Today marks the opening of applications for over 400 Lifelong Learning courses offered by the Lifelong Learning and Employability Directorate within the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation. Covering a diverse range of subjects from languages to practical skills, most courses will begin in October and run until the end of May, typically lasting 32 weeks, or shorter eight week courses.

The Directorate emphasises a personalised learning approach, aiming to make education a continuous journey for everyone. Individuals aged 15 and above are encouraged to apply. The programme focuses on equipping people with skills relevant to their lives, needs, work, and well-being, recognising the importance of lifelong learning in today’s world. 

Among the main course categories, there are essential skills, which are introductory level courses designed to help adult learners improve their basic skills in reading, writing, maths, and computer skills. Participants may also opt to learn a language at Level 1, Level 2, SEC, and Advanced Level. Additionally, there are courses aimed at enhancing education and career prospects, helping adults boost their qualifications and job opportunities. These courses include O’Level and A’Level revision classes, computer courses, as well as vocational courses. For those interested in healthy living, there are also courses that offer guidance for making healthy life choices and improving skills and attitudes related to life. Artistic individuals can also find opportunities to improve their creative skills in a particular craft, with a choice of over 20 different courses.

The Directorate offers a variety of learning modes, including on-site face-to-face, online face-to-face (synchronous), self-paced (asynchronous), and flexible options for shift workers. Learners have the flexibility to enrol in self-paced courses at any time during the application process and complete them at their own pace, with detailed information available at www.learningbox.edu.mt. Face-to-face learning takes place in Learning Centres hosted within state schools and other venues through collaborations with Local Councils and NGOs. For online synchronous courses, learners will use the Microsoft Teams portal. Continuous assessment now replaces traditional examinations across all courses.

Special consideration is given to shift workers because the Directorate recognises the importance of their time commitments. This is particularly evident in the design of the online courses for English as a Foreign Language and Maltese as a Foreign Language MQF1, which are tailored to accommodate their schedules. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 40% of live lessons and another 40% of recorded lessons. Additionally, learners must submit assigned tasks at the conclusion of each lesson, whether live or recorded. Applicants for these courses are expected to provide a letter from their employer confirming their work schedule conditions.

During the launch of the prospectus, held at the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Minister Clifton Grima said that the courses aim to be accessible and enriching, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to personal growth, social inclusion, active citizenship, and employability.  He emphasised that the 2024/25 prospectus aligns with the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning, offering a diverse range of courses to empower adults for career advancement and community integration.

Mr Matthew Vella, Permanent Secretary for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, also referred to Malta’s national targets, whereby 57.6% of adults aged 25 - 64 should be participating in education and training by 20230, together with an 86.4% employment rate for adults and a 3.1 % reduction in the population at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Mr Vella also highlighted that the strategy is significant to reach the UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education, particulary Target 4.6, which aims for youths and adults to achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.

In order to reach these targets, structured support is essential, since it provides a positive learning experience for both adult learners and their educators. The Directorate for Lifelong Learning acknowledges this need and has established a team of professionals to guide adult learners throughout their learning journey. This support includes helping potential learners interested in enrolling in the Directorate's programmes and recommending various courses provided by different entities based on individuals' aspirations and life goals. 

A proficient guidance team assists learners in making informed decisions throughout their educational journey. This includes creating individualised plans and ensuring the achievement of set goals through follow-up sessions. This approach helps learners analyse available courses, understand course levels and prerequisites, explore schemes related to learning programmes, and consider potential job prospects. The guidance team is reachable by appointment through servizz@gov.mt.

During the prospectus launch press conference, one notable success story highlighted the relevance of lifelong learning courses through Amante Cini's experience. Amante, a maintenance worker, enrolled in a Maths course to enhance his education. He found the course appropriately challenging and learned several new concepts. The individual attention from his educator greatly motivated him, prompting him to express his intent to enroll in English and Maltese language courses in the future.

“I highly recommend Lifelong Learning courses as they provide new opportunities for adults," Amante shared. "It's never too late to invest in one's future,” he wisely concluded.

For further information, please contact:

• The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability at Tel: 153

• Email: servizz@gov.mt

• Local Councils

• servizz.gov hubs at Tel: 153 or visit their website at www.servizz.gov.mt