There is more than one path to a successful future, but all require self-belief, a strong attitude to excel, and the necessary skill sets to stand out in an increasingly competitive labour market. This was the main message delivered to over 150 youths from Primary, Secondary and Post-Secondary educational institutions from across Malta and Gozo who attended the first national Jaye Youth Fair at The Point Shopping Mall on Saturday, 18 March.

The Minister for Education and Employment, Evarist Bartolo opened the event with an address to the youth, business volunteers and teachers. The Minister emphasised the important role Jaye Malta plays in the educational ecosystem and the relevance of these opportunities "to develop crucial skills that are not acquired in classrooms and essential for [students'] future when in employment. It is imperative that education goes beyond the traditional curriculum to ensure Maltese youth are equipped to compete in a very intense and continuously evolving labour market". Minister Bartolo also thanked the private sector that provides the much-needed financial support and experienced volunteers to assist participants in understanding what is required to change the ordinary into extraordinary through their guidance and expertise.

During the event HSBC Bank Malta, represented by Sergio Bellizzi, head of Customer Value Management (CVM) presented the final donation of €47,000 as part of a three-year cooperation agreement with Jaye Malta during which period the bank donated a total of €140,000. Mr Bellizzi added that: "Globally, we [HSBC] invest approximately $50 million a year in several projects to support young people, and thousands of colleagues volunteer to make a difference. I'm proud that this same kind of support is happening here in Malta."

During the day, youth participating in the Jaye Company Programme and Start-up Programme had the opportunity to sell and promote their products and services to the general public. In the meantime, participants were assessed by a panel of independent judges acting as potential investors who had the task of evaluating the business potential, creativity and customer appeal as part of the nation-wide competition that culminates in May with the awarding of the respective Company of the Year and Start-up of the Year titles.

In parallel, workshops and activities for primary and secondary school visiting students were also organised by Jaye staff and volunteers. The workshops introduced the concept of innovation, value added and social responsibility to every-day issues surrounding youth in a fun and creative manner.

Jaye offers a variety of experiential, hands-on entrepreneurship education programmes and initiatives across all levels of education to youths aged between seven and 30 years. Established in 1988, Jaye Malta gives youth the opportunity to understand the world of work through direct interaction with experienced mentors and business professionals from an early age.

For more information visit www.jayemalta.org; email: [email protected] or phone on 2124 5054.