Youth ‘hold the key to our long-term future’, says HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte

HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte has highlighted the importance of assisting younger generations in their development, as they are integral to the world’s “long-term future”.

He was speaking during the Prince’s Trust International (PTI) Achieve Malta Awards, which recognise the achievements of young students and dedicated educators involved in the Achieve programme, a personal development and employability skills programme for 11 to 19-year-olds. It was organised by HSBC Malta Foundation in partnership with Ministry of Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation and the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes. The organisations celebrated the impressive work by students and educators at the third edition of the awards ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Mr Fichte, together with Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima.

“It is our strong conviction to foster the development of young minds, as they hold the key to our long-term future,” Mr Fichte said.

“We are dedicated to offering them opportunities to excel, and the PTI Achieve Malta Awards embody our unwavering commitment to this cause,” he added.

He concluded by saying: “We are truly impressed by the dedication of the educators and the outstanding achievements of the students in this programme. I extend my sincere congratulations to all the award recipients and look forward to witnessing their further success in the years to come.”

In a video message to attendees, PTI CEO Will Straw expressed his delight at the results achieved by the programme since it was established. He proceeded to congratulate all participants while also thanking HSBC and the Ministry for their “partnership and dedication” to the programme.

The event celebrated Achieve students and educators, focusing on their notable projects and accomplishments. The programme emphasises the development of various skills in students, and through the awards, the exceptional work of one student, two educators, and four projects were specially recognised. A total of 27 nominations for awards were received.

Special mention was also given to the innovative initiatives started as part of the Community Project Unit, particularly the youths’ contribution to the Soup Kitchen in Valletta.

The Achieve Student Award 2023 was awarded to Nelly Camilleri form Maria Regina College Secondary School Mosta for her “positivity, perseverance, and determination”.

Two educators, Sylvia Caruana and Clelia Borg, were honoured with the PTI Achieve Educator Award 2023 for their “vision, creativity, and dedication” over the course of the programme. St Clare College Middle and Secondary School Pembroke won first and second place awards for the Achieve projects Christmas Photo Booth and Food Stand and “Cooking Made Simple – The Taste of Comfort a Digital Book”.

In line with HSBC and the Ministry’s aim to work towards more sustainable practices, a special award recognising the best sustainability-based project was also presented. It went to Kate and Alexia from San Anton School for their project Helping Migrant Youths, which saw the two students collect and re-use various items which were then handed out to those most in need of them.

“Watching the programme grow year after year is truly amazing,” Minister Grima said.

“What started off as a pilot project back in 2015 is now reaching 56 schools and centres. More than 1,000 students have already benefitted from the programme, with more than 300 new young persons enrolling each year. This gives us the energy and motivation to continue working and investing in all our young persons, so all are equipped with the personal development and employability skills needed for a brighter future,” he added.

The Achieve programme has grown from 63 qualifications offered in 2015 to over 1,400 today, including 344 MQF Level 3 qualifications.