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MALTATODAY 14 October 2018

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27 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 OCTOBER 2018 A trend among young people across the European Union is to travel to do voluntary work or provide humanitarian aid abroad. Across the EU, on our own ground, we face sev- eral social and environmental challenges which are at times ignored or overlooked. As Eu- rope has gone through signifi- cant crisis and changes over the past few years, solidarity is a value that needs to be strength- ened. Many young people have the desire to carry out volun- tary work, however do not have any kind of financial support. This lack of financial support affects those same individu- als who are motivated to carry out such voluntary work but then end up having to give up on any such interest. It is with this in mind that the EU has embarked on adopting policies to facilitate matters for young people by giving them the op- portunity to engage in volun- tary work, as it is of benefit to them as well as to the rest of the community where volun- tary work is carried out. It is for this reason that the European Union has launched an initiative called the Euro- pean Solidarity Corps, an initia- tive that gives young people the opportunity to do volun- tary work and get involved in humanitarian aid and take an active role in various organisa- tions all across Europe, be it in their own or in another coun- try. Through this initiative, young people working with non-profit organisations will be able to respond to specific local community needs. Last month in the European Parliament, we voted to create a framework to support this initiative. A budget of 375.6 million euro was also was ap- proved for this purpose. This will provide for 100,000 young people aged from 17 to 30 years old to carry out voluntary work for a period ranging from two months to one year over the next two years. Since the pro- ject has started, 7,000 people are already active in various dif- ferent organisations. On the basis of this success, the European Commission has proposed to extend the programme beyond 2020, consequently the longevity of this initiative has been secured. An emphasis has been made to ensure inclusion of young people including those who have different abilities, those in Volunteering for a society that cares Francis Zammit Dimech Francis Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist MEP (EPP) Francis Zammit Dimech a poor financial situation, those experiencing health problems as well as persons coming from marginalised communities. It is crucial that for an initiative based on the value of solidar- ity, we seek to be as inclusive as possible and that every kind of profile is included while all are welcome to participate. Voluntary work is a way to act in favour of the popula- tion in need, and to offer new opportunities and experience to young people as the num- ber of voluntary organisations working in different fields of action is on the increase and providing a unique experience. Young people will be able to undertake voluntary work or solidarity projects managed by organisations, institutions, bodies or groups in activities ranging from working in a refu- gee centre, to helping the local population in case of natural disasters, to rebuilding schools for children in poor areas. The Maltese society has long been recognised as one that gives strong value to voluntary work. Time and time again, its people have proven that when it comes to helping those in need, they are always more than will- ing to commit. The NGO sector in Malta and Gozo is regarded as vibrant and diverse, with countless organisations not least in the political and cultural arena. A rich culture of voluntary work is a long-established tradition, which is especially rooted in the activity of the Church organisa- tions – particularly their mis- sionary work. Furthermore, the introduction of the Voluntary Organisations Act in 2007, as well as the formation of a Coun- cil for Voluntary Organisations ensured greater professionalism and coordination within this sector. Apart from the organisations' work and events held during the years, Malta's young people play a very important role in the vol- untary sector. It is an approach that is instilled in them from a young age, the sense of solidar- ity and community. Various Maltese young people partici- pate in voluntary programmes abroad, building homes, helping poor communities whilst gain- ing the experience of a lifetime. Therefore, when factoring in all aspects of what makes the Maltese population such a soli- darity driven society, it is easy to see why the new European Soli- darity Corps would be of great benefit. Now more than ever, it will encourage Maltese young people to continue participating in such projects. Proper stand- ards such as the introduction of 'quality labels' will make young people and parents feel more at ease. Maltese society has already embraced the voluntary sector. I am confident that the Euro- pean Solidarity Corps initiative will make it grow stronger.

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