Between Wednesday 21st and Sunday 25th May 2025, the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali came alive with excitement, discovery, and community engagement during the highly anticipated Public Service Expo25. 

Under one roof, the event gathered together entities, various departments from different ministries, and agencies from all throughout Malta to demonstrate how dedicated the public sector is to provide citizens with creative and relevant service.

Among the standout features of the Expo was the Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability (DLE) stand, situated within the Edukazzjoni u Żgħażagħ (Education and Youth) section. The stand’s main aim was to offer visitors a dynamic and inspiring space dedicated to the power and potential of adult learning. Throughout the five-day event, the DLE stand drew hundreds of visitors eager and ready to explore flexible learning paths, upskilling opportunities, and ways to improve their personal and professional lives. 

Our enthusiastic team of educators and support staff were on hand to share guidance and details about the new Lifelong Learning prospectus, launching on 25^th June 2025, ahead of the course application period running from 1^st July to 8^th August 2025. Many visitors expressed excitement about the variety of courses and the practical, accessible format that Lifelong Learning programs offer.

However, the stand was more than just informational. It was also a space designed to engage, inspire, and empower as guests were invited to explore how learning could fit into their lives, no matter their age, background, or goals.

Exhibitions of Learners’ Work by the Educators

Throughout the five days at this year’s Public Service Expo Village, DLE exhibited work done by the educators and learners. The work exhibited hailed from these courses: Beading Techniques, Curtain Making & Soft Furnishings, Photography, Ganutell, Monastery Works, Maltese Bobbin Lace, Food Matters: Cooking Techniques and Healthy Eating, Food Matters: Enhancing your Kitchen Cookbook, Cake Masters: Cake Decoration Techniques, Patchwork, Macramé and Weaving.

Interactive Activities and Giveaways

Visitors were welcomed with fun, engaging activities designed to spark conversations about their future learning goals. A crowd favourite was the interactive Wheel of Fortune, where participants spun the wheel to win branded merchandise by completing mini challenges or answering quick questions about learning, languages and skills. It was a light-hearted yet meaningful way to get people thinking about what they might want to learn next.

Real Voices, Real Stories

One of the most powerful features of the Drectorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability’s prescence at this year’s Expo was a dedicated testimonials room at the Education and Youth stand’s main area, where attendees could watch video stories from previous students who had taken part in Lifelong Learning courses.

Their heartfelt accounts highlighted how accessible education had opened new doors, both personally and professionally, and served as a strong motivator for many who were considering enrolling in the future.

These authentic stories resonated with visitors, reinforcing the idea that it's never too late to start learning something new.

Expert Talks That Educated and Engaged

Throughout the week, the Lifelong Learning team hosted a series of live talks and discussions led by experienced educators, coordinators and DLE staff. These mini-sessions offered insights into various subjects, ranging from career development to creative skills and personal finance. Each talk was designed to be accessible, interactive, and filled with practical takeaways.

‘What Skill Will You Learn Next?’ was one such discussion. Held on multiple days during the Expo, these sessions encouraged visitors to reflect on their next steps and discover learning opportunities suited to their ambitions. Staff guided attendees toward DLE courses that best matched their personal learning goals. The informal conversations were a hit, with many walking away feeling inspired to take their first step toward a new skill.

‘Language Bingo’ was another fun and engaging activity which brought people together to play, laugh, sharpen their language skills and learn new words in Spanish, German and Italian in an interactive setting. Held on Wednesday and Saturday, these sessions were especially popular among younger visitors and language lovers alike.

‘Budgeting Talk – Smart Financial Planning’ was held on Sunday 25th May and this session was all about budgeting and personal finance. The session offered tips and tools for managing money wisely, which appealed to learners, working professionals, and families alike. The feedback received from attendees proved that financial education is a key area of interest in lifelong learning.

The Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Employability left a lasting impression at the Public Service Expo Village 2025. More than just promoting courses, it helped people reimagine what learning could look like in today’s world; flexible, empowering, and suited to real-life needs. 

Whether someone was looking to reskill, improve their literacy, explore a new hobby, or simply grow as an individual, Lifelong Learning offers something meaningful for everyone.

With the course application period opening on 1^st July 2025, those who visited the stand (and even those who couldn’t make it) have an exciting opportunity ahead. The upcoming courses will cater to a wide variety of interests, levels, and schedules, making learning more accessible than ever.

The Expo may be over, but the journey continues because learning doesn’t end with school - it begins with you!