LAUSR

This paper seeks to establish the preliminary perceptions of students attending an alternative learning centre in Malta and whether it has succeeded in reaching one of its targets, that of tackling the problem of early school leaving in Malta and the problem of absenteeism. As a study, it represents a small-scale research, undertaken on five students, attending this school, who were chosen randomly. These students were interviewed with regards to their learning objectives, expectations, achievements and failures. The main result is that the students are happy with the type of education being given. They are now learning the things which interest them in a safe and caring environment. The major conclusion is that such type of education should continue to be encouraged in the Maltese Islands as there is a demand for it. One hopes that this study serves as a spring board for more detailed research about alternative education.