Free after-school tuition for children from disadvantaged families is being extended to two additional state primary schools as the IDEA Education Support Programme this year expands its reach to students in five schools.

Set up two years ago by The Malta Trust Foundation, with the full support of IDEA College, this transformative educational initiative is now operating across five primary schools. It began as a pilot project in the Msida Primary, later expanded to Qormi Primary (San Ġorġ and San Bastjan), and this year is opening up to students at Tarxien Primary and Birżebbuġa Primary.

So far, the programme has seen 23 dedicated teachers help 149 youngsters struggling with the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Maltese after school hours, helping them strengthen foundational skills and rebuild confidence.

Teacher evaluations confirm the programme is delivering measurable results. Students are showing increased confidence in their core subjects, improved concentration, stronger classroom participation, and steady academic progress.

The programme’s success prompted IDEA College to renew its financial commitment with The Malta Trust Foundation for a further two years during a signing ceremony this week.

The Malta Trust Foundation chair and founder Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said education is one of the most powerful tools a child can receive.

“When a child begins to believe in their ability to learn and succeed, we are not only improving grades, we are shaping futures.

“The IDEA Education Support Programme is about dignity, opportunity and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the support they deserve to reach their full potential. Seeing these children grow in confidence is the greatest measure of success,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.

Firmly established as a vital intervention within primary education, the programme provides structured, formal supplementary tuition to children from disadvantaged families who require additional academic support.

IDEA College executive chairperson Silvio Debono said the college firmly believed education should serve as an equaliser in society.

“Supporting this programme is not simply sponsorship, it is an investment in Malta’s future. With the right guidance and encouragement, these children can flourish academically and personally. We are proud to continue partnering with The Malta Trust Foundation to help create lasting and meaningful impact,” Dr Debono said.

One of the teachers delivering this programme described the the remarkable impact this programme is having on students.

“Children who were once hesitant to raise their hands are now actively participating. Their confidence in maths and languages has grown, and this positivity is carrying over into their overall classroom engagement,” the teacher said.

A student, who benefits from supplementary tuition, added: “Before, I used to feel worried when we had maths lessons. Now I better understand the subject and I am not afraid to try. I feel proud when I get things right.”

Through IDEA College’s continued sponsorship, The Malta Trust Foundation is able to safeguard and promote children’s right to equitable access to quality education. By intervening early and providing targeted support, the programme is not only strengthening academic attainment but also fostering resilience, motivation and aspiration among some of Malta’s most vulnerable young learners.

“As the IDEA Education Support Programme enters its third year, it stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when civil society and educational institutions work hand in hand, transforming challenges into opportunities and unlocking the potential within every child,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.