Atlas Insurance proudly joined FIDEM Foundation in celebrating the graduation of 19 women who successfully completed the second edition of the Skill-Up programme. The initiative is designed to empower women through education, self-development, and community support.

The graduation ceremony, hosted by FIDEM on Friday 6th June in Rabat, marked a significant milestone for the participants, many of whom come from backgrounds where access to education had long been discouraged or denied.

Supported for the second consecutive year by the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund, the Skill-Up programme offered a certified MQF Level 3 English Language course, along with additional life-enhancing classes such as cooking and yoga. To ensure inclusivity, participants were provided with free transport and childcare services each Tuesday throughout the six-month course, enabling consistent participation and learning in a safe, supportive environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Catherine Calleja, Executive Director and Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund Committee, commented: “While all of us at Atlas congratulate you for this remarkable achievement, this marks not just the end of a programme but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-empowerment.”

She also stated: “The initiatives we support through our Community Involvement Fund go beyond financial aid. They are part of our mission to build a more inclusive, and empowered society, building on critical Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG4 – Quality Education. Education must not be a privilege for the few, but a right accessible to all. We believe that initiatives like Skill-Up are vital in breaking down societal barriers and opening doors for every woman to reach her full potential.”

FIDEM Foundation’s Dr. Sabine Agius Cabourdin commented: “No speech could truly capture what I feel today. This is a celebration of transformation, resilience and quiet power of belief. Education is a fundamental human right but access to education is just as fundamental. We cannot speak of education if we cannot ensure access to education. That is what Skill Up is all about. It is about possibility. Each of the women graduating today is a living example of that possibility. You have made us proud and more importantly you have made yourselves proud and that is what matters the most.”

This graduation held particular significance as it marked the final year of Atlas Insurance’s sponsorship of the Skill-Up programme. The company’s two-year involvement reflects a broader commitment to improving access to education and fostering gender inclusion within Maltese society.