JA Malta officially launched the Spark Programme, a new entrepreneurship initiative designed for secondary school students, as part of an update to the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship (CoE).
The launch event, held at HSBC Hall in Ħal Qormi, brought together educators and school leaders to present the new programme and its role in strengthening financial and entrepreneurial education across Malta.
The Spark Programme introduces a practical and structured pathway for entrepreneurial learning within schools. Through the programme, students create, manage, and operate a small business throughout the academic year. Participants work in teams to develop an idea, design a product or service, and take on roles within their team.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their decisions while learning to manage budgets, understand costs, identify customer needs, and work collaboratively to bring their ideas to life. This experiential learning approach allows students to develop practical knowledge into how businesses operate in the real world.
Throughout the programme, educators are supported with structured materials and guidance to help implement the programme. Students also have the opportunity to present their projects, reflect on their learning journey, and build confidence in communicating their ideas.
By participating in Spark, students develop key competencies including creativity and innovation, initiative and leadership, teamwork and communication, financial literacy through budgeting and cost management, resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Skills that are all required for both future entrepreneurs and employees alike.
The programme is aligned with the European EntreComp framework, which defines entrepreneurship as a lifelong competence and emphasises the importance of turning ideas into value through creativity, initiative, and action.
Spark forms part of the continued development of the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship, a collaborative partnership between the Ministry for Education, Sports, Youth, Research and Innovation, HSBC Malta Foundation, and JA Malta. The initiative aims to support educators and schools in delivering high-quality financial and entrepreneurial education.
For the first year of implementation, participation in the Spark Programme will be limited to 10 schools, ensuring strong support and quality delivery as the programme is introduced.
Research consistently shows that financial behaviours and attitudes are formed during childhood and adolescence, making early intervention critical in shaping responsible financial habits and decision-making. Through programmes such as Spark, students gain the opportunity to develop both financial capability and an entrepreneurial mindset from an early stage.
Through the Centre of Excellence and the Spark Programme, JA Malta continues to provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities that equip young people with the skills needed for real life and real work and the upskilling of educators.
More information about the Spark Programme can be found at:
https://jamalta.org/ja-malta-spark-programme/
More information about the Centre of Excellence in Financial Capability & Entrepreneurship can be found at:
https://jamalta.org/centre-of-excellence/
