up in a knockout win for Jake in the early rounds. Tyron was definitely Jake’s toughest fight yet.

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Not all judges gave the fight to Jake as judge Phil Rogers gave Tyron 5 rounds whilst giving Jake only 3. However, the other two judges disagreed as Jaime Garayua gave 5 rounds to Jake and 3 rounds to Tyron whilst Dana DePaulo gave Jake 6 rounds and Tyron a measly 2 rounds. This was the first time Jake had to battle it out in the later rounds, and he succeeded.

Former Love Island contestant Tommy Fury is now said to be Jake’s next opponent. The Brit was on the undercard of the fight, as he beat Paul’s sparring partner Anthony Taylor also on points.

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Free wifi in public spaces by 27 councils starting October

Aug 30 2021

After suppliers were found in time to secure EU project funds, several local councils are set to offer free Wi-Fi in public areas by the end of summer 2021. The first round of applicants from 58 councils applied for EU grants of €15,000 each to install Wi-Fi access points in public areas under the Wifi4EU programme. The initiative seeks to close the digital gap through high-speed free internet access in areas such as libraries, parks, squares and other public areas.

The project almost did not see the light of day as authorities failed to find the suppliers required to carry out such work. The deadline was extended twice – first from January to July and then July to September. Four suppliers have since been chosen, with the installation process underway for the first round of applicants.

An agreement was reached in which the government would cover the internet costs whereas the councils would pay the electricity expenses. The localities which will have free internet in public areas are (in no particular order):

Vittoriosa, Birkirkara, Birzebbuga, Dingli, Gharghur, Ghaxaq, Lija, Qormi, Attard, Floriana, Gudja, Kalkara, Mellieha, Mosta, Nadur, Gharb, Msida, Marsascala, Qala, Zebbug, Zurrieq, Ta’ Xbiex, St Paul’s Bay, Naxxar, Zejtun, Santa Venera and Mqabba.

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Photo Source: Bath Echo