The introduction of the new currency will soon be a reality and in just over six months’ time, euro notes and coins will enter into circulation. The currency changeover involves each and every one of us, hence early preparation is indispensable so that we all familiarise ourselves with the euro. Individuals who are interested in the changeover process can now join our team of volunteers who will be imparting information about the euro to their fellow citizens.

The information campaign run by the National Euro Changeover Committee includes visits to homes for the elderly, meetings at day care centres and talks delivered at social centres in various parishes and local councils. First hand information about the new currency and the euro changeover process is conveyed to all those present. Leaflets and other information material, including posters, are also distributed during these sessions. This is what one could call the first phase of the communications campaign directed towards this section of our society; the next stage will comprise practical information sessions that will help the elderly to become acquainted with the euro.

This is precisely what the role of the euro volunteer entails. People interested in joining our team will be required to carry out practical exercises throughout the period leading to euro-day. Senior citizens feel very confident using Maltese lira notes and coins and running their daily household budget. However, they now have to start building a scale of values in euro. Euro volunteers will be assisting the elderly with the euro conversion of their budgets and daily expenses, following specialised training given by the NECC. Thereafter they will pass on information that will be straightforward and easy to grasp.

The simulation of making payments with euro notes and coins is a very important exercise. Picture cards displaying items that are purchased on a daily basis will be distributed. With the help of a converter, people will be able to convert the amount in Maltese lira to euro and learn how to pay in euro by sticking on the card the corresponding stickers of the euro coins or notes. In this manner, people will gradually learn which coins to use when paying in euro. Visual recognition of the notes and coins and eventually also the handling of plastic money, will enable citizens to become accustomed to the new currency.

During the changeover from the Maltese lira to the euro, the NECC’s mission remains that of achieving an efficient changeover process by providing information to the public. It is also the NECC’s aim to create a strong solidarity movement at both national and local level.

With the help of the euro volunteers who are being given the opportunity to take part in this historic event, the NECC will be able to run an effective information campaign and reach out to everybody, for the good of society at large.

Josephine Rizzo is

information officer, National Euro Changeover Committee