Youth involvement ‘fundamental to move towards sustainable development’ – Atlas Exec Director

Atlas Insurance Executive Director Catherine Calleja has highlighted the importance of youth involvement in environmental activism in the push towards sustainable development in Malta.

This came after Atlas Insurance and Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) recently organised an event centred on sustainability to celebrate their ongoing collaboration. Held at FoEM, the event consisted of three interactive workshops within a single session, each exploring different facets of sustainability.

The hands-on activity was organised within the framework of Atlas Insurance’s support for FoEM’s Youth Environment and Activism Programme. This programme, sponsored by the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Fund, is designed to foster an inclusive environment where youths from various backgrounds can actively participate in sustainability initiatives.

As part of the event, Team Atlas attendees, FoEM members, and participants from the programme’s Youth Group meetings, came together for a mini cleanup, a sustainable cooking class, and a gardening workshop, all designed with the aim of helping participants enrich their awareness and knowledge, while also cultivating practical skills.

Ms Calleja, who is also Chair of the Atlas Insurance Community Involvement Committee, said: “In advocating for sustainability, and recognising the critical role that education plays in this endeavour, we are proud to support FoEM, especially this programme, which carries FoEM’s distinctive imprint, knowledge, and proactive approach to effecting positive change.”

She remarked that as part of Atlas Insurance’s commitment to this, the team was also in attendance, and was eager to be an active part of this “crucial movement towards sustainability.”

“We see youth involvement in environmental activism and awareness as fundamental to the move towards sustainable development within our community,” Ms Calleja continued.

Damjan Attard, Food, Agriculture and Biodiversity Campaign Coordinator at FoEM, said that the NGO is happy that with Atlas Insurance’s support, FoEM has “kicked off its Youth and Environment Activism Programme.”

“By organising a weekly Youth Hub session, we aim to empower young people from different backgrounds to become change-makers and activists within their communities. Our youth programme provides a platform for developing skills in environmental, climate, and social justice, while also offering a safe space for enjoyment and making new connections,” he said.

He remarked that FoEM believes that by sensitising young individuals to environmental activities and issues, it can “inspire a generation of dedicated activists and young people who care and protect the environment.”

Weekly sessions are facilitated by professional youth workers from Generation (Change?) to ensure quality youth work practices.

These sessions are held every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm and are open to all 13-25-year-olds. In addition to weekly sessions, FoEM also has environmental workshops and activist camps planned during the coming months. For more information about the next Youth Hub session, click here.