A new IT laboratory has been opened in Santa Venera within the Foundation for Education Services (FES) ‘Youth.inc’ programme’s recently acquired premises. The laboratory, to be equipped with support from HSBC Malta Foundation, will offer quality learning and development opportunities for children most in need of additional educational support.

During the opening ceremony, the Minister for Education and Employment Evarist Bartolo said: “This new laboratory recognises the central important of acquiring IT skills as a core aspect of education today. It is a reflection of the job market which demands that our youth are also proficient in IT, and willing and able to adapt to new technologies as they develop. As such, inclusive access to IT technologies has become a matter of equality in society. The Government commends FES for the consideration and significant effort required in making this quality IT Lab a reality for the benefit of our youth.”

“Through its generous support, HSBC Malta Foundation has helped us upgrade the premises and build a high quality IT Laboratory. This will provide much needed modern facilities for youths that have found difficulty in pursuing their studies for various reasons, including social exclusion, cognitive delay, and learning difficulties,” said Foundation for Education Services CEO Roderick Agius.

The Foundation for Education Services reaches out to individuals and families most in need to provide opportunities for inclusion through a person-centred, holistic approach. As one of its most recently launched initiatives, Youth.inc provides a full time recognised and accredited educational programme for young people through formal, informal, and non formal learning.

“Diversity and inclusion are core components at HSBC. We aim to promote and embed diversity and inclusion into our culture, values and practices both within HSBC as well as in the communities in which we operate,” said HSBC Malta Foundation Chairperson Catherine Gonzi. “In line with this commitment, HSBC Malta Foundation is supporting the Foundation for Education Services and its highly commendable Youth.inc programme to help young people to reach their potential.”