Ahead of the start of the 45th edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, NGO Zibel’s team took to the Grand Harbour to clean up before the exciting race to the finish line began.
View this post on Instagram
The team cleaned up a number of surface debris to ensure a cleaner environment for all – picking up planks of wood, buckets, glass bottles, plastic bottles and styrofoam.
‘Wishing all the sailors good luck out there – let’s keep our waters beautiful!’
#MaltaDaily
Rolex Middle Sea Race shared footage of a Maltese crew aboard Simon Xuereb’s Spirit of the Winds battling stormy waters as they attempted their luck at the 45th edition of the race.
Thankfully, the crew were reported safe and well, and have retired from the race after the intense battle against the weather.
View this post on Instagram
Five Maltese boats have reportedly retired from the race as another 12 continue after it all began from Valletta’s Grand Harbour this weekend.
As it stands (in the past hour), the Scallywag 100 is back in front with Black Jack 100 following closely behind.
‘Still holding on to the lead under IRC is Balthasar, the Maxi 72 skippered by Rogier Van Overveld.’
#MaltaDaily
Source: rolexmiddlesearace
Infrastructure Malta’s CEO, Steve Ellul, provided updates on the Msida redevelopment project during a media briefing.
First proposed in 2020, the project aims to address traffic congestion and improve the urban environment in one of Malta’s busiest areas, which handles 50,000 cars daily.
Following consultations and redesigns, public feedback was gathered in 2023, with the project set to start in November 2024.
View this post on Instagram
The redevelopment focuses on long-term sustainability and quality of life improvements. About 60% of the project will be dedicated to open spaces, introducing approximately three football fields’ worth of green areas.
A new 2,000-square-meter piazza, comparable to Valletta’s Piazza San Ġorġ, will replace car-heavy zones, promoting a shift towards people-centric design.
Flooding, a persistent issue in Msida, will be addressed through a 300-meter canal and other flood prevention measures. Sustainable transportation is also prioritized, with new cycle lanes, walking paths, and a two-storey parking facility covered in solar panels.
The project will be completed in phases, starting with the waterfront area and key roads leading to the University of Malta and Birkirkara. Despite ongoing construction, the area will remain open to traffic.
A 10-year maintenance plan ensures long-term upkeep, with completion scheduled for 2027. Additionally, a WhatsApp group will be created for the public to join and stay informed about this first-of-its-kind project.
What do you think of this project?
#MaltaDaily
Last Tuesday marked a significant milestone in Malta’s financial literacy journey with the successful launch of the inaugural Financial Capability Conference, organised by the JA Malta Foundation. The event brought together a wide array of educators, policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public for a full day of discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration aimed at advancing financial education in Malta.
A key highlight of the conference was the announcement of the Centre of Excellence—a dedicated hub designed to support schools in delivering financial education, supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation . This initiative will provide measurable, long-term support through accredited training for teachers, financial rewards for schools, and certification for institutions as Financial Education Centres. The Centre aims to enhance the effectiveness of financial education in schools and beyond, equipping the next generation with the necessary skills to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Additionally, the Financial Capability Awards were introduced to celebrate innovative ideas and contributions to financial literacy. These awards will recognise achievements in fintech, community projects, and written works that promote financial capability, with submissions invited from individuals, NGOs, and for-profit organisations alike.
During the conference, findings from the OECD/INFE 2023 International Survey of Adult Financial Literacy were discussed, revealing that Malta scored 59 out of 100 in financial knowledge. Notably, 85% of JA alumni reported increased confidence in managing their personal finances as a direct result of participation in JA Malta’s Financial Capability Programmes. Furthermore, an impressive 30% of JA alumni are business owners—significantly higher than the 9% business ownership rate in the general public.
Dr. Susan Hayes Culleton, known as the “Positive Economist,” delivered an impactful keynote address emphasising the crucial role of financial education in bolstering a country’s economy. She highlighted that over 52% of Gen Z rely on platforms like TikTok for financial advice and warned of the growing trend of individuals living paycheck to paycheck. Dr. Hayes Culleton also discussed the impending intergenerational wealth transfer, with £7 trillion set to shift between generations in the UK by 2050. She stressed that while financial literacy is important, sound financial decision-making requires a more holistic approach that integrates practical skills, behavioural awareness, and adaptability.
Panel discussions throughout the day focused on the broader importance of financial well-being at a national level. Speakers underscored that fostering financial literacy requires a coordinated national strategy that caters to both students and adults. They also highlighted the need to integrate financial literacy into the school curriculum to provide students with the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions as they enter adulthood.
Key insights were drawn from the PISA 2022 Financial Literacy Assessment, which evaluated the financial literacy of nearly 100,000 students across 20 countries. The results revealed a significant gap between socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged students, with advantaged students scoring 87 points higher on average. The findings highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to financial education for all students.
Petra Ellul Mercer, JA Malta’s Financial Literacy Project Developer, presented pivotal research aimed at understanding teachers’ experiences in delivering financial education. Her findings indicated that while many teachers see financial education as critical, over half face significant barriers such as time constraints and a lack of access to training. The research emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to overcome these challenges, particularly in schools located in disadvantaged areas.
Reflecting on the event, it is clear that Malta is at a pivotal moment in its financial literacy journey. The insights shared by speakers, panellists, and participants reinforce a shared commitment to equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in today’s dynamic financial landscape.
The JA Malta Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers and panellists for their invaluable contributions, including Hon. Clifton Grima, Hon. Jerome Caruana Cilia, Angela Charles, Matej Farrugia, Ivan Gaffiero, Geraldine Spiteri Lucas, Jude Zammit, Kenneth Farrugia, Sarah Pulis Pier Massa, Kenneth Genovese, Carmine Di Noia, David Spiteri Gingell, and Dr. Susan Hayes Culleton.
Special thanks to our partners for their support: HSBC Malta Foundation, The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, APS Bank, BOV, Finance Malta, Malta Business Registry, and MeDirect.
Together, we are committed to building a financially capable society that is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
#MaltaDaily
