For the past two weeks, MCVS hosted a group of 10 young international volunteers, who were in Malta as part of the CLIVE project. Combatting Loneliness & Isolation with Volunteers in Europe (CLIVE) – is a project funded by the European Solidarity Corps Programme that aims to combat the increasing loneliness that has emerged as a result of COVID lockdowns.

In Malta, the volunteers organised a number of workshops related to the use of technology combined with music and art workshops which promoted active ageing.

To conclude, we have some comments by the volunteers who participated:
– “We let people understand how useful the electronic devices can be”
– “I felt useful and they really needed to know all the things we taught them.”
– “It had an impact on making the quality of the older adults’ lives better in general not just bringing them together in one room but teaching them what will make their living better in terms of connection with family and friends, independence, usefulness and so on.”

What do you think was the impact on society? 
– “I noticed that older people feel more comfortable with IT functions after our workshops”
– “Through encouraging computer literacy it ensures more digital freedom for older adults”
– “We created a safe and trustworthy environment where the elderly felt they could talk with us… Overall I felt that the elderly had a great time and also learned some useful information.”
– “As a team we brought joy and freshness. As an individual I hope to have made them aware that they are not forgotten, that they matter and that it was really a pleasure to have spent time with them.”

The project Combating Loneliness & Isolation with Volunteers in Europe (CLIVE) is a project funded by the European Solidarity Corps Programme.