Forty-six educators were accredited by the University of Malta, Centre for the Liberal Arts & Sciences, through the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability and Entrepreneurship, recognising their commitment to embedding practical financial capability and entrepreneurial thinking in schools.
The Centre of Excellence, developed by JA Malta Foundation in partnership with HSBC Malta Foundation and the Ministry for Education and Sport, is a national school-based model designed to make financial capability part of everyday learning. It supports educators to move beyond one-off financial literacy lessons and instead build money confidence, decision-making, budgeting, saving, digital financial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking into classroom practice.
The newly accredited educators form part of a growing school network that has already reached more than 3,400 students across 13 schools. The programme combines accredited teacher training, school implementation, community partnership, innovation projects, participation in Money Week and a structured accreditation pathway for schools.
"Teachers are the multiplier effect in financial capability. When educators feel confident to bring money conversations into the classroom in a practical, age-appropriate way, students gain more than knowledge, they gain judgement, confidence and habits that can support them for life," said Petra Ellul Mercer, JA Malta Foundation.
"HSBC Malta Foundation is proud to support a programme that helps young people build the skills to make informed financial decisions. The Centre of Excellence shows what can happen when schools, educators and partners work together around a shared national objective," said Glenn Bugeja for HSBC Malta Foundation.
Financial Capability Awards 2026 now opening for applications
JA Malta is also announcing the opening of applications for the Financial Capability Awards 2026. Applications open on 15 July and close on 1 October 2026. The Awards celebrate individuals and organisations helping people better understand money, make informed financial decisions and build financial resilience.
The Awards are open to applicants working in financial education, inclusion, technology, research, community projects, entrepreneurship and innovation. Applicants may apply under one of three main categories: Individual Award, NGO / Community Award and Corporate Award. They may also apply for Special Award Categories recognising Sustainable Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship Education and projects Closing the Gender Gap.
About the Centre of Excellence
The JA Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability and Entrepreneurship is a national school-based programme that supports schools to develop a financially capable and entrepreneurial mindset. The programme is built around accredited educator training, professional development, school implementation, innovation projects, community partnership and participation in Money Week. Schools can work towards accreditation as Centre of Excellence schools, with recognition based on sustained delivery and visible classroom practice.
About the Financial Wellbeing Conference
The 3rd national Financial Wellbeing Conference 2026, themed "From Access to Trust", will take place on 15 October at Corinthia St George's. The conference will bring together educators, policymakers, financial services representatives, community organisations and other stakeholders to discuss how Malta can move from access to financial tools towards deeper trust, confidence and financial wellbeing.