National Youth Council supported for first time by private sector

A partnership agreement was signed yesterday between the National Youth Council, Bank of Valletta and Air Malta. Through the agreement Bank of Valletta and Air Malta will be supporting a series of initiatives undertaken by the National Youth Council throughout this year and the beginning of next year.

The agreement was signed by Andre' Chetcuti Treasurer of the National Youth Council, Igino Xuereb, Chief Officer Retail Banking, BOV and John Saliba, from Air Malta. Jesmond Mugliett Parliamentary Secretary for Youths also attended the signing of this agreement.

Since its founding in 1992, the National Youth Council has always been supported by the Youth secretariat and therefore, this is the first sponsorship agreement signed between the National Youth Council and the private sector.

Addressing a press conference to announce the sponsorship agreement, Keith Psaila, President of the National Youth Council referred to this agreement as the founding of a new winning team sharing a common goal, that of promoting confidence in the National Youth Council and expressing belief in today’s youths and their capabilities.

Mr Psaila said "As the National Youth Council is celebrating its ten years since its foundation, we are witnessing an important milestone whereby the Council’s resources are for the first time being supported by the private sector. This will ensure a decrease in the Government’s direct influence on the Council and its agenda thus ensuring that the Council will solely reflect the Malta’s youths’ voice and interests."

In his address, Igino Xuereb said that "BOV is an active player in promoting and supporting youths in Malta, not only through a range of financial services tailor-made for the youth market but also through other forms of support for youth initiatives. Bank of Valletta therefore welcomes this opportunity whereby it is entering into a partnership with the National Youth Council. BOV is once again showing that it believes in the potential of Malta’s youths and considers them as tomorrow’s leaders. The Bank recognises the valid work of the Council and augurs that its support will help improve and enhance the activities undertaken by the Council for the benefit of Maltese youths."

Mr Xuereb added, "Bank of Valletta and the National Youth Council share a common goal – a commitment to help youths to grow and mature in order to be able to play an important role within their society and face the challenges of the future."

In his address, John Saliba commented, "As Malta’s national carrier, Air Malta has always sought effective co-operation with national associations for the promotion of cultural, educational and sporting activities. This co-operation stems from Air Malta’s belief that today’s youths are today’s and tomorrow’s customers and considers this co-operation as an ideal opportunity to fulfil its commitment towards actively helping in the development of the local youth community."

The National youth council was set up on 28 January 1992 with the primary aim to bring together Maltese youths and to serve as a meeting and discussion forum. Throughout the years the activities organised by NYC increased consistently, and the work done by the Council amongst youths continued to get stronger. In the meantime, the Council always adapted to the changing circumstances, always trying to speak out on various issues that concern them.