MCAST nursing students have voiced their concerns to Malta Daily regarding the significant disruption caused by the ongoing teachers’ strike, which has affected their education and practical training. With teachers unable to provide support outside of scheduled classes, students are left without essential guidance and feedback, particularly during their 840 hours of clinical experience. The lack of progression in coursework has led to fears of mounting assignments that may become unmanageable during their placements.

Students have also expressed disappointment over a reduction in the compensation for their practical experience, which has been cut to €1,550, down from €3,200 previously offered to other cohorts. This reduction has added financial strain during an already challenging period, with students feeling undervalued in their roles as future healthcare professionals.

With uncertainty about when or how the situation will improve, students are calling on Minister Clifton Grima, Prime Minister Robert Abela, and relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure that their training does not suffer further disruption. They emphasize the urgency of resolving these concerns to maintain the quality and continuity of their education.

#MaltaDaily

Colombia’s Congress has approved a historic bill to raise the legal marriage age to 18, eliminating the previous provision that allowed minors as young as 14 to marry with parental consent. The bill, which must be signed into law by President Gustavo Petro, seeks to protect minors from forced marriages, violence, and missed educational opportunities.

The proposal, initially presented in 2023 under the slogan “They’re girls, not wives,” received strong support from lawmakers, particularly Congresswoman Clara López Obregón, who emphasized that minors should not be viewed as sexual objects. Colombia is now one of 12 Latin American countries to ban child marriage, following years of advocacy by rights groups.

Despite progress, child marriage remains widespread, affecting around 12 million girls annually, according to UNICEF. In Colombia, approximately 4.5 million girls and women married before 18, with one million marrying before 15. Poverty and a deeply ingrained patriarchal culture have been key drivers.

While the bill’s passage is a significant step, experts warn that effective implementation and addressing the root causes of child marriage, such as education and poverty, will be crucial to protecting young girls’ rights moving forward.

#MaltaDaily