HSBC Malta is supporting an extra-curricular project within the Klabb 3-16 service, operated by the Foundation for Educational Services (FES). Focusing on empowering children with the skills of self-esteem, confidence, and creativity, the project consists of drama sessions delivered by Centrestage Malta.

Last month, the Żabbar A Klabb 3-16 centre celebrated the end of the drama sessions with a fun-filled presentation performed in front of parents and relatives, and in the company of the Minister for Education Dr. Clifton Grima, the Executive Director and Head of Business Development at HSBC Malta Michel Cordina, and the FES CEO Michael Bondin.

These enriching cultural and educational experiences were successfully implemented also in the Klabb 3-16 centres of Qormi San Bastjan, Luqa, Żurrieq, and Fgura. The programme spanned over 10 sessions in each centre and reached a total of 120 children. Feedback from parents was very positive, with remarks that the children benefitted greatly as they found themselves immersed in the vibrant world of creativity and expression through the drama sessions.

The collaboration between HSBC Malta and FES seeks to address the prevalent issue of limited cultural capital among children, attributed to restricted time for extracurricular activities due to their parents' late work hours. The programme has been meticulously crafted to not only entertain but also to instil vital skills such as focus, respect for others, and the ability to engage in a non-digital entertainment medium, thereby enhancing their emotional and social development.

This initiative aligns with HSBC's unwavering commitment to catalysing positive societal change through educational endeavours. The bank has consistently demonstrated its dedication to nurturing the seeds of education and societal development, believing in the transformative power of knowledge and skills to sculpt the leaders of tomorrow.

The FES CEO Michael Bondin commented, "This initiative provides a practical and enriching platform for our children, ensuring they have access to diverse educational experiences. It's a constructive step towards a future where our youth are well-rounded, both academically and culturally."

Michel Cordina, Executive Director and Head of Business Development at HSBC remarked: "at HSBC, we believe in the boundless potential that lies within our children. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to unlocking opportunities for them, ensuring they are equipped with a holistic education that transcends traditional boundaries and empowers them to navigate the future with confidence and competence."

Minister Grima commented that, "the support provided by HSBC Malta Foundation fulfils the corporate social responsibility of the bank, in the light of the societal responsibility towards the education of the children, in addition to the initiative such as the Prince's Trust International Achieve Programme."

In a world where the arts are increasingly pivotal, this initiative is a step towards embedding cultural literacy within our future generations, ensuring that their journey through life is enriched with cultural understanding and emotional intelligence.