The Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli and the Minister for Social Policy and the Rights of the Child Michael Falzon have launched a new scheme called the Youth Engage Scheme, which will form part of the Youth Volunteer Scheme.
This scheme run by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) together with the Youth Services within the FSWS will offer work experience with voluntary organizations to young people with social difficulties to be integrated back into the society.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that this new scheme is an inclusion in practice and will offer an equal platform in the world of work for these young people. The minister mentioned that these young people will also be given a monthly stipend.
Through 6 voluntary organizations, 15 young people will be helped to integrate into society. The minister emphasized that this scheme is a process aimed at providing a safe environment for participants to improve their work experiences while at the same time believing more in themselves and their talents. She explained that this scheme is an opportunity for these young people to begin to understand a sense of leadership both at work and on a personal level.
Minister Farrugia Portelli concluded that, “Through the beauty of volunteering, these young people will be offering the hand of solidarity, and this same solidarity will be helping them to reintegrate into society”.
Minister Michael Falzon praised this initiative and described it as a stepping stone to addressing social groups that may be more vulnerable than others.
“We will offer training, we will integrate young people and we will help them explore positive qualities that were hidden. We believe that if we give a sense of empowerment and clear guidance, these young people will be able to develop a career and a bright future, “said Minister Falzon.
MCVS Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandolo said the council’s aim has always been to support the voluntary sector in its work in the community. He explained that through this scheme, “We will be integrating, through experience in volunteering, young people with social difficulties in order to be better integrated into society”.
FSWS Chief Executive Alfred Grixti said the initiative was an opportunity for young people who have many challenges to believe in themselves and work in a field that will give them the skills they need for the world of work.
At the end of the conference a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the MCVS and the FSWS which will see to it that this scheme takes place.
