‘Opening of public summer schools shrouded in chaos’ – Teachers’ union

The opening of summer schools is shrouded in chaos with centres either understaffed or else will be run by persons not trained or licensed to teach.

Summer schools open their doors on Monday now that the scholastic year has come to an end and students break off for the summer holidays.

The Malta Union of Teachers has now advised its members not to attend Skola Sajf centres if the established of one adult per 15 children is not respected.

Allegedly, one play worker has been tasked with taking care of some 300 children while another centre in Gozo will be opened with just one person in charge.

According to various MUT members, the centres for Skola Sajf are almost entirely understaffed while provisions have not even been made to replace teachers who will be on inservice courses.

Gozitan university students have reportedly been asked to work in Malta even though they are sorely needed in Gozo. The MUT said requests for more staffing by coordinators have been met with “arrogant refusals” by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES) management.

The MUT added that coordinator have also been given charge of a number of centres, instead of focusing on one.

“To sum up, the Union regretfully notes that its communications with the Ministry about the fiasco going on in Skola Sajf and Klabb 3-16, which fiasco is orchestrated by FES, have gone unheeded,” the MUT said.

It advised its member taking part in Skola Sajf not to attend the centres if the established ratio of 1:15 is not respected.

“The Union believes that the risks to which FES is exposing its members exceeds by far any pittance remuneration the same FES can offer,” the union said.

The teachers have also been advised to update the Union via email on the situation at their respective centre.

“Heads of Schools are also advised to steer clear from this chaos, and guide their SMT members accordingly,” the MUT warned.