A project entitled ‘Step Up For Europe – Make it Count’, aimed at educating first-time voters aged between 16 and 19, as well as foreigners living in Malta and voting for the first time at the forthcoming European elections on May 25, has been launched by JCI Malta.
The project involves various initiatives, including speed networking with MEP candidates, a day shadowing competition and school visits. These are aimed at making voters aware about what they need to know in order to make an informed decision at the polls.
In the run-up to the MEP elections, JCI Malta officials will be visiting secondary schools to speak to fifth form students about their voting rights, what they need to know about the upcoming elections, as well as the importance of being active citizens.
It aims to stimulate young people to take part in political life
On April 26 at Is-Suq tal-Belt, Merchants Street, Valletta, voters will have the opportunity to meet and get to know as many MEP candidates as possible and to speak to them on a one-to-one basis for a few minutes.
Another initiative, called ‘A Day in the Life of an MEP Candidate’, will give first-time voters the opportunity to spend a whole day with an MEP candidate as they go about their daily tasks and events. These shadowing sessions will take place throughout March and April.
Through the project, which will run up to the MEP elections, JCI Europe hopes to encourage young people to have their say and to show them that their opinion counts. It aims to stimulate them to take part in political life and mobilise them to ensure the new generation of Europeans have a voice in the decisions for the future.
The project will empower young leaders by providing them with platforms and forums for political debates to advocate for their political positions. It will also promote grassroots solutions using the JCI Active Citizen Framework that young leaders can use to help build what they envision for the future of Europe.
JCI Malta is a non-profit organisation that provides development opportunities for young people. For more information visit the JCI Malta Facebook page, e-mail Nicole Borg on nicole. borg@jci.org.mt, call 799 23403 or visit the website below.