ADDRESS BY THE HON. LOUIS GALEA, MINISTER OF EDUCATION, AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE EU YOUTH PROGRAMME ? EUPU (EUROPEAN UNION PROGRAMMES UNIT)

Today is indeed another important day in the history of the EU programmes in Malta because it marks the third official launch of an EU programme in Malta. Having already launched Socrates and Leonardo, it becomes only natural and logical also to launch Youth in Malta. This Government was elected to office in September 1998 and one of the proposals in the electoral manifesto was that Malta should participate in the EU Educational Programmes, that is, Leonardo, Socrates and Youth. My Government has always firmly believed that, in view of Malta's firm commitment to join the EU, it should also participate, as quickly as possible and as strongly as possible, in the EU Educational Programmes. Ever since its first days in office, my Ministry has considered Malta's participation in these programmes very high priorities in its agenda. In our first year in office, my Ministry devoted its energies to take all preparatory measures to be able to participate fully in these programmes. The proper infrastructural organisation, that is, the EUPU and the Coordinating Committees, were set up and negotiations with EU were undertaken to finally sign the Association Agreement regarding our participation in these programmes.

In the year 2000, Malta decided to participate in Leonardo and Socrates, leaving Malta's participation in Youth and Fifth Framework Programme for 2001. The EUPU and the Leonardo and Socrates Coordinating Committees embarked on an intensive programme of promotion of these programmes to all prospective beneficiaries. The EUPU and its Committees maintained a very high profile on three main actions of these programmes, that is, Erasmus and Comenius Actions of Socrates and Leonardo Mobility. The three actions were specifically selected as these presented opportunities to a large number of beneficiaries to taste the fruits of participation in academic studies and vocational training in Europe with European students under European tutors and in European methods.

I am very glad to report that our students, both university as well as vocational training students, accepted our invitations and participated wholeheartedly in these programmes. Over a hundred university students are, or have already completed, an Erasmus mobility semester in Europe. Their experience in European universities has been very positive and I am sure that, in the future, they will be better prepared for their careers. On their return, they share their experiences with other students for the mutual benefit of both.

Next academic year, an even greater number of university students (i.e. 250) will be offered opportunities for participation in Erasmus. In the years to come, Erasmus will surely become an integral part of our university students' course of students. In time, our University students will all be benefitting from the Erasmus culture. Our University will also be benefiting from incoming Erasmus students and our students will, although still in Malta, be able to mix and share experience with other European students.

In Malta's case, being on the southern fringes of Europe, and, hence, always necessitates long travel to Europe, it is even more beneficial for our students to be able to benefit from Erasmus. Through Erasmus, our students are benefitting from the globalisation and internationalisation of education. The credits they earn in European universities are also included in their curriculum vitae and, hence, their employability prospects are enhanced.

The same applies for Leonardo Mobility projects. This year, about 150 vocational training students will participate in 3-week Mobility projects in European vocational training European institutions. There is no doubt that such experiences are beneficial to our students. It is anticipated that, this year, about 200 vocational training students will participate in Leonardo.

In Comenius, up to the present moment, about 27 schools are participating in transnational projects. I am very happy to report to you that the response from schools for Comenius was very positive and more and more schools are expressing their willingness to participate also in this programme.

This quick glance at results achieved so far from Malta's participation confirms not only my Ministry's determination to maximise our participation, but also the very positive response from prospective beneficiaries. The Ministry's determination to maximise our participation is reflected in the substantial financial investment it is making. In 2000 the Ministry allocated Lm414,000 to fund Malta's participation in Leonardo and Socrates and in 2001, it is allocating Lm1,215,000 for our participation in Leonardo, Socrates, Youth and Fifth Framework Programme.

It is very satisfying to note that, for 2001, the EU will be funding one third of Malta's participation for all four programmes and will be allcoating Lm371,900 out of the pre-accession funds for Malta to be used for this participation. This co-funding arrangement is beneficial to all of us.

The Youth programme also offers benefits to our youths and youth organisations. Our youths have a long tradition of youth exchanges and voluntary service. My Ministry has two separate units that organise youth exchanges, that is, the Youth Service Organisation within the Education Division and the Department of Youth and Sport. Both these organisations are kept very busy during the year organising exchange visits between schools and youth groups. Our youth hostel at Marsaxlokk, intended specifically to cater for youth exchanges, is fully utilised during the whole year. The Youth programme will further enhance such visits and our youths will surely respond favourably to these new opportunities.

As regards voluntary service, Malta perhaps has one of the best track records. We have a long tradition of overseas voluntary work. Our young workers have done voluntary work in practically all over Europe, Africa, Far East and Latin America. More would probably have participated if funds were available. The Youth programme will offer funds to these prospective beneficiaries to make it more possible for Maltese youths to do voluntary work abroad. No doubt, Malta would welcome European voluntary workers to our shores.

My Ministry is looking forward with great optimism towards our participation in these programmes. Our first yea experience was very positive and I have no doubt these benefits will be cumulative. Our contacts with other member and applicant states – participants in these programmes – have all expressed great satisfaction at the benefits accruing from these programmes. I take this opportunity to thank all other National Agencies of all programmes for all the help given to our Coordinating Committees in our initial days of our participation. The technical help and support given to us is most welcome.

May I take this opportunity to thank all EUPU and Youth Coordinating Committee members for their contribution and commitment to the Youth programme. Their dedication will surely bear abundant fruit to the benefit of all our youths.

Thanks also to the Delegation of the EU as well as the High Commission and Embassies of EU member states for their support and cooperation.

Thanks to the European Commission, represented here by Mr Pierre Mairesse, for their support to our Youth Coordinating Committee.

A final special word of thanks to Hon. Mugliett for his commitment to the Youth programme. His involvement in this programme was a decisive factor in the launch and eventual implementation of this programme.

One final word of encouragement to all youth organisations, youth workers, local councils and parish youth organisations to participate as fully as possible in this programme. Our young people have a lot to benefit from this programme.