Xjenza Malta and the Youth Alive Foundation (YAF) have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the delivery of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through hands-on community-based learning.

Signed earlier this year, the agreement formalises a strategic partnership centred on nature-based educational experiences that strengthen outreach, environmental awareness and community engagement. A key focus of the collaboration is the development of extended educational activities for Esplora visitors and school groups, including beekeeping and permaculture-related visits at Dar Frate Jacoba.

Sustainability and biodiversity underpin the partnership, with both organisations working together to promote environmental stewardship through practical learning. As part of its support, Xjenza Malta will provide financial assistance to the Youth Alive Foundation for the installation of an accessibility ramp leading to the fields at Dar Frate Jacoba, as well as the creation of a bee pond and water feature to enhance
accessibility and improve the overall visitor experience.

The agreement also provides for the sharing of expertise and resources. Xjenza Malta will assign a technical staff member to support apiary operations, while covering transport costs for school groups travelling from Esplora to Dar Frate Jacoba. In turn the Youth Alive Foundation will host Esplora school groups within its apiary, organic fields and animal quarters, and collaborate on lectures and presentations on permaculture.

The MoU was signed by the respective leadership of the two organisations. Xjenza Malta, which includes the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Silvio Scerri, while the Youth Alive Foundation was represented by its President, Fr Raymond Scicluna OFM.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr Scerri said that Esplora remains committed to using its resources, expertise and reach to benefit the wider community. Through this collaboration, he noted, Xjenza Malta is investing in education and sustainability while strengthening its responsibility to future generations, emphasising that corporate social responsibility is a long-term commitment rather than a one-off initiative.

Fr Raymond Scicluna, President of Youth Alive Foundation, said, “We at the Youth Alive Foundation are delighted to be partnering with Xjenza Malta on this exciting project. This collaboration presents a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the educational journey of many students. We are particularly excited to start seeing the fruits of this initiative, as it strongly reflects our belief in practical,
hands-on education.”

He added that, “Experiential learning in real-life scenarios is at the heart of what we stand for, and we are proud to be an educational resource that supports this approach. It is encouraging to see this type of innovative education taking place, and we are honoured to be part of it.”

Through this partnership, Xjenza Malta and the Youth Alive Foundation aim to foster knowledge sharing and practical education, inspiring future generations to engage with science, sustainability and environmental responsibility.