
The
National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) has recognised The
Prince’s Trust’s xl Programme in Personal Development and Employability at the
respective level of the Malta Qualifications Framework. Earlier in November,
Malta became the first country outside of the UK to implement The Prince’s
Trust’s renowned xl Programme, on the behest and sponsorship of HSBC Malta.
The
qualification of the xl Programme into the MQF will ensure that the skills and
qualifications young people achieve through xl programme are acknowledged and
awarded within the Maltese context.
Currently,
over 100 young people from seven secondary schools and alternative education
providers are participating in the xl Programme. All seven centres attended a
recent internal verification where they received further training and feedback
on the portfolios that their students produced. This was a fantastic networking
opportunity for those involved and it highlighted the positive approach to the
xl Programme by both young people, xl mentors and schools.
Natasha
Rushe, Programme Manager, xl Programme Malta said: “News of the success of the
xl Programme has spread to other schools within Malta, who are keen to learn
more and potentially register for delivery in the next academic year.”
“With
the continued support of funders HSBC Malta and the Ministry for Education and
Employment (MEDE) we are optimistic that the xl Programme will be delivered by
secondary schools on a national basis,” she added.
The XL Programme focuses on
‘Personal Development and Employability Skills’. The signing of two
separate Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and
Employment and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the
Institute of Tourism Studies signifies a very important milestone that gives
the opportunity to students to acquire different skills and continue with their
educational progression. The attainment of the ‘Prince’s Trust Level 2
Certificate’ is recognised to be of the same level as 1 qualification at MQF Level 3 by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education
(NCFHE).
Through the signing of this MoU, MCAST will in particular
recognise The Prince’s Trust Level 2 Certificate as equivalent to one Ordinary
Level SEC qualification for the purposes of entry into MCAST Level 3
programmes. On signing of this MoU the Institute of Tourism Studies has
also recognised the Prince’s Trust XL Certificate Level 2 as equivalent to one
Ordinary Level SEC Qualification for the proposes of entry into ITS programmes.
This progression is another endeavour to help students attend post
secondary institutions despite any difficult backgrounds or academic
difficulties that they might have faced.
Minister
for Education Evarist Bartolo said: “The young people benefitting from this
programme are getting important skills that will help them progress in their
educational path. These initiatives truly change lives for the better.”
HSBC
Malta Foundation is extending a grant of €300,000 over a period of three years
to Prince’s Trust International, as part of the HSBC‘s USD150 million Community
Fund.
HSBC
Bank Malta CEO Andrew Beane said: “The HSBC Malta Foundation works to make long
term social investments and form partnerships rather than simply make
donations. Our latest partnership bringing together the Ministry for Education
and The Prince’s Trust is yet another example of banks serving the role of
connecters and enablers.”
The
Prince’s Trust International is The Prince’s Trust's sister charity. The
Prince's Trust helps disadvantaged young people in the UK to get their lives on
track. Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, this year it is celebrating
40 years of supporting 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those
struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.