Malta: Launch of New Strategy to Address Early Leaving from Education and Training (ELET)
A new strategy to tackle the issue of early leavers from education and training (ELET) was launched on 27th July 2023 by the Early Leaving from Education and Training Unit (ELETU) within the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation. The strategy aims to reduce the percentage rate to 9% or lower by 2030, aligning with the EU2030 pathways to school success and EU ELET aims. The strategy revolves around three main pillars:
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Prevention,
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Intervention during the educational journey
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Compensation, meaning assistance for those who have completed compulsory education with only an ISCED2 level or below (lower secondary education).
Various activities and measures to ensure the strategy's success have been outlined. These include:
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developing a whole-school approach to tackle ELET risk factors,
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implementing an early warning system to tackle ELET risk factors,
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addressing students' aspirations to prevent dropouts,
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allocating funds and resources based on educational needs,
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implementing strategies to provide ongoing support during the academic journey,
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creating a second chance at education for those who left school early.
The measures also target an increased effort to work together with all stakeholders, ranging from children to responsible adults in their lives (parents/guardians and educators) in order to develop opportunities for all within schools and the community.
Over the past 18 years, Malta has experienced a notable decline in early school leaving. In 2005, the rate stood at 33%, which decreased to 21% in 2010. Currently, the indications from a recent survey suggest that Malta has achieved the European average of just over 10%. This revised strategy aims at extending this positive trend into the foreseeable future.
More information:
Curriculum, Lifelong Learning and Employability Department; and
https://education.gov.mt/public-body/curriculum-lifelong-learning-and-employability-department/
Source: Eurydice Unit Malta
Picture credits: Adobe Stock #311413288
