Increase in Maltese youth beneficiaries

Last year the Malta Youth National Agency, managing the European Union Youth Programme in Malta, saw an increase in the number of Maltese youth beneficiaries, who totalled 400.

The most significant leap was registered in the number of Maltese participants who embarked in a European Voluntary Service (Action 2) abroad which stood at four. These young volunteers took part in a long-term voluntary period and the countries included Austria, Ireland, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Another remarkable increase was seen in the number of Maltese young people taking part in training courses and seminars organised by foreign Youth National Agencies. They totalled 36.

These activities, all focusing on non-formal education, were entirely funded by the European Commission - DG Education and Culture through the Youth Programme. Other increases were noted as regards participants who benefited from Action 1 - Short-term Group exchanges, Action 3 - Local Youth Initiatives and Action 5 - Support Measures.

Networking Projects (Action 3) were also kick-started last year with two granted applications. One of these projects is a follow-up of a previous local group initiative which would henceforth enter in an international level with foreign groups also interested in the selected theme. For the first time also, the Agency awarded a Transnational Partnership and Network under Action 5. The organisations were Youth View, Zghazagh Haddiema Nsara, and GWU Youths respectively.

The allocated funds to the Malta Youth National Agency by the European Commission rose significantly, bolstered by Malta's accession in the European Union last May. In this light, young people involved in youth groups, organisations, local councils and so forth are encouraged to take an active part in society and participate in the non-formal educational programme.

Potential applicants are invited to discuss and consult with the National Agency prior to submission of applications so to develop projects appropriately in order to abide with the guidelines and stipulated criteria of the Youth Programme.

The annual deadlines for the submission of applications are set for the first day of February, April, June, September and November and projects with 'partner countries' can be submitted on the first of February, June and November which also have different activity timeframes.

The European Commission's main priority for this year will be cultural diversity and the fight against racism and xenophobia.

The Malta Youth National Agency forms part of the European Union Programmes Unit within the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment.

For more information call 2125-5663, e-mail youth.eupu@gov.mt or visit www.youthmalta.org.