Alternative learning programme students ‘allowed to smoke during break time’

Fifth form students attending alternative learning programme (ALP) classes are allowed to smoke during break time, to the point that an open area was provided specifically for this purpose.

The blunt admission was made by Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo in a written reply to Nationalist MP Joe Cassar.

ALP classes target students who fall heavily behind at school, to the point that they would not even apply for at least one SEC examination.

These courses are offered at a school in Rahal il-Gdid, MCAST and Youth.Inc centres and target fifth form students – aged 14 and 15.

These students are offered vocational and academic studies and school rules differ from the other schools. For example, ALP students do not have a uniform.

“A number of these students [at Rahal il-Gdid] smoke. Their parents have been notified and made aware of their children’s smoking habits. The school will also provide courses and training against smoking,” the Minister said.

“At the same time, in order for the students not to give up on their studies and school, an open space has been found allowing these students to smoke during break time.”

Bartolo said the students will be offered comprehensive programmes on the dangers of smoking: “The school’s policy is to encourage students against smoking.”

In September, the first batch of around 260 early school-leavers who took part in the Youth.Inc branch of the Alternative Learning Programme were awarded a certificate after successfully completing the course.