The Nationalist Party has welcomed the drop in absenteeism in state schools but pointed out that absenteeism issues need to be addressed even from the point of view of education quality, especially in view of the Malta Union of Teacher’s recent stand.

Spokesman for education George Pullicino said in a statement: “The party has noted the criticism made by teacher’s union that the government did not make the necessary preparations to ensure students who fail to attend school many a time can integrate with fellow students.
The government should strengthen resources in schools to address the challenge of absenteeism in a direct manner, mainly the human resources aspect so that there will be more social workers, counsellors and psychologists present for students.

Mr Pullicino proposed that a programme is kick-started for students who return to school after years of absenteeism.