The HSBC Malta Foundation, in partnership with JA Malta and the Ministry for Education, has reported significant growth in the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship, a national initiative aimed at equipping students with practical financial and entrepreneurial skills.

Since its launch, the programme has reached 3,435 students across Malta and Gozo, while supporting the accreditation of 63 educators and approximately 10 schools.

The Centre of Excellence was introduced as a pilot during the 2024/2025 academic year in five schools, engaging 568 students through 19 accredited educators. During its second year, the programme expanded to eight schools, reaching 2,867 students and increasing the number of accredited educators to 44.

Combined, the initiative has now been implemented across 13 schools, reflecting growing interest in financial capability and entrepreneurship education within Malta’s school system.

A notable development has been the increased commitment from participating schools. While schools are encouraged to accredit a minimum of three educators, several institutions have exceeded this target, with five or more educators completing the programme. This approach supports the integration of financial literacy across multiple subjects and educational levels.

Participation spans State, Independent and Church schools, including major State colleges such as St Clare’s College, St Benedict’s College and St Thomas More College, which are currently working towards becoming fully recognised Financial Capability and Entrepreneurship Colleges.

The programme has also expanded beyond compulsory education, with participation from institutions including the First Sixth Form and the Institute of Tourism Studies.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the initiative will focus on expanding participation among additional State and Church schools, particularly in Malta’s northern and central regions, while also extending outreach to specialised educational settings, including schools focused on sport and performing arts.

Glenn Bugeja, representing the HSBC Malta Foundation, emphasised the long-term value of financial education.

“Financial capability is a life skill that shapes everyday decisions, whether at home, at school or later in the workplace. Through the Centre of Excellence, we are helping schools build this capability in a practical and sustainable way by investing in educators and supporting a whole-school approach that reaches more students year after year,” HSBC Malta Foundation representative Glenn Bugeja said.

JA Malta CEO Matthew Caruana highlighted the increasing engagement from schools participating in the programme.

“What is especially encouraging is not only the number of schools taking part, but the deeper level of engagement we are seeing within schools. More educators are coming forward and more schools are committing to embedding financial capability across different levels, demonstrating that these are not additional topics, but essential life skills for every student,” JA Malta CEO Matthew Caruana said.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen financial literacy and entrepreneurial thinking among young people, helping prepare future generations for an increasingly complex economic landscape.