Students 'in the dark' over exchange programme

The University Students' Council (KSU) Education Commission student representatives said that it anxiously awaits an answer regarding those students who remain in the dark over whether they will benefit from the Direct Exchange programme.

It also expressed concern and regret over the fact that debate and attention over the suspension of Youth in Action and Lifelong Learning funds has ceased.

The commission commends the fact that a solution was found that has served to give a number of students the chance to benefit from a unique opportunity.

However, it insisted that this cannot be used in order to mask the fact that many others remain in the dark and with a high probability of losing out on the chance altogether.

The commission is also eager to see a reform in the way agencies handling EU funding operate in Malta. This particular incident can now serve to instil within relevant authorities the will to bring about change which would ensure there would be no repeat situation.

Meanwhile, the commission noted with concern the sheer size of the ministry under which education falls. The ministry is also responsible for work and family.

In reality, compared with previous administrations, the work that has to be carried out by this ministry is comparable to the work which had to be carried out by two ministries in the past, the commission said.

It added that such a large ministry may be liable to certain procedural and administrative difficulties which may result in unnecessary complications, such as those that have happened.