PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR YOUTH, RESEARCH, AND INNOVATION Investment of over €500,000 in youth organizations through the BOOST and INVEST schemes for the year 2026

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti, together with the CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ Miriam Teuma, presented the grants for the BOOST and INVEST schemes to various youth organizations. This investment is part of the Government's long-term strategy to empower young people as active and responsible citizens who participate fully in our society.

Through the BOOST scheme, 131 beneficiaries will be awarded a total of nearly €380,000 to assist them in purchasing essential resources and equipment. This scheme is precisely designed to enhance the capacity and quality of work of voluntary organizations. Simultaneously, the INVEST scheme will provide a three-year operational grant to 9 beneficiaries, with a total budget of nearly €123,000 for the year 2026 alone, aiming to improve the standards and quality of services offered to youth.

In his intervention, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, stated “The investment we are making today is direct testimony to our belief that young people should be at the forefront of change and global innovation. These grants are not merely financial support, but a declaration of trust in our organizations, which are the living pillars of a strong democracy. As a Government, we will continue to give you the tools to work and ensure that no good idea stops due to a lack of resources or material."

On her part, Miriam Teuma maintained that: “These two schemes are not isolated projects but exist to build a resilient and professional youth sector. With the support of the Self-Assessment Tool developed by the Agency in 2023, we are ensuring that the practices of voluntary organizations are in line with the highest quality standards. This work is closely linked to the National Youth Policy towards 2030, where our goal is to strengthen cooperation and raise the level of services that our young people receive." She thanked all the beneficiaries for their commitment and dedication to the community and emphasized the importance of organizations continuing to invest in the people who lead these services.

Through these initiatives, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ continues to strengthen the capacity of voluntary organizations by financing staffing costs and necessary resources. This total investment of over €500,000 demonstrates the Government's commitment to remaining side-by-side with the volunteers who are the backbone of a better future for our country.