European funds assist youth groups and NGOs in their projects leading to a positive impact on society

In the seminar Discover Erasmus+ and Solidarity Corps – Sharing of Good Practices, several NGOs had the opportunity to demonstrate their projects, financed by European funds, whilst explaining the outcomes that these projects had on our society.

Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained how European funds are spread across a wide variety of sectors, as these programmes provide the possibility for youths to gain different experiences in Malta and even abroad, in other European countries.

The Parliamentary Secretary stressed on the benefits that these organisations, which apply for these funds, are providing to our youth. He added that these, “programmes combine various aspects, the educational aspect, work provided by NGOs, and the social aspect.” The Parliamentary Secretary remarked that, due to the current pandemic, most projects have been temporarily suspended. However, these will resume once again in the coming months. He concluded by saying that these programmes do not only have a positive impact on the youth participating in them, but also on our communities.

Joseph Schembri, CEO of EUPA, stated that the projects which form part of the Erasmus+ programme use different methodologies for informal learning. Mr Schembri stressed that EUPA received a substantial number of applications especially for the Erasmus+ fund. He pointed out that since the next European Budget is expected to increase the funds invested in these programmes, more NGOs should apply so that they can pursue their own projects.