‘Volunteering is more than just giving’ – JA Malta Foundation CEO

JA Malta Foundation CEO Matthew Caruana speaks of the benefits of volunteering “in preparing young people to succeed in a global economy” and states that it goes beyond just donating money.

The UN Volunteers (UNV) programme coordinates International Volunteers Day (IVD) every year on 5th December in order “to recognise and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe.”

In celebration of this year’s IVD Mr Caruana stresses the importance of doing more than just donating money, and states that “while December tends to be synonymous with charity fundraising and donations, we often overlook the option or the opportunity of giving some of our time.”

The JA Malta Foundation CEO mentions the foundation’s work in this regard and focuses on how it invites local business leaders to inspire the future workforce through talks and discussions. “Being visited at school by someone who works in their future dream job industry, and having the opportunity to speak to them could inspire these youths and motivate them with real-life experiences,” he affirms.

Mr Caruana also lists some of the benefits of volunteering, stating that it “can help you gain confidence and improve your self-esteem by giving you the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement.”

“You will get to meet different people and make new friends while being part of a community. Moreover, you will learn new skills, gain experience, and sometimes even qualifications,” he added.

Reflecting on the same theme of volunteering, Vassallo Group Chairperson Natalie Briffa Farrugia stated that “volunteering has brought motivation and fulfillment to [her] life.”

“It has filled me with a sense of purpose and given me the opportunity to put my values into practice through compassion, empathy, kindness, and selflessness,” she asserted.

“Our goal is not just to get others to volunteer for one day but to change people’s mindsets, attitudes and behaviours so they become agents of change and work as partners to build a better world,” Ms Briffa Farrugia stated while adding that “volunteerism remains one of the essential tools for developing a peaceful and sustainable world.”

“So let us all be part of this transformation in solidarity with one another,” the Chairperson concluded.