Four European Voluntary Service projects aimed at contributing to the empowerment of poor and marginalised people were successfully concluded this month. The projects, which were organised by Inygo-Malta, a network of Jesuits and young people in Ignatian youth ministry, were funded by the EU’s Youth in Action Programme.

John Paul Cauchi and Pauline Bartolo spent a year in the slum of Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, accompanying young students from St Aloysius’ College in Nairobi who are affected by AIDS as part of a community service programme in the slum.

Ruth Vella and Lawrence Bellizzi spent six months in El Minya, a poor village in Egypt. They were involved in teaching English and other informal education programmes organised by the Jesuits and Brothers Association for Development.

Maria Azzopardi and Franklin Farrugia spent six months accompanying children in their education and care in a home for orphans run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Samuela Galea and Marilyn Grima have just returned from a year in Santiago, Chile, working with children and women in human rights programmes with the organisation Hogar de Christo.

The volunteers felt the experience was life-changing and something to be recommended to all young people in this European Year for Volunteering.

As a result of the projects the volunteers developed a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to poverty and suffering worldwide. They also gained a deeper appreciation of the different cultures of the world and came to value and share their own identities.

For further information call the Inygo office on 2701 7098, e-mail inygo@jesuit.org.mt, or view the website www.inygo.jesuit.org.mt.