The Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) and The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) signed a collaborative agreement, aiming to strengthen the cooperation, networking, and the sharing of knowledge between the two institutions.

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima said, “Through this agreement we are noting the importance of the voluntary sector and the important role it plays in changing people’s lives. It is significant that the new Hub will be situated on a student campus at MCAST, since we know how much students are actively participating in different social situations. This agreement also showcases how different local institutions are teaming up to provide students with more opportunities.”

This agreement will enable MCAST and MCVS to work together to develop programs for volunteers and voluntary organisations, support, and promote, the aspect of volunteering, and cooperate in developing training programs, guides, and resources on the engagement and management of volunteers.

Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector Ms Julia Farrugia Portelli explained, “The presence of the Volunteer Hub at MCAST will send out a strong message in favor of volunteering amongst students. We should give students the chance to become positive change agents. As a government we will continue to invest and dedicate resources to promote the volunteering sector as a tool that students can use to create a bright future.”

MCAST and MSVS will work in tandem to support active volunteering on the College Campus in Paola by establishing a physical presence of MCVS in collaboration with the Volunteer Support Team, MCVS, and the MCAST Events and CSR Department. This initiative shall include the training and engagement of MCAST students in the promotion and provision of information related to volunteer organisations and volunteer opportunities.

Speaking during the event signing ceremony MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja expressed his satisfaction and said, “Such an agreement will benefit the goals of both institutions both in terms of advancing the principles of volunteering and in creating successful educational experiences for students. As a College, we are committed to focusing on creating strong partnerships with local institutions for the benefit of our students, staff, and the wider community.”

Currently, the College already has in place a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme aiming to give something back to the general society. The programme includes a community work project that is undertaken by students following courses of study ranging from Level 1 up to Level 6. This programme presents an ideal opportunity for students to recognise the benefits of self-management skills, gain hands-on experience, and understand the aspect volunteering.