Microsoft's commitment with youths, students and the local education and youth employment sector was reaffirmed with YouthSpark Live, a joint Microsoft and Aiesec event organised exclusively for 50 MCast ICT students held at the Microsoft Innovation Centre. The event featured a full day of workshops about creative thinking, the importance of IT to increase employability, available careers in the IT sector and the opportunities available for all young entrepreneurs.
The event also served as a platform for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Microsoft and Aiesec. The purpose of the Memorandum is to formalize a framework of collaboration between Aiesec and Microsoft to promote, evaluate, implement and participate in the programmes, training, resources and technological tools that form part of the YouthSpark Initiatives.
The MoU was signed between Adrianna Zammit, Country manager Cyprus and Malta and Elizabeth Pulo, National Business Development manager of Aiesec Malta in the presence of Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment.
"We are delighted with this opportunity to be signing a new MoU with Aiesec. Microsoft YouthSpark and Aiesec share the same objectives in creating opportunities for youth in education, employment and entrepreneurship. The first YouthSpark Live event last April was the start of a collaboration and it was only natural to cement our commitment to work together in delivering local programmes and events through this MoU," explained Ms Zammit during the signing of the MoU agreement.
This had also led in the participation of Microsoft in Youth to Business Forum, an event building a bridge between youths and the business world, powered by Aiesec.
"This MoU will see both sides cooperating on a number of areas such as youth employment, further education and entrepreneurship, youth empowerment programmes, social inclusion and employability youth programmes for other organisations, public entities and student associations and to act as trusted advisors in youth-related matters. We will also promote ICT for youth development, education with the aim of supporting the development of improved student learning and we shall create joint development projects and marketing, advertising and media initiatives to promote awareness on the situation of youth and opportunities in Malta," added Ms Zammit.
"Signing this MoU between Microsoft and Aiesec is a huge step for us. We believe that development of leadership is crucial for youth empowerment and development, and as Aiesec we deliver this through our exchange programmes with their unique value. A collaboration between Microsoft and Aiesec, with their own delivery methods, one being through ICT and the other being through exchanges allow us to not only join our resources but to also support each other's mission, because ultimately we have a common vision, to empower the youths of Malta", added Ms Pulo.
Dr Gege Gatt, director for Strategy & Business Development at ICON led the track relating to "Careers in Technology". Commenting on the event he stated: "ICON feels passionately about assisting young people find and capture a career in technology. In this regard we are entirely aligned with Microsoft's vision to close the digital divide and assist young people to explore the interesting opportunities within the ICT industry."
Maria Zahra, HR consultant and trainer at Misco, delivered a presentation about careers and employability. "Misco has always aimed at supporting the younger generation who have not yet gotten a taste of the world of work. An event like this broadens the horizons for ICT students to understand what is going on in the job market and how they can become well equipped with the necessary soft skills to succeed within their job. It is exciting to see the younger generation take an active role in their future."
In its support towards innovation and competitiveness, Microsoft's aim is to promote technology as a catalyst for progress on key societal challenges with government, partners, organisations and citizens helping them fully harness the power of technology to accelerate progress competitiveness and opportunities for expansion in Malta.
"Youths especially young entrepreneurs need to have full access to ICT solutions and skills that increase their competitiveness and to promote and strengthen the growth of micro-, small- and medium-size software firms in partnership with governments, local universities, organisations and the private sector."
"When it comes to education, our aim is to support development and student learning so they can benefit from the opportunities offered by information technologies and communication. This too contributes to the creation of competitiveness and socio-economic development of youths and their local communities," concluded Ms Zammit.