The Prince’s Trust’s xl Programme recognised at MQF Level

The National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE) has recognised The Prince’s Trust’s xl Programme in Personal Development and Employability at the respective level of the Malta Qualifications Framework. Earlier in November, Malta became the first country outside of the UK to implement The Prince’s Trust’s renowned xl Programme, on the behest and sponsorship of HSBC Malta.

The qualification of the xl Programme into the MQF will ensure that the skills and qualifications young people achieve through xl programme are acknowledged and awarded within the Maltese context.

Currently, over 100 young people from seven secondary schools and alternative education providers are participating in the xl Programme. All seven centres attended a recent internal verification where they received further training and feedback on the portfolios that their students produced. This was a fantastic networking opportunity for those involved and it highlighted the positive approach to the xl Programme by both young people, xl mentors and schools.

Natasha Rushe, Programme Manager, xl Programme Malta said: “News of the success of the xl Programme has spread to other schools within Malta, who are keen to learn more and potentially register for delivery in the next academic year.”

“With the continued support of funders HSBC Malta and the Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) we are optimistic that the xl Programme will be delivered by secondary schools on a national basis,” she added.

The XL Programme focuses on ‘Personal Development and Employability Skills’.  The signing of two separate Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry for Education and Employment and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the Institute of Tourism Studies signifies a very important milestone that gives the opportunity to students to acquire different skills and continue with their educational progression. The attainment of the ‘Prince’s Trust Level 2 Certificate’ is recognised to be of the same level as 1 qualification at MQF Level 3 by the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE). 

Through the signing of this MoU, MCAST will in particular recognise The Prince’s Trust Level 2 Certificate as equivalent to one Ordinary Level SEC qualification for the purposes of entry into MCAST Level 3 programmes. On signing of this MoU the Institute of Tourism Studies has also recognised the Prince’s Trust XL Certificate Level 2 as equivalent to one Ordinary Level SEC Qualification for the proposes of entry into ITS programmes. This progression is another endeavour to help students attend post-secondary institutions despite any difficult backgrounds or academic difficulties that they might have faced.

Minister for Education Evarist Bartolo said: “The young people benefitting from this programme are getting important skills that will help them progress in their educational path. These initiatives truly change lives for the better.”

HSBC Malta Foundation is extending a grant of €300,000 over a period of three years to Prince’s Trust International, as part of the HSBC‘s USD150 million Community Fund.

HSBC Bank Malta CEO Andrew Beane said: “The HSBC Malta Foundation works to make long term social investments and form partnerships rather than simply make donations. Our latest partnership bringing together the Ministry for Education and The Prince’s Trust is yet another example of banks serving the role of connecters and enablers.”

The Prince’s Trust International is The Prince’s Trust's sister charity. The Prince's Trust helps disadvantaged young people in the UK to get their lives on track. Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1976, this year it is celebrating 60 years of supporting 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion.

© Government of Malta 2016