National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

The first phase of this initiative is in progress and achieving promising results with a number
of licensed child minders, parent leaders, and school helpers resulting from the various
programmes.
More specifically these programmes consist of:
• The NindokraPlus Service where non-working mothers trained for occasional work as
childminders with a cadre made up of 47 trained and licensed childminders. Of these
23 provide service according to the demand. Nine of these hail from Gozo;
• A cadre of parents trained for educational leadership roles in schools and local
communities. To date, cadre made up of 32 trained and licensed Parent Leaders. As
from January 2008, Parent Leaders are paid for the service they are offering. A project
intended to expand this area of operations has been submitted for ESF funding. Project
approval and funding are still pending;
• A cadre of parents trained to co-work with teachers on the design and delivery of skillsbased
courses for parents at community level. To date, parent helpers are providing
this service on a voluntary basis as part of their induction training and practicum.
Measure 3.3
Review tax and pensions system to encourage female participation in the workforce
This measure has been completed in the Budget 2006 and 2007. Selected initiatives include
the reviewing of income tax bands, replacement of the National insurance contribution to a
pro rata basis, recognition of married women workers within a family business as well as a
possible tax rebate on childcare expenditure. Moreover the amendments to the part time
workers regulations to favour more the possibility of part time work are envisaged to promote
the increase of female participation in the workforce. 19
Measure 3.4
Promote family-friendly measures
The Employment and Training Corporation implemented a number of initiatives which
included training, awareness raising campaigns, research and the implementation of various
EU funded projects.
Gender equality features high on the agenda of family friendly measures (FFM). The ETC
published its third Gender Equality Action Plan for the years 2007 and 2008 20 . This plan
outlines the projects and initiatives that are to be undertaken over the next two years.
Moreover, an intensive campaign on family friendly measures was undertaken in collaboration
with University students. This campaign highlighted the benefits that FFM such as telework
and job sharing bring to both the organisations and employees.
IN addition an ESF campaign (ESF 50) promoting the benefits of Quality Childcare was
launched in order to raise awareness about quality childcare. This campaign made use of all
forms of media and also a national conference on issues related to quality childcare. A
information website 21 has also been launched and provides guidance on choosing quality
childcare centres as well information on child care services available.
Another ESF funded project (ESF24) was implemented in order to increase Female
participation through Childcare services at the workplace. Eleven childcare courses have
been funded through this project in order to ensure a supply of qualified child carers at
workplaces.
19 This measure has also been addressed in Measure 01.1 in the Macroeconomic Section
20
Gender Equality Action Plan 2007-2008. Available online from:
http://etc.gov.mt/docs/ETC%20Gender%20Equality%20Action%20Plan.pdf [Accessed on 1 st October 2008]
21 Available online: http://www.childcaremalta.org/etc/home.aspx [Accessed on 1st October 2008]
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