Good things in Malta are often built slowly, with steady effort. Here are three stories that show it.
An award won twice
For a second year in a row, Bank of Valletta (BOV) has been recognised for Excellence in Inclusive Banking and Social Impact at the WSBI-ESBG Awards. The second edition of these international awards was held in Thailand. BOV's CEO, Kenneth Farrugia, received the award from Peter Simon, CEO of the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute.
The nomination was based on social work the bank did during 2025, much of it through long-standing partnerships with NGOs. The initiatives recognised include:
- Annual support for the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation, through its L-Istrina donation and the BOV Piggy Bank Campaign.
- A partnership with Richmond Foundation on Mental Health First Aid Programmes, which reached 6,747 students and 441 educators across Malta and Gozo.
- A long-term partnership with Hospice Malta, which supports more than 1,500 families every year.
- Funding for the refurbishment of a residential hall at St Michael Hospice, and support for Hospice Malta's Job Shadowing Programme.
- A partnership with Julian's Pathfinder Foundation, supporting gifted and often underserved learners.
Mr Farrugia said that meaningful change is achieved through sustained commitment. The lesson for any business, large or small, is that lasting partnerships with community groups can build a reputation that others notice.
Careers built one day at a time
BOV also recently honoured 376 employees at its annual Long Service Celebration. Together they have given 5,200 years of service.
The numbers show how far a career can go. Four employees marked 40 years with the bank, and 83 marked 30 years or more. Another 165 colleagues reached their first five-year milestone. The bank says it has kept welcoming new joiners over the last two years, so long careers and new careers sit side by side.
Chief People & Culture Designate Lawrence Schembri said: "Careers are built one day at a time." He added that every milestone reflects someone who has learned, adapted and contributed.
For someone starting out, the message is simple. Every long career begins with a first year, and those 165 people at the five-year mark are at the start of a path that others have already walked for decades.
Settling in: help for new families
Starting school in a new country can be hard, especially when a child speaks neither English nor Maltese. Malta's government schools have support for this.
Through the International Learners Directorate, the Community Liaison Team helps foreign families. Its Community Liaison Workers come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. They help parents understand school notices and procedures, speak with teachers and take part in meetings. The languages supported include Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Russian, Serbian and Urdu.
Parents do not have to wait for the school to arrange this. They can contact the Migrant Learners' Unit directly, say which language they prefer and what they need help with.
Newly arrived children who need support with English or Maltese can join an Induction Programme. It generally lasts one scholastic year. Pupils keep studying subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Art and Music, and their progress is assessed to decide when they are ready to join mainstream classes.
Useful contacts are the Migrant Learners' Unit (mlu.meyr@gov.mt), the International Learners Directorate (ild.mes@gov.mt) and the telephone numbers +356 2598 1594 and +356 2598 2712.
If you are new to Malta, the first step is to ask. Help is there for families who reach out.
Sources
The Malta Chamber – BOV wins WSBI-ESBG award for inclusive banking and social impact – maltachamber.org.mt/bov-wins-wsbi-esbg-award-for-inclusive-banking-and-social-impact
The Malta Chamber – BOV celebrates the people behind its success with 5,200 years of combined service – maltachamber.org.mt/bov-celebrates-the-people-behind-its-success-with-5200-years-of-combined-service
Expatax – Multilingual Support for Foreign Families in Malta's Government Schools – expatax.mt/multilingual-support-for-foreign-families-in-schools