The government rolled out a draft National Lifelong Learning Strategy for public consultation, targeting adult education and training for people aged between 25 and 64 years.

Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli said that the 2020 strategy aimed to address the low rate of adults who pursued education and training beyond compulsory schooling age, early school leavers with minimal skills and the low number of women actively at work or engaged in training.

What they might have learnt 20 or 30 years ago may no longer be relevant, Dr Dalli pointed out.

It also targeted the “low education culture” passed on from generation to generation.

“This low value given to education harboured by certain families can lead to poverty and does not enable people to fulfil their potential.”

Employment Minister Evarist Bartolo said that according to a recent study, 75 per cent of Malta’s work force required better skills.

“Parents and society must also give a high value to education. In China, for instance, children harbour a drive to succeed which stems from their parents and from society.

“We know that half of all new jobs are being taken by foreigners – and not because Maltese lack the skills but because they refuse to work certain jobs.”

Alex Grech, who developed the strategy, explained that local councils, NGOs, Malta Enterprise, trade unions, the Church, correctional facilities and sports organisations all needed to improve the synergy between themselves.

The document aims to promote adult skills and vocational educational and training as the optimum route to employability. It also aims to develop a coherent and sustainable accreditation system and embrace open education resources, amongst others.

The document  (see pdf link below) is open for feedback until December 14.