In the international year dedicated to volunteering, it was announced that over the past 9 years, 182 young people from 43 Maltese and Gozitan voluntary organisations have undertaken a volunteering experience abroad. This with a total investment of €227,000 through the Youth Volunteer Overseas scheme issued by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS). Through this scheme, Maltese volunteers have undertaken experiences in a number of countries such as Kenya, Ghana, the Philippines, Cambodia, Paraguay and Peru where they have been of assistance in the construction of schools and teaching, improvement of sanitary facilities, food distribution and as well as awareness campaigns for example on hygiene and health.
This was explained by the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia and the CEO of MCVS Mauro Paca Parascandalo.
Young people benefit from up to €2,500 when they go abroad to volunteer
This initiative provides an opportunity for young Maltese people between 18 and 35 years of age to be active volunteers in volunteering projects in experiences of between 2 weeks and 3 months. The scheme facilitates this by covering up to €2,500 in costs related to mobility, flights and insurance for young volunteers participating in this programme. Applications, which are open throughout the year for anyone wishing to undertake these experiences, can be found on the MCVS portal volunteers.mt . Each application must be made through an organisation registered and compliant with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations. From this year the organisation can also add a leader over 35 years of age to coordinate and manage the project.
This was discussed during a visit to Karibu Malta, an organisation established in 2013 with the main aim of assisting and funding missionary work in countries where basic educational support is needed. To date, Karibu Malta has built two schools in Kenya. Karibu Malta also gives its members the opportunity to travel to the country where it is funding a project during that specific year, and this has been done through support from schemes such as Youth Volunteer Overseas.
Extended the eligibility age from 30 to 35 years
Minister Julia Farrugia explained how “This Government remains committed to strengthening volunteering as a concrete tool for social change for our youth. The investment we are making through the Youth Volunteer Overseas scheme is clear evidence of our priorities; to create real opportunities, build active citizens and place Malta at the forefront of promoting European values of solidarity and inclusion. In addition, from this year of volunteering, this fund has been extended from 30 to 35 years, so that more young people who wish to have this experience can benefit.”
Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that this scheme offers an opportunity that for many young people will be unique in their lives. Through Youth Volunteer Overseas, they not only volunteer but also gain new experiences and see perspectives of worlds totally different from those we live in our country, which ultimately helps them become more mature citizens.
Photo: MIV
