At the initiative of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, discussions have begun with the European Youth Card Association (EYCA) and the Maltese Band Clubs Association on closer collaboration, with the aim of expanding opportunities for youths who are active in band clubs across Malta and Gozo.

The initiative was discussed during a conference themed “Youth Conductors of Change", organised by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ in collaboration with the Band Clubs Association and attended by officials from the Agency. Its aim is to give youths involved in Maltese band clubs the chance to explore opportunities that support their personal development, offer cultural exchanges with other youths from Malta and abroad, and nurture a sense of active participation in their communities.

As part of this initiative, Aġenzija Żgħażagħ has opened talks with the European Youth Card Association (EYCA) and the Band Clubs Association on launching an EYCA x Band Clubs Card, through which young band members would be introduced to the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps.

During the conference, feast organisations were also briefed on the various local and European schemes and funds available to them, including the Erasmus+ programme, the European Solidarity Corps and many more.

The conference also highlighted how Maltese feasts, and the youth groups associated with them, can continue to strengthen the country's societies while increasing youth involvement in towns and villages.

Minister for Youth, Wellbeing and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Omar Farrugia said that “while Maltese feasts and culture are truly close to our hearts, closer still are the youths who take part in these organisations and societies, and whose participation makes a real difference to their respective communities".

The Minister added that the Government's aim is to keep providing the necessary tools and to give youths the best opportunities to benefit from, so as to improve their wellbeing, strengthen their societies, and build better communities for tomorrow.

For her part, Maria Borg, the Aġenzija Żgħażagħ Manager responsible for the conference, said that through this conference the Agency is meeting band clubs from across Malta and Gozo to listen to them, but also to guide them on the opportunities available, including European ones such as Eurodesk, Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

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