Homeschooling is now legal in Malta if parents provide ‘valid reasons’

Sep 1 2021

Provided parents give valid reasons why it is the child’s best interest, homeschooling is now legal in Malta. Along with the ‘valid’ reason’, parents must also possess a teaching warrant and a license. This legislation of homeschooling is part of a new Education Act which is set to come into effect by the 1st of October. The new act was presented by Education Minister Justyne Caruana and Malta Further and Higher Education head of legal Dennis Zammit. With talk and lobbying in favour of the practice ongoing since 2013, the authorities will monitor homeschooled students.

This is to ensure that an educational programme and syllabus which includes social and physical education components are presented by those who opt for the system. With parents who apply being audited, only those with valid reasons will be allowed to homeschool. Such reasons include families who move countries frequently. This news follows calls to extend mandatory education age to 18 (which, as of yet, was not approved) and heftier fines for not sending children to school.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Justyne Caruana FB, The Conversation

€100 to €500 fines for not sending kids to school

Sep 1 2021

The former fine of €2 for not sending kids to school has been upped by the new governmental education laws to fine parents between €100 and €500 and/or three month jail time. The new education law will widen certain rights and obligations whilst introducing new concepts, with lawyer Dennis Zammit explaining how the right to education will apply to more people living in Malta. The obligatory age has not changed as of yet but the new law considers education given before the obligatory age and to thus be regulated in childcare and kindergarten centres.

The law concerning fines for not sending children to school will entail guardians who don’t send them can be taken to court and even receive jail time. Zammit said that parents/guardians will still have rights in terms of every aspect of their child’s education. However, this will not be allowed to impact the best possible interest of the minors. Education Minister Justyne Caruana also revealed that the new measures for the next scholastic year in terms of the pandemic will be released in coming days.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The New York Times

Vehicle on fire in Triq Sant’ Andrija, Swieqi

Sep 1 2021

Images of a vehicle engulfed in flames in Triq Sant’ Andrija, Swieqi, have surfaced. This is a developing story and we are currently not aware if there were any casualties or fatalities. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

The incident was reported this morning, with the road closed off for authorities to handle the situation. It has also been recommended to avoid the road due to heavy traffic in the area.

Story will be updated with further information.

#MaltaDaily

4-day work week proposed to Finance Minister by MCESD

4-day work week among 2022 budget proposals

Sep 1 2021

Amongst the 230 proposals presented by social partners for the upcoming budget is that of a four-day work week. Such work weeks have been subject to experimentation in foreign countries with many reporting boosted productivity, better work ethic and less mental health issues due to over-work.

This was proposed during a meeting between the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) to Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, with the former being accompanied by worker and employer unions. MCESD Chairperson James Pearsall stated that the proposals are all based on research and are aimed at moving Malta forward.

Proposals for the budget, which will be taking place on the 11th of October, also include the reopening of crafts schools as well as the rewarding of the bonus to the COVID-19 frontline workers. The Finance Minister stated that Malta, as any other country, is still feeling the impact of the pandemic in not just the health sector but also from the financial and economic perspective.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: The Motley Fool, Clyde Caruana FB