An after-school educational programme for residents of the St Joseph Home in Sta Venera was launched yesterday to provide the boys with a chance of becoming “better” and “more employable” people.

Three organisations – HSBC, Vodafone and Island Caterers – have joined forces to fund the three-year programme aimed at improving the qualifications of the home’s 16 residents aged between eight and 18.

“We are seeking to build the confidence and aspirations of our boys. We believe that an individual educational programme shows the boys that the home believes in their ability to make it in life.

“This project gives them the opportunity to achieve results at the same level as their peers who are not in care,” home director Fr Frankie Cini said.

He added that some of the children would have lost a lot of schooling because of circumstances beyond their control, including their social background. “This is trying to make up for lost time,” he said.

Residents who need assistance in literacy and numeracy, English, Maltese and Maths will benefit from three hours a week of one-to-one tutoring. Fr Cini said the programme would eventually help students prepare for high-level examinations.