Government has launched a public consultation on the National Strategy for the Voluntary Sector, aiming to strengthen the voluntary sector in Malta and Gozo over the next five years, leading up to 2030.
The public consultation was announced by Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia in the presence of the CEO of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) Mauro Pace Parascandolo, and the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations Jesmond Saliba, a government statement said.
Two weeks ago, Farrugia revealed with The Malta Independent on Sunday that Cabinet had approved the public consultation period for a five-year National Strategy for the Voluntary Sector.
The proposed strategy emphasizes a better distribution of resources: human, physical, and financial, while fostering volunteer participation, engagement, and collaboration, the statement said.
It said that this National Volunteering Strategy builds on the 2020 strategy and reflects an evolving community where the voluntary sector faces continuous changes and new challenges.
The strategy focuses on four key pillars: capacity building, collaboration among all stakeholders, civic participation, and the sector’s voice and visibility.
In this regard, the government and MCVS aim to encourage collaboration among representative organizations (platforms), promote volunteering initiatives, and attract people of different age groups to voluntary work.
“The involvement of both young people and older individuals is expected to ensure a balanced and dynamic contribution, where experience meets enthusiasm,” the statement said.
During the consultation launch, Farrugia spoke of the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector and ensuring its sustainability.
“Strengthening the voluntary sector is a priority for us because we believe that our society becomes more inclusive, fair, and united when volunteering is supported and reinforced,” Farrugia said.
She said that this strategy will help enhance the volunteering infrastructure, provide more opportunities for volunteers of all ages, and ensure that their contribution is recognized and appreciated.
“We invite the public to participate in this consultation so that together, we can build a future where volunteering remains a key pillar of Maltese society,” Farrugia said.
Chairperson of the MCVS Gertrude Buttigieg said that now that the first strategy has come to an end, it is time to give the sector a long-term plan built on solid foundations.
“This aims for greater collaboration, a stronger voice, and increased visibility within society,” Buttigieg said.
Pace Parascandalo said that the goal is to continue developing a strong culture of volunteering, with support structures that facilitate higher-quality services.
“This way, such a strategy will not remain just on paper but will come to life for the benefit of society and all citizens, whether as volunteers, members of organisations, or beneficiaries,” Pace Parascandolo said.
The full consultation document can be accessed, and feedback submitted, at https://maltacvs.org/strategy-consultation-2025-2030/. The public consultation will remain open until 25 April, 2025.