In an era where digitalisation is transforming every facet of society, the importance of cultivating a digitally-skilled and literate workforce cannot be overstated. At the forefront of this digital revolution in Malta stands the eSkills Malta Foundation, a dynamic organisation committed to shaping the nation's digital skills landscape through strategic initiatives and forward-thinking programmes.
As Malta navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing digital revolution, eSkills Malta Foundation emerges as a key player dedicated to equipping individuals, from students to seasoned professionals, with the essential digital competencies required in today's rapidly evolving world.
This article provides an insightful snippet of the eSkills Malta Foundation, shedding light on its mission, key initiatives and the transformative impact it has had on developing digital skills across the country. From pioneering educational programmes to fostering collaborations with industry leaders, the foundation is actively contributing to creating a digitally competent workforce poised to thrive in the global digital economy.
Join us on a journey into the heart of eSkills Malta Foundation's endeavours, exploring how this organisation is not merely adapting to the digital age but leading the charge in building a resilient, innovative and digitally fluent Malta.
Education
To empower the next generation with crucial digital skills, the eSkills Malta Foundation has strategically forged partnerships with educational institutions, igniting a series of impactful ICT talks, engaging sessions at junior colleges and insightful school visits. This collaborative initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that students are not only technologically adept but also well-prepared for the demands of the evolving digital landscape.
eSkills Malta Foundation recognises the pivotal role of information and communication technology (ICT) in shaping the future workforce. Through targeted ICT talks, the foundation brings together industry experts, thought leaders and educators to share insights, trends and real-world applications of digital technologies. These talks provide students with a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the practical aspects of ICT and its relevance in various professional fields.
Engaging sessions at Junior College: Understanding the significance of early exposure to digital concepts, eSkills Malta Foundation actively collaborates with the Junior College to conduct an engaging session. These offers students interactive experiences that inspire curiosity and critical thinking.
Inspiring school visits: To reach a broader audience, the foundation takes its mission directly to schools, organising impactful visits that demystify the world of digital technologies. During these visits, eSkills Malta Foundation representatives interact with students, providing valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities within the ICT sector. Through demonstrations, interactive activities and open discussions, students are encouraged to envision their roles in an increasingly digital future.
As eSkills Malta Foundation continues to champion digital literacy, these collaborative efforts with educational institutions serve as a cornerstone in building a digitally savvy generation. By fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment, the foundation is not only preparing students for the digital challenges of tomorrow but also inspiring a new wave of innovators, problem-solvers and leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of information and communication technology.
SkolaSajf 2023: In 2023 a collaboration between eSkills Malta Foundation and the Foundation for Educational Services was held to provide robotics sessions to SkolaSajf Centres. This is indeed a commendable initiative which introduced children to robotics. This not only makes learning enjoyable but also lays the foundation for important skills in programming and engineering.
By incorporating robotics into the SkolaSajf summer programme, the Foundation is not only offering a fun and interactive learning experience but also preparing children for the challenges of the future. Robotics can serve as a gateway to more complex subjects, fostering problem-solving skills, curiosity and creativity among the participants.
Moreover, acquiring skills in robotics at an early age is an excellent investment in their future career development. The hands-on experience with robotics can spark an interest in technology-related fields, setting the stage for potential careers in programming, engineering and other Stem disciplines.
Malta shines bright: Record-breaking participation in EU Code Week 2023
In a resounding testament to its commitment to digital literacy and innovation, Malta has emerged as a frontrunner in the European Union Code Week 2023, boasting an extraordinary tally of over 700 events. This remarkable achievement not only places Malta at the pinnacle of the EU Code Week scoreboard but also marks a historic milestone as the country breaks its own record for the number of events held during this prestigious coding celebration.
EU Code Week, a continent-wide initiative aimed at demystifying coding and promoting digital skills, witnessed Malta's enthusiastic embrace of technology-driven learning experiences. From hands-on coding workshops to interactive hackathons, the Maltese community rallied together to create a diverse array of events, engaging participants of all ages and backgrounds.
The sheer magnitude of Malta's participation in EU Code Week 2023 underscores the nation's unwavering dedication to fostering a digitally literate society. By breaking the record for the number of events held, Malta has not only showcased its vibrant tech community but has also set a benchmark for other EU member states in promoting coding as an essential skill for the future.
Beyond the numbers, these events have played a pivotal role in inspiring a new generation of digital enthusiasts, nurturing creativity, problem-solving and collaborative skills. Malta's achievement in EU Code Week 2023 serves as a beacon of innovation, reflecting the island nation's commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital revolution.
As the curtains fall on EU Code Week 2023, Malta's exceptional performance leaves an indelible mark. This record-breaking feat not only celebrates the present success but also lays a foundation for a future where digital literacy is not just a skill but a way of life in the Maltese archipelago.
Malta's leadership in this area not only benefits its residents but also contributes to the broader international community, inspiring others to prioritise and invest in digital literacy and coding initiatives. The collaborative spirit demonstrated during EU Code Week reflects the power of a united effort in advancing technology education and preparing individuals of all ages and backgrounds for the digital future.
Strong commitment to expanding digital skills, including women
The eSkills Malta Foundation is working with Women in ICT to promote diversity and digital skills in the ICT sector. The foundation established a focus group to address gender-related issues and propose solutions. In 2023, the Foundation organised Women in ICT Bootcamps to address gender disparities in the technology sector. These bootcamps empower women and foster skill development in ICT, incorporating mentorship programmes, upskilling opportunities and targeted courses. The goal is to create a more inclusive and diverse ICT landscape.
Annual digital bootcamps - A definitive Star initiative!
One of the star-performers in the foundation's initiatives is the Annual Digital Bootcamps, which have every year increased their impact. This year was not different! The eSkills Malta Foundation aims to enhance digital skills in Malta through skilling, upskilling and reskilling initiatives. The Foundation offers training courses for closed groups and public events, catering to diverse audiences like females, teachers, SMEs employees, adults and senior citizens.
In 2023, 24 courses were organised during the Boot Camps. These courses covered a diverse range of topics, related to digital skills, considering the focus on training in digital skills. A total of 808 individuals participated in the boot camps. The participants belonged to various demographics, including expatriate girls, females seeking employment, employees in SMEs, teachers and educators, senior citizens, technical persons and the general public. This indicates a broad and inclusive approach to the training programme. The boot camp consisted of 118 sessions. The total training time amounted to over 260 hours. This indicates a substantial investment in providing participants with an extensive and comprehensive training experience in digital skills. A record number of participants totalled over 840 participants.
In summary, the boot camps in 2023 were well-organised and inclusive, providing a significant number of participants with extensive training in digital skills across various courses and sessions. The cost involved reflects the resources dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and valuable learning experience.
Digital skills bootcamps 2023 for society: The Digital skills bootcamps 2023 for society shows the foundation's continuous commitment to inclusivity and empowerment and is evident through initiatives such as Digital Literacy programmes for adults and senior citizens. These programmes, including Digital literacy for senior citizens: Basic digital skills, Digital literacy for senior citizens: Online government services and financial skills, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Safety on the internet, have not only imparted foundational digital competencies but also instilled confidence in individuals to navigate the digital age proficiently and securely.
Digital skills bootcamps and events for teachers and SMEs: These events aimed to enhance digital competencies, ranging from non-technical approaches to coding novices. The courses covered a range of digital skills, including AI, low-code revolution and Big Data technologies. The foundation's commitment to advancing digital skills is a strategic investment in empowering communities. The foundation takes this opportunity to thank its training providers for their collaboration in making all the events a success. The foundation aims to nurture diversity, close gaps and navigate the digital landscape, envisioning a digitally empowered future.
The future for the foundation
The foundation will continue to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology and education which can have a lasting and positive influence. It will maintain its commitment to inclusivity ensuring that digital skills education is accessible to a diverse range of individuals and relies on its ability to remain dynamic, responsive to change and committed to its mission. As technology continues to advance organisations, eSkills Malta Foundation will continue to play a vital role in preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age!
Bernadette Zerafa is a member of the eSkills Malta Foundation