As a member organisation of CEV (Centre for European Volunteering), MCVS has been awarded a sub-grant as part of the VERA 2024 project. VERA is a project by the Capital of European Volunteering promoting strategies for volunteering, Equality, Rights and Action.

Grant amount: €11,225
Project duration: 1 April 2024 – 10 December 2024

The overall aim of the subgrants, made possible through the EU CERV fund allocated to CEV as part of a Framework Partnership Agreement, is to build capacity in the volunteering sector to advance gender equality and tackle multiple and intersecting discrimination, involving the full diversity of genders and other discriminating factors.

MCVS is participating in the Key Action – Rights & Action. This action involves the creation and implementation of events, campaigns and activities linked to EU policies that facilitate the involvement of people with disabilities to volunteer and to participate in active citizen engagement. Activities which pertain to volunteering will thus contribute to resilience within society, based on community centric values and rights. Participation in this Key action will be therefore contributing to the development of local volunteer development strategies, supporting the National Volunteer Strategy projected until year 2024.

Outputs: Inclusive volunteering campaign, event development and implementation together with local volunteer development plans including methodology for cross sector collaboration, strengthening of volunteer centres/networks and other support structures ensuring quality and inclusive volunteering at the local level especially for people with disabilities.

The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector is collaborating with Agenzija Sapport to organise an inclusive volunteering event this coming October. We will be hosting an open day of activities for Maltese families, the objective being to facilitate inclusive volunteering opportunities for persons with a disability throughout the coordination and implementation of the event. Several Voluntary Organisations will participate in this initiative, overseeing various activities and workshops for the public during the event.

Furthermore, a smaller related event is scheduled for November to highlight the effective integration of inclusive volunteering. Local voluntary organisations will have the opportunity to collaborate with Agenzija Sapport users, fostering connections between voluntary groups and potential volunteers. Through this initiative, MCVS aims to facilitate cross-sector collaborations, share best practices, and enhance networking opportunities. This project will not only benefit organisations and volunteers but also foster a renewed sense of unity and inclusion within the community. Information regarding the VERA Sub-Grant 2024 can be found here : https://www.europeanvolunteercentre.org/revive-2025/vera2024