Banif acknowledges young people’s potential
In line with the Bank's commitment to support initiatives commensurate with its corporate social responsibility, Banif Bank (Malta) p.l.c is supporting the 11th edition of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Forum 2012.
The Forum, held every three years in a different country, is this year being held in Malta between November 21 and 25. The Forum will be hosting 280 delegates from 66 countries. It is a Forum for National Organisations around the world who award young participants aged 14 and over, for undertaking voluntary projects and activities related to self-development. The Award, known locally as the President’s Award was launched in Malta in 1961 and to date has attracted 60,000 participants. This year 24 Maltese participants will be receiving their Gold Award.
“Banif Bank believes in being associated with positive initiatives that recognise young people’s achievements and that celebrate their efforts,” said Joaquim F. Silva Pinto, Chief Executive Officer of Banif Bank. “Being around young people is a pleasure and their energy and idealism is contagious. Promoting life skills among young people is a direct investment in the good citizens of the future.”
This year the Forum is also bringing together members of the International Award Association to make decisions about the development of the Award, whose aim it is to ensure that as many young people as possible around the world have the opportunity to take part.
Since the Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, over eight million people have participated in over 140 countries and territories, making it the world’s leading youth achievement award. Although the Award has already transformed countless young people’s lives from young offenders to street children to former child soldiers, the proposed new way of working which will be launched in Malta will mean that the Award can reach many more. Every single day over 1200 young people embark on their Award Journey.
The Bank’s support of the President’s Award reflects a core value of Banif. The Bank values ambition and believes in making things happen and in achieving objectives – a value that works in parallel with the aims of the President’s Award.
Photo: Banif Bank CEO, Mr Joaquim F. Silva Pinto presents the sponsorship to Mr Kenneth Demartino, Chairman, Forum 2012 Committee, in the presence of HRH The Prince Edward, during the breakfast meeting held in November 2011 where Banif announced it was supporting The International Forum 2012.
