Education Minister Evarist Bartolo clarified that what he announced in the new Education Act, does not mean that the government is encouraging home-schooling. "To have home-schooling, you need a teacher's warrant. Home-schooling does not mean that a parent can teach whatever they want. Home-schooling already exists and is made available to those who for some reason cannot physically go to school."

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo was addressing a well-attended government public consultation meeting 'Gvern li Jisma'' held at Castille.

According to the proposed amendments, parents can apply to the Commission for General Education to provide home schooling for their children. Where the Commission is of the opinion that the necessary conditions for the provision of home schooling for a minor have been satisfied, it shall authorise the parent of the child to provide for home schooling to the minor at the parent's expense and subject to such conditions as it may deem appropriate in the best interests of the minor.

"The idea that people become teachers to enjoy their summer holidays is stupid. They have a lot of work to do," he added.  

Mr Bartolo said that Malta has the lowest unemployment rate among young people in all of Europe. He said that the greatest challenge for the Ministry is to keep up with international competition and it is our duty to keep upgrading and update accordingly.

Asked about the American University of Malta, Education Minister said that the fact that a new foreign University is investing in Malta, does not mean that the one there is now will no longer be good. "The licence to operate in Malta is not easy to get, there is a very rigorous process involved."

"Education cannot simply be a step for the working life, but it has to be a vital element in one's life, that teaches the right values in our society," he added.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sports, Chris Agius mentioned Youth Help as one of the major initiative set up to help troubled teens in Malta. He said the largest project in this administration which falls under his remit, is the €26 million investment in Explora, a science and technology project in the southern region of Malta. "But there are still a lot of projects in the pipeline, including an indoor pool in Cottonera and the race-track."

There were 5 bids for the new race-track, Chris Agius said and the government will be issuing a request for proposals in the near future.

On the problem of obesity, the Parliamentary Secretary said that the result of the measures being taken by this administration so that children do more exercise will be seen in the years to come. "This is a process of a change in mentality and it requires a lot of time."

The Education Minister said that voluntary work should be given more priority. "We have to work to strengthen this value and send the message that one's commitment to others is as beautiful as doing well in exams. Unfortunately, we live in a culture obsessed with tests and exams. We need to keep up with the rest of the countries, but we need citizens with the skills to fill the emerging job market."