HSBC Malta Foundation celebrates 10 years of empowering young people through the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme

The HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme in Malta, an initiative that has transformed the lives of countless young people by equipping them with vital skills for a brighter future. The milestone was recently marked with a special celebration that highlighted the programme’s lasting impact over the past decade.

Since its inception, the Achieve Programme has offered an innovative, alternative approach to learning, providing students with opportunities to gain recognised qualifications in personal development and employability skills. Supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, the programme has helped young people transition seamlessly into further education, training, and the workforce.

The programme has seen remarkable growth and success since its launch in Malta over the years:

• 61 schools have delivered the Achieve Programme, up from 7 in 2015/2016.
• Over 300 educators have been trained and involved, compared to just 7 at the start.
• More than 3,200 students have registered for the programme, from just 90 in the first year.
• 2,054 students have gained qualifications at MQF Level 2 or 3, with a total of 554 MQF Level 3 qualifications awarded.

The HSBC Malta Foundation was instrumental in bringing the programme to Malta, working with the then Prince’s Trust around 10 or 11 years ago to explore the idea of introducing this initiative in a country outside the UK for the first time. Over the years, the Foundation has invested around €1 million to support the introduction and delivery of the programme, including funding for numerous student-led projects. With this initiative, the Foundation has been assisting young people in Malta who are at risk of underachieving or dropping out of formal education.

Speaking at the event, Geoffrey Fichte, CEO at HSBC Bank Malta said: “For a decade, the King’s Trust International Achieve Programme has been a cornerstone of our commitment to youth empowerment. It is helping young people gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need to succeed in education and employment. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing this important work.”

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima added: “This programme is a shining example of how partnerships between the public and private sectors can make a real difference in the lives of our young people. By providing an alternative path to education, it has empowered students to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. We are proud to have been part of this journey from the very beginning.”

In 2023 alone, King’s Trust International reported that over 22,800 young people globally benefited from their programmes, with over 70% moving into work, training, or further education after completing their employability courses. The Malta Achieve Programme continues to play a crucial role in this global impact, helping young people build confidence, learn essential skills, and showcase their talents.

As the programme enters its second decade, the HSBC Malta Foundation remains committed to empowering young people to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.