Malta’s Early Leaving from Education and Training (ELET) Strategy, launched in July
2023 by the Ministry for Education and Sport, aims to reduce the ELET rate to the European Union’s target of 9% by 2030.
ELET refers to individuals aged 18 to 24 who have attained, at most, a lower secondary education
and are not engaged in further education or training. This strategy aligns with
Sustainable Development Goal 4, promoting inclusive and equitable quality
education.

The strategy adopts a two-fold comprehensive approach: an Early Warning System
to monitor and address ELET risk indicators and a whole-school approach to combat
early leaving from education and training. In line with the EU model, the strategy’s
objectives revolve around three main pillars – prevention, intervention, and
compensation – which include 15 strategic measures and 88 deliverables, designed
to improve educational opportunities from early childhood through postcompulsory education.

Key initiatives include the Family-Community-School Link
programme, which encourages parental engagement, the provision of free
childcare for all children, an increased focus on language and reading instruction in
primary education, enhanced career guidance, and reduced barriers to accessing
post-compulsory education. These initiatives aim to foster a more inclusive and
supportive educational environment, thus ensuring that every student has ample
opportunities to thrive.