PN Raises Concerns Over Delays in Educational Support Services

Jan 27 2024

The Nationalist Party has brought attention to a critical issue plaguing the education sector in the country, and the dire consequences it has on the future of students. According to the Shadow Minister for Education Justin Schembri, and the Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties, and Children’s Rights, Graziella Attard Previ, the revelation that 180 students are still waiting to be granted Learning Support Educators (LSE) underscores a troubling trend.

The PN asserted that education is a fundamental right that every child should have access to, emphasising that the government’s shortcomings in this sector are becoming increasingly evident. During a news conference, the Shadow Ministers conveyed their determination to keep pressuring the government and providing an alternative to improve the situation.

The data emerged from a Parliamentary Question to Clifton Grima, revealing that some students have been waiting for LSE support since October 2022, resulting in a 15-month wait for assistance during lessons in both Primary and Secondary schools. The Nationalist Party contends that this situation highlights a failure in the education system, as waiting lists for essential support services should not exist.

The Nationalist Party criticised the government’s inaction, emphasising that the number of students waiting for LSE is continually growing. Across State, Private, and Church schools, there are over 5,000, 400, and 1,800 students, respectively, in need of additional forms of assistance.

One of the root causes of the issue, as highlighted by the Nationalist Party, is the struggle to attract professionals to the education sector due to unfavorables working conditions. The wages do not adequately reflect the significant contributions of educators, making it challenging to find individuals willing to pursue or continue a career in education.

In response to these challenges, the Nationalist Party is calling for the prioritisation of the education sector. They advocate for increased importance and priority to be given to teachers, educators, and workers, emphasising the need for improved working conditions and fair wages to attract and retain qualified individuals in the field.

#MaltaDaily

27,000 People Served At Soup Kitchen Valletta During 2023

Jan 27 2024

In the heart of Valletta, the Soup Kitchen OFM, established on August 25th, 2021, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. Powered solely by donations, the organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability in its mission to combat hunger has become a beacon in the community. As we reflect on the past year, here is a holistic report on the Soup Kitchen’s accomplishments from January to December 2023.

Throughout 2023, the Soup Kitchen served a staggering 27,000 individuals, reaching communities in Valletta, Floriana, Marsa, Qormi, Żebbuġ, Saint Paul’s Bay, Kirkop, Pieta’, Msida, Gżira, Ħamrun, Ħal-Luqa, Bormla, Birkirkara, Raħal il-Ġdid, Sliema, and Fgura. More than 100,000 portions of food were distributed, showcasing the organization’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity in the region.

In the realm of achievements, the Soup Kitchen prepared 98,400 plates for lunch and distributed 22,100 packed suppers, with an estimated food cost of €603,660. Remarkably, 98 guests found employment with the assistance provided by the Soup Kitchen, marking a significant impact on the lives of those served.

Behind these accomplishments is a dedicated team. The Soup Kitchen OFM Valletta operates with just one full-time and one part-time employee, highlighting the efficiency and impact of its workforce. The core of the operation lies in the tireless efforts of 7 board members and 65 helpers, representing a diverse array of nationalities. Among these helpers are professionals such as 1 lawyer, 3 nurses, 3 social workers, and 3 barbers/hairdressers, all contributing their skills to the cause.

The Soup Kitchen’s success story wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging its support system. A total of 121 companies, 1160 individuals, and 20 schools generously donated to the cause, underscoring the broad community involvement in sustaining the organization.

#MaltaDaily

26 Families Will Benefit From This Social Housing Project

Jan 27 2024

In Qrendi, Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes visited the social housing project site, which is nearing completion and preparing to welcome its first residents in the coming months.

During the visit, Minister Roderick Galdes explained that this project is being carried out with a total investment of €3.5 million. “Within the next few months, this initiative will provide social housing for 26 families, and the project also includes 20 garages. This project forms part of the largest social housing investment ever undertaken in Malta and Gozo”, stated Minister Galdes.

The minister elaborated on how the government’s social justice policy in the housing sector has led to a significant reduction in the social housing waiting list over the past decade, from approximately 3,300 to around 1,500 applicants. “The government is committed to continuing to provide hope and stability in the housing sector”, Minister Roderick Galdes concluded.

#MaltaDaily

79 Year Old Fighting For His Life After Being Hit By A Van In ‘Tal-Barrani’

Jan 27 2024

Yesterday, at approximately ten in the evening (2200hrs), a 79-year-old man from Għaxaq found himself at the center of a concerning incident as he was injured in a traffic accident on Triq tal-Barrani in Żejtun.

The incident unfolded when the elderly man was hit by a Ford Transit van driven by a 46-year-old resident of Tarxien.

Upon initial assessment by the medical team at the scene, it became evident that the elderly man had sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision, and is currently fighting for his life.

Promptly, he was attended to by the medical professionals and transported to Mater Dei Hospital via ambulance for further treatment.

The injured man’s condition has since been certified as serious, underscoring the gravity of the incident.

In light of the situation, Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech was promptly informed of the case and has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

As of now, the police investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities diligently working to piece together the details of the accident.

#MaltaDaily