In collaboration between the Government and the private sector, the Life Map programme was launched today, which is aimed at young people with disabilities to continue their educational pathway after secondary school.
This programme, which is expected to start next September at a top-level campus in Pembroke, is also reflected in the National Strategy for Education, which is part of the Ministry’s important vision that the education sector truly leads to ensuring that the needs of all students are being accommodated appropriately. The current setup at Dun Manwel Attard School, Wardija will continue to offer both all services and educators for students undergoing the same programme.
The Life Map programme is intended for sixteen-year-old students and is an educational and therapeutic initiative that seeks to help neurodivergent individuals to integrate into society with dignity and purpose. This programme was launched by the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima and the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia.
Minister CGrima stated that, “We are working with an Integrated Pathway system. This is a value-added programme, with three important pillars – Life Skills and Employability; Therapy and Social Enterprise Skills. While the 45 students who applied were well accepted I would like to say that they will also benefit from a stipend, from the grant of €500 per year for three years – a scheme for students who continue their post-secondary studies, they will receive a free internet voucher, among others and above all, the students will also have work experience.”
Minister Julia Farrugia said that this project is considered to be of a high level, and will create new opportunities for personal and professional growth for students. “We are addressing the challenge with a long-term solution. At the same time, we are ensuring that all students who are already undergoing the program can continue their course without hindrance,” the minister continued. “We want to prepare our youth for the world of work with concrete tools and real experience because we know that work is the best tool. The social enterprise so that every student is given a chance to contribute positively to the community while learning practical and life skills. A therapy-based program with full support from a multidisciplinary team that includes therapists, psychologists, nurses and tutors with an emphasis on personal well-being and independence,” Minister Julia Farrugia added.
This programme directly complements the objectives of the National Education Strategy 2024-2030 by addressing the three main pillars of the strategy: Well-being, Growth and Empowerment, and Equity and Inclusion. Through therapeutic, functional and personalised education, Life Map not only strengthens the well-being and empowerment of students, but also contributes to a more inclusive, equitable and humane education system.
In the first three years, this programme will be managed through joint work between the Ministry for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation and the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering. After this period, Aġenzija Sapport will take over the full administration of the programme. For more information about Life Map, contact 21456022 or send an email to info@handinhandmalta.com.
