The programme offers a chance to learn dance skills.

Stalls showcasing the courses on offer in this year’s instalment of the Lifelong Learning Programme attracted adults of all ages yesterday.

The programme includes more than 700 evening courses spread across 200 different subjects and is targeted at people aged between 25 and 65.

Among this year’s applicants was Mario Vella, 64, who signed up for his third consecutive IT course.

“When I first started I couldn’t even switch on my computer. Now it’s an integral part of my life,” Mr Vella said as he flipped through the advance computer literacy course curriculum.

IT courses are not the only ones up for grabs as the subjects range from home maintenance to face painting and even algebra.

Programme director Mario Azzopardi explained that the incentive formed part of the country’s 2020 EU social targets. These stipulate that Malta should reach a 15 per cent adult learning rate by 2020.

Around six per cent of adults currently take the courses, which translates to some 16,000 people. But in seven years’ time there would have to be around 44,000 adults signed up for Malta to meet the EU threshold.

Mr Azzopardi said the Government-funded programme was gaining in popularity as more people realise the importance of continued education.

“I imagine this will be our busiest year ever. People are realising that learning is a lifelong affair,” Mr Azzopardi said.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo paid a visit to the fair.

When I started I couldn’t even switch on my computer

He said the Government would be rolling out incentives to help bolster adult learning in the coming months.

“These courses offer people a second chance. They are also there for people who wish to enrich their lives. As a government we are committed to promoting this,” Mr Bartolo said.

The heavily subsidised courses cost an average of €35 and run throughout the scholastic year. To view a list of the subjects on offer and to sign up for courses visit www.lifelonglearning.gov.mt.