The Education Ministry and the Malta Union of Teachers recently locked horns about a very good initiative taken by the ministry which, in the opinion of the union, is not going too well.

The MUT, furthermore, blames the ministry for the lack of application that the initiative has had so far. A school planned to welcome some 240 students managed to get only 40 applicants by the beginning of October.

However, the ministry was quick to note that students have until the end of October to apply. So there is still time and hope.

The ministry, probably under the initiative of the minister himself, wants to open a school in Gzira for students who did not manage to get any positive results in their O levels or only managed to pass in one subject or two.

This, in my opinion, is a very good initiative. It is essential that educational authorities go the extra mile to help those who have not achieved satisfactory results. This can be for myriad reasons. But many times the blame, directly or indirectly, to a great or small extent, lies at the door of society.

Unjust structures that exist in our society make it difficult for many to break out of the cycle of poverty one of whose most manifest signs is lack of educational achievement.

Let us say, for the sake of argument, that the ministry’s initiative, was not planned as well as it should have been. If this is the case it is right for the union to state this but it is also obligatory for the union, which is a union of professionals, to do its utmost that this initiative now becomes a success.

What is at stake here is the future a good number of students who can either become net contributors to society or become another problem. Every young man that succeeds bring happiness to himself, his family and benefits society.

Great efforts should be made to persuade as many as possible to enrol in the school before the end of the months. The MUT should be on board to make a success from this praiseworthy initiative.