The number of applications for Skolasajf submitted so far is some 70% less than it usually is at this stage, but the plan so far remains to open its doors on 1 July, Education Minister Owen Bonnici said on Tuesday.

Asked by The Malta Independent whether there have been any updates with regards to the situation surrounding applications Skolasajf – the government’s summer school programme – given the Covid-19 pandemic, Bonnici said work is ongoing based on the understanding that it will open its doors on 1 July.

However, he added, further updates will be communicated closer to the date depending on the recommendations issued by health authorities.

Bonnici revealed that applications had declined significantly when compared to last year; where usually by now there are 10,000 applications for the programme, this year there have only been 3,000 so far.

“But 3,000 people are 3,000 people - I am not doing to tell them that we aren’t caring”, he added.

He said that the plan remains to open the programme on 1 July, but noted that the necessary updates will be given closer to the day.

Bonnici also remains confident that schools will be opened next scholastic year, and that a system for examinations to take place in September will be found.

Bonnici was asked by this newsroom whether he is confident of seeing schools re-open in time for next scholastic year.

He said that he will give assurances and details closer to the day, but noted the transparency which they have operated with in the educational sector. 

He said that where in some countries schools had been opened but then closed again a few days later, or even faced protests to close, this had not been the case in Malta, where consultation has been ongoing since the first day.

Discussions ongoing on 'insensitive' decision to exclude students receiving stipend from wage supplement scheme - Bonnici

Bonnici also revealed that discussions are ongoing to rectify the 'insensitive' decision to make students who are receiving a stipend ineligible for aid under the government's wage supplement scheme.

Bonnici was asked about this after several complaints by students who work part-time jobs while studying found themselves ineligble for the government's wage supplement scheme owing to the fact that they receive a stipend - even though the stipend's monthly figure is far lower than that of a part-time job.

Bonnici said that he saw this as "insensitive" and that he had kicked off internal discussions in this regard in order for a solution to be found.