Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday unveiled a series of targeted proposals aimed at supporting post-secondary students through enhanced mental health services and a new financial boost for cultural engagement.
Speaking at the launch of the Labour Youth campaign under the slogan Good Politics For Our Future, Abela detailed plans to integrate comprehensive wellbeing support directly onto the campuses of MCAST, Junior College, and the University of Malta.
The proposed mental health initiative includes structured workshops focusing on stress management, sleep hygiene, and time management, alongside the creation of peer support groups. For students requiring more intensive assistance, the plan promises to strengthen individual therapy services. The Prime Minister described the move as a direct response to the mental health challenges faced by young people today, aiming to provide support within their natural academic environment.
Abela also announced the introduction of the Arts Pass. This initiative would provide young people between the ages of 18 and 21 with a yearly credit of 200 euro to attend various cultural events. This comes alongside an increase in funding for the existing Culture Pass, ensuring that younger students also maintain a strong connection to Malta's heritage and creative scene.
The Prime Minister noted that these measures were not merely about financial investment but about fostering personal development and quality of life. He emphasised that the vision behind the "INT Malta" campaign places youth at the heart of national policy, recognising their aspirations to own homes, enter the workforce, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.