More than 180 young people from Malta and Gozo have taken part in overseas voluntary work over the past nine years through the Youth Volunteer Overseas scheme, which is run by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).

In the International Year of Volunteering 2026, it was announced that 182 young people from 43 Maltese and Gozitan voluntary organisations benefited from the scheme, with a total investment of €227,000. Through the initiative, Maltese volunteers travelled to countries including Kenya, Ghana, the Philippines, Cambodia, Paraguay and Peru, where they helped with projects such as building schools, teaching, improving sanitation facilities, distributing food and running awareness campaigns such as on hygiene and health.

The scheme was outlined by Inclusion and Volunteering Minister Julia Farrugia and MCVS CEO Mauro Pace Parascandalo during a visit to Karibu Malta, a voluntary organisation founded in 2013 to support missionary and educational projects abroad. Karibu Malta has so far built two schools in Kenya and has used support from the scheme to allow members to visit and assist projects there.

The Youth Volunteer Overseas scheme offers young Maltese aged between 18 and 35 the opportunity to take part in volunteering projects lasting from two weeks to three months. It covers up to €2,500 in travel-related expenses, including mobility costs, flights and insurance.

Applications remain open throughout the year via volunteers.mt HERE and must be submitted through a registered and compliant voluntary organisation.

From this year, the age of eligibility has been extended from 30 to 35, widening access to more young people. Organisations will also be able to include a leader over the age of 35 to coordinate and lead projects.