A wider range of educational possibilities will continue helping decrease the absenteeism rate across schools in Malta and Gozo.
Since 2009, the number of public employees in student support services has increased and the engagement of this additional staff has allowed for a more focused approach to students. As the Ministry has repeatedly pinpointed, this could only take place if the economic bottom line can provide it, and Malta is one of a small number of countries in Europe which has increased its educational budget and its headcount in the past years.
This increase in staff also allowed for colleges to have their own inter-disciplinary teams which allow tackling the different social realities within the community.
A wider educational system
Since 2013, the Ministry has introduced a number of policies which allows for more possible pathways for students to uptake. Vocational education has played an important role in this, with the Alternative Learning Programme and the introduction of vocational subjects at secondary level being among the main reforms.
Tackling unauthorised school absences
During the 2013 summer months, a number of social workers conducted office visits and most of the parents of primary school children were absent from school for more than 20 unauthorised days during scholastic year 2012-2013. These parents/guardians were notified through a letter of an office visit scheduled with the social worker held at the respective schools or office. Close monitoring of these students was maintained throughout the following scholastic years.
This is just one step along the way
The decrease in absenteeism rates is a positive step however reforms in the educational sector are by no means ending here. Providing a meaningful and accredited educational path is just as important as having students attend school. As absenteeism rates continue to decrease the shift in focus will be in providing an education that is in touch with today's younger people and offers them an engaging way to reach their potential.