Framework for the preparation of re-opening of educational institutions drawn up

Dear all,

The Office of the Permanent Secretary would like to inform you that the Ministry for Education and Employment is currently working on a framework for the preparation of re-opening of educational institutions after they were temporarily closed down due to the spread of the COVID-19.  Further details are being presented underneath:

Framework for the preparation of re-opening of educational institutions drawn up

The Ministry for Education and Employment was proactive from the start in the extraordinary circumstances brought about by the COVID-19.  Decisions on details relating to the closure of all educational institutions from early years up till the tertiary level were issued in a holistic and timely manner.  The Ministry issued comprehensive instructions as to how the students were going to progress from one year to the next, and also with regards to exams.  In the meantime, during the period where schools and educational institutions are closed, a working group containing the major stakeholders in the area saw to online education and to the impact on the curriculum.  The educational services available in all levels and entities within the Ministry were clustered in a Helpline 25981000.  The Ministry also made sure that children which were eligible to free lunches every day at school still receive them, while those vulnerable students who did not have internet or a computer at home were helped as well.

The Ministry for Education and Employment is coordinating a comprehensive framework for the preparation of the eventual re-opening of educational institutions.  The Ministry is actively following the situation at national level and the advice of health authorities. It is also noting the decisions which a number of other countries are taking in the educational sector. The framework for the preparation of re-opening of educational institutions reflects all this and follows the obtaining model proposed by the United Nations.  This model was further developed to reflect the context and situation in our country. 

In the circumstances which are still developing as explained in the most professional manner by the health authorities, the framework for the preparation of re-opening of educational institutions is considering the various probable scenarios in which, eventually, educational institutions might open.

According to each probable scenario, the framework is looking at five main aspects which are: health and safety, information, development and training, the need of quality education, the need that education reaches every student; and the necessary financing.

The framework for the preparation of the re-opening of education institutions is being discussed with the main stakeholders.  Thorough consultations with the health authorities in the light of the national situation are and will remain ongoing.

The Ministry, through the framework for the preparation of the re-opening of educational institution will be eventually taking the best possible decisions upon the directions given by the health authorities and will be issuing updates as the need arises.

Dr Francis Fabri
Permanent Secretary