PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR YOUTH, WELLBEING AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME Summer Life Skills Lab 2026 launched on World Youth Skills Day

On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ launched the 'Summer Life Skills Lab 2026' programme, which offers non-formal learning opportunities aimed at helping young people develop the skills needed for life, work and active participation in society.

Minister for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Omar Farrugia visited the various activities taking place as part of the Summer Life Skills Lab, where he met with participating young people and the youth workers leading the programmes.

The Summer Life Skills Lab brings together an extensive range of programmes, including boot camps, clubs, award programmes and life skills sessions held across Malta and Gozo. These programmes are led by professional youth workers through an experiential learning approach that encourages learning through participation, reflection and practical experiences.

Through these programmes, young people develop essential skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, active citizenship and community engagement. These skills are explored through innovative activities including drama, photography, filmmaking, radio, music, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, citizenship education and activism.

This year, more than 600 young people registered for one or more of the programmes on offer, collectively generating more than 1,400 participations throughout the Summer Life Skills Lab.

Minister Omar Farrugia stated, “On World Youth Skills Day, we are recognising the potential of our young people and continuing to invest in the skills they need. Through Aġenzija Żgħażagħ's Summer Life Skills Lab, hundreds of young people are developing essential skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and critical thinking through informal learning experiences. These initiatives further strengthen the Government's commitment to creating more opportunities for our young people to succeed in life and contribute to Maltese society."

The Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Jason Zammit, said that the Summer Life Skills Lab, the Agency's summer programme, had officially commenced. Zammit explained that the programme focuses on the skills young people acquire. “Young people come here and, apart from having fun, they learn these skills. The skills developed are varied and include critical thinking and leadership, as well as skills that enable young people to become the leaders of tomorrow, and that is the purpose of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ's summer programme."

Through the Summer Life Skills Lab, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continues to fulfil its mission of creating spaces where young people can discover their potential, build their confidence and develop the skills that will help them become active and responsible citizens.