Malta enthusiastically welcomed EU Code Week with an impressive local launch event on 10 October at The Malta Business Registry. The launch showcased engaging discussions and student presentations that highlighted the vital importance of digital literacy in today's world.
Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects expressed Malta's ambition to rank among the leading EU nations in innovation, emphasising the need to inspire young people to engage with technology during this significant event.
In addition to the panel discussions, the event featured student presentations from three schools, showcasing their coding projects. The participating schools were St Thomas More College Santa Lucija Secondary School, St Paul's Missionary College Senior School and St Michael Foundation. The international launch of EU Code Week took place in Brussels on 11 October, marking the initiative's 11th anniversary.
This year an array of events aimed at boosting digital literacy and deepening participants' understanding of technology, catering to all ages and skill levels, were held. Running from 14 to 27 October, this initiative sought to enhance coding skills and raise digital awareness across Europe. Malta played a pivotal role, as national organisations and educational institutions came together to provide a rich variety of sessions and hands-on experiences for everyone, from young students to adults exploring the digital landscape. The eSkills Malta Foundation works very closely with the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills and the Digital Literacy & Transversal Skills Curriculum Entitlement which are instrumental for Malta's success during Code Week.
A standout feature of Malta's Code Week was a series of free introductory tech courses offered by the eSkills Malta Foundation, designed to engage participants in various technology fields, including mobile app development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and web development. These courses equipped participants with valuable skills and knowledge, nurturing a passion for technology among learners.
In addition, Malta prioritised the development of digital skills in younger students. Schools across the nation hosted various activities aimed at enhancing problem-solving, critical thinking and computational skills. A notable 3D session took place at Senglea Primary School, welcoming parents and grandparents to participate. Public libraries also played a significant role this year, with three events hosted at Floriana Central Library and one event held at Gozo Public Libraries, where participants engaged in interactive demonstrations and had the chance to build and programme simple robots. Schools involved included San Gorg Preca College Floriana Primary School, De La Salle College and St Michael Foundation.
Recognising the critical importance of online safety, several sessions were organised to equip children with the skills needed to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Topics covered included privacy awareness and strategies for avoiding online scams, particularly in the contexts of gaming and social media. These online safety sessions, given free of charge by Nobel Courses, were held at St Dorothy's Junior School in Sliema, St Catherine's High School and St Joan Antide School, with more sessions planned throughout the academic year.
These initiatives reflect EU Code Week's overarching mission to democratise access to coding and digital skills, ensuring they are available to a broad range of demographics. Malta's efforts highlight a growing recognition of digital literacy as essential in today's technology-driven world, creating opportunities for participants to explore and innovate within the digital realm. This initiative contributes to ongoing efforts to bridge the digital skills gap across various sectors, with Malta advocating for digital literacy as a fundamental element of personal and professional development in the digital age.