Rationale of the strategy
This strategy, developed in accordance with the EU Lisbon Strategy, advocates a lifelong learning framework to facilitate inclusive, personalized and supportive learning opportunities in Malta and Gozo. It regards adult education, in particular, as essential to economic development, social and civic participation, personal fulfilment and well-being. The strategy looks to empower its citizens with innovative and personalized approaches to adult learning.
Concept of lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is a continuous process, starting with early childhood education and compulsory schooling and continuing on to vocational education and training (VET), higher education, adult education and learning in later life. It comprises formal, non-formal and informal education that aims to provide opportunities for personal growth and improved quality of life for all.
Main challenges
Malta’s strategy addresses the following specific challenges:
- Low participation in adult education and training
- High rate of dropouts and early school leavers
- Low level of participation by women in employment and education
- Decrease in numbers of learners aged fifty and over
- Shortage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds enrolling in higher education, which persists across generations
Main targets and measures
The strategy proposes five objectives to be achieved by 2020:
- Increased participation in lifelong learning opportunities for all, particularly among people from socially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds
- Improved teaching methods and learning environments
- Establishment of new skill sets that contribute to professional development, employment mobility and active citizenship
- Development of support structures for adult learning
- Improved governance in the lifelong learning sector In order to meet these targets, multiple measures will be taken.
- New frameworks and governance partnerships will be developed to improve the coordination of adult formal and non-formal education.
- Programmes designed to raise awareness of adult learning and VET opportunities will be shared with both learners and employers; formal and informal training will be integrated into the workplace and funds will be provided for vocational education measures.
- Transparent and equitable accreditation systems will be developed to recognize learning outcomes and skills and to create quality standards.
- Adult learning will be supported by educational institutions, which will provide quality assurance as well as training for staff.
- Blended learning will be encouraged using open educational resources and through alliances with public and private information and communications technology organizations.
- The provision and funding of day-care services will be facilitated to encourage women to participate in lifelong learning and integrate into the labour market; financial and fiscal incentives and grants will be provided for workplace training programmes and employers.
- Marginalized groups will be consulted to promote integration and develop programmes that foster the social inclusion of reluctant learners.
- Digital literacy courses and training for prospective educators in residential homes will improve access to education for older people.
- Learning programmes will be tailored to communities’ needs.
Particular feature of the strategy
The strategy targets the workforce, viewing lifelong learning as a means to increase productivity and economic growth. In addition to issues related to adult education such as VET, the strategy explores related matters, such as training and quality assurance. It also advocates the setting up of a National Skills Council along with various other working groups, developing a coherent communications plan for lifelong learning, and participating in international research networks. All of these features are subject to monitoring and alignment with government policy.
Relevant documents that the strategy refers to:
- Commission of the European Communities. 2000. A Memorandum on Lifelong Learning. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- European Commission. 2010. Europe 2020: A European Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. (Accessed 17 October 2016.)
- Fermosa, M. 2013. The National Strategic Policy for Active Ageing: Malta 2014–2020. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- Ministries of Finance and Culture, Malta. 2012. National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries.
- Ministry for Education and Employment. 2012. A National Curriculum Framework for All. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- Ministry for Education and Employment. 2014. National Employment Strategy
- Ministry for Education and Employment. 2014. A National Literacy Strategy for All in Malta and Gozo. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- Ministry for Education and Employment. 2014. A Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Early School Leaving in Malta. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- Ministry for Finance. 2012. Malta’s National Reform Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
- OECD. 2013. The Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC): Implications for education and training policies in Europe. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
Stakeholders involved in the development of the strategy:
- The Ministry for Education and Employment
Stakeholders responsible for the implementation of the strategy:
- Directorate for Lifelong Learning, Malta
- Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD)
- Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity, Malta
- University of Malta
Further readings and web links:
- Formosa, M. 2012. Lifelong education for older adults in Malta: current trends and visions. International Review of Education, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 271–292.
- Mediterranean Conference on Lifelong Learning, Malta. 2004. Declaration. Adult Education and Development, Vol. 61, pp. 163-164.
- Ministry for Education and Employment, Malta. 2016. Ministry for Education and Employment. (Accessed 14 October 2016.)
Issuing Body
Ministry for Education and Employment
