The European Social Fund (ESF) is celebrating its 60th year of driving jobs creation, promoting education and social inclusion, according to a European Commission press release.

"The 60th anniversary of the European Social Fund is a true reason to celebrate," Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labor Mobility Marianne Thyssen said in the release. "Throughout six decades, the European Social Fund has helped millions of job seekers and employees and has supported hundreds of thousands of companies and startups. By investing directly in people, we help to make sure that nobody is left behind, while boosting Europe's competitiveness and keeping pace with the changing world of work."

The ESF has helped millions of people find jobs. Some initiatives have helped those with difficulty gaining employment, such as immigrants, those unemployed and over age 45 and disadvantaged women. A program in Italy has reduced the school dropout rate from 30.3 percent in 2004 down to 19.5 percent in 2011, according to the release.

The ESF begins its yearlong celebration with an event hosted by the Maltese presidency this week. Throughout the year, member states will host events looking at the ESF's achievements.

The ESF is the oldest entity of its kind in Europe, first established alongside the Treaty of Rome in 1957.