PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION Aġenzija Żgħażagħ holds workshop for feast organizations to draft 'Safe Operations Policies' for enhanced safety and improved operations for youths

The Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, together with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, met with the beneficiaries of the BOOST scheme who work within the feast sector across Malta and Gozo.

This meeting served to launch a process where these voluntary organizations are supported in developing a Safe Operations Policy, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of young volunteers are always prioritized. The goal is for organizations to strengthen their organizational capacity through clear structures and proactive planning.

In his intervention, Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti maintained that "Feast organizations are an invaluable platform where our youths develop a strong sense of responsibility and learn new skills. Through these initiatives, the Government is ensuring that voluntary work within Maltese feasts remains a strong, professional, and, above all, safe formative experience for future generations."

The CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Miriam Teuma, emphasized the importance of this learning space. Whilst Justine Azzopardi, Youth Worker within Aġenzija Żgħażagħ stated, “Through this workshop, we are creating a structured space for peer reflection where organizations can analyse risks and design procedures that fit their specific context. Our priority is that young people are not just spectators, but safe protagonists in the shaping of our traditions."

The youths present also received information from Eurodesk regarding European funding opportunities that can continue to help their organizations grow and leave a positive impact on the community.