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Youth Wiki

Malta

2. Voluntary Activities

2.8 Raising awareness about youth volunteering opportunities

Last update: 28 February 2025
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  1. Information providers
  2. Key initiatives

 

Information providers

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) offers VO Support, a dynamic platform that strengthens the voluntary sector by providing tailored assistance to both individual volunteers and voluntary organisations. Through this service, young people and community groups are given the tools they need to make a real difference. 

For individual volunteers, VO Support presents a range of opportunities. One key initiative is Voluntiera Malta, a programme aimed at mobilising and supporting active citizens by building a broad network of people eager to participate in community events. Volunteers have the chance to contribute in diverse areas such as culture, the environment, social issues, animal welfare, sports, and more. Additionally, the Youth Voluntary Service is designed specifically for young people, offering them valuable volunteering experiences that help develop practical skills while making a positive impact on society. The platform also connects youth with the EU Mobility programme, linking them to the European Solidarity Corps. This initiative offers an opportunity to engage in projects that benefit communities both locally and across Europe, providing international experience and fostering a sense of solidarity. 

For voluntary organisations, VO Support serves as an essential recruitment and growth tool. By partnering with MCVS, organisations can list available volunteer roles on the VO Support website, making it easier for prospective volunteers to find and apply for opportunities that align with their interests and skills. Once a volunteer expresses interest, the organisation is promptly notified, which facilitates a smooth and effective recruitment process. Furthermore, the Overseas Programme offers young people the chance to participate in international voluntary work experiences coordinated by locally registered organisations, opening the door to cross-cultural experiences and global community engagement. 

Also, the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector manages three Volunteer Centres in Malta. Volunteer Centres play a crucial role in fostering volunteering as a form of active citizenship and social engagement, especially as traditional community structures evolve. These centres provide essential support to both voluntary organisations (VOs) and individual volunteers, ensuring that their efforts are effective and sustainable.  

Operated by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), Volunteer Centres aim to promote volunteerism, build the capacity of local voluntary organisations, provide leadership on volunteer-related issues, and facilitate networking among voluntary organisations and volunteers. They also serve as operational bases for small and medium-sized VOs, offering physical space and facilities. There are four Volunteer Centres across Malta and Gozo—in Valletta, Birkirkara, Rabat, and Xewkija (Gozo)—with a fifth centre planned for southern Malta. These centres are managed in an environmentally and financially sustainable manner, including the use of eco-friendly energy solutions. 

Voluntary organisations can access the centres by following the Guidelines for Volunteer Centres 2024 and submitting a booking form through the MCVS platform. This initiative enhances the ability of VOs to operate effectively while encouraging greater youth participation in volunteer activities across Malta. 

YIOSS is an information centre that works with young people to provide access to advice and support in a safe, friendly environment. It enables individuals to ask about anything—from general inquiries to specific interests such as volunteering opportunities in Malta and abroad. Young people aged 13 to 30 can visit the centre as a drop-in service, with modern technologies ensuring easy access to the information they need. In addition, YIOSS has established direct links with a variety of organisations, allowing youth information officers to guide young people to the appropriate voluntary organisations for their interests. The service is completely free of charge. 

Key initiatives

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector is once again launching the National Volunteer Award 2024. Established in 2011 and supported by the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Affairs, this award recognises outstanding volunteer contributions across a range of sectors. Alongside the main award, the National Youth Volunteer Award is presented to a volunteer aged between 16 and 30 years, with the same aims of celebrating exemplary service and promoting volunteerism among young people. 

Agenzija Zghazagh maintains an online directory of youth organisations that serves as a comprehensive information platform for young people. It allows them to explore various volunteering options tailored to their personal interests, enabling informed decisions about where to contribute both locally and abroad. 

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ also send information to youth organisations on volunteering opportunities in its monthly newsletter – What’s On.