All Year 7 to Year 9 students in Malta, whether in state or non-state schools, will receive free laptops for the new academic year under the government’s One Device Per Child project. The €54 million scheme, co-financed with EU funds, was launched by Education Minister Clifton Grima and EU Funds Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi. Speaking in Msida, Grima said around 14,000 students will benefit. The initiative has four aims: to widen access to education, ensure inclusivity, strengthen digital skills, and reduce early school leaving. Grima stressed that technology shapes communication, work, and travel, and students must be prepared for these realities. The laptops will be accompanied by digital resources for learners and training for teachers to help integrate technology effectively into classroom practice. (Times of Malta)
Employment grows by nearly 4% in April
Registered full-time employment in Malta reached 295,571 in April 2025, marking an increase of 3.8 per cent compared with April 2024, according to new figures. Part-time employment as a primary job also rose by 5.6 per cent year-on-year to reach 35,292. Growth was registered in both the private and public sectors, with the private sector employing 241,506 full-timers, up 3.7 per cent, while public sector employment increased by 4.1 per cent to 54,065. Male full-time employment grew by 3.4 per cent to 178,063, while female full-time employment rose more strongly, by 4.4 per cent, reaching 117,508. The figures reflect a continuation of steady labour market growth, with women’s participation contributing significantly. Authorities say the data confirm Malta’s labour market resilience despite global challenges and underline the country’s reliance on a diverse workforce. (NSO)
IAM calls for action against irresponsible driving
The Insurance Association of Malta (IAM) has called on the government to take action not only against driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs but also to curb irresponsible driving on Maltese roads, which continues to result in a substantial number of fatalities. This statement follows a parliamentary debate on new legislation introducing harsher penalties for drivers causing deaths while under the influence. While IAM welcomed the initiative, it emphasized that road safety laws should address all forms of dangerous driving, not only substance-related cases. In a social media statement, IAM declared, “Negligent driving kills. It does not matter if you are drunk, under the influence of drugs, or simply driving recklessly… the consequences are the same, and the law must reflect this.” IAM also supported the Opposition’s call for legislation that sends a strong message discouraging all forms of abusive driving behavior. (Net)
