The volunteering sector needs a stronger legal framework and a national promotion campaign, according to a study on volunteering in Malta, which is also calling for the collection of accurate statistical data on the sector.
This 100-page research study forms part of a project supported by the European Commission and spearheaded by the National Council of Women.
It lists recommendations on the volunteering sector, including a much-needed national promotion campaign.
The study says Malta lacks national strategies promoting voluntary activities and there are no national targets because there is no volunteering strategy or framework in place.
A stronger legal framework is needed to secure the infrastructure required for voluntary work, not only at a local level but also at a European one, making it easier for people to get involved in the sector.
“Through this factual study, we’re not criticising anyone or any organisations but we’re building on what’s already there,” said Louiselle Pace Gouder, who was tasked by NCW to carry out the research.
NCW vice president Grace Attard said the voluntary sector legislation was being revised to make it easier for organisations in Malta to register as voluntary associations.
The study is based on a review of research documents about volunteering written in Malta and other European countries, questionnaires sent to all voluntary organisations in Malta, active volunteers and the public at random, one-to-one interviews and four meetings held with the sector as part of the project. In its conclusions, it recommends the collection of accurate statistical information on volunteering.
Ms Pace Gouder said present statistics varied. While EU reports say voluntary participation is low, Maltese documents suggest this is a country of volunteers.
By the end of last year, 600 organisations were officially registered as voluntary but other informal documents suggest there are more than 2,000. Speaking during the project’s final conference, Family Minister Chris Said acknowledged that there were more people working in the voluntary sector across the islands, considering the number of sport, religious, environmental, civic and musical organisations that depended on voluntary work.
Out of 100 million people working in the voluntary sector worldwide, nearly 30,000 were Maltese but this did not reflect the true picture, he said.
On the other hand, European figures showed relatively low participation in voluntary work in Malta.
No official statistics on different areas of volunteering in Malta exist. Figures vary as they are based on estimates and the study recommends the collection of accurate statistical information on volunteering.
Among its other recommendations, the study calls for the setting up of a focal point, providing a quick and easy reference point for NGOs and volunteers seeking guidance on funding applications, for example.
It also highlights the need of ongoing training for volunteers, premises and resources for organisations and fiscal incentives for NGOs.
• 24 per cent of Europeans participate in voluntary work;
• Volunteering in Malta is below 20 per cent, according to European surveys;
• More than 16,700 are members of voluntaryorganisations in Malta according to national data;
• 28,468 – The number of people who did some form of voluntary work in 2010;
• 29 per cent of voluntary workers work within religious organisations.