The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) has once again launched the Training Initiatives Scheme, which offers further financial support to voluntary organisations and their members individually.

A statement on Saturday read that €40,000 has been allocated for the scheme, where voluntary organisations and their members can obtain financial support for their training.

Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli announced the scheme during a visit she made to the Oratory of the Salesians of Don Bosco, where she met with members of the association who had received training through this scheme in previous years.

The scheme consists of two separate programs, one for individual members of voluntary organisations to attend training, and the other at an organisational level for the organisations themselves, related to their work.

Training can be either local or international in the case of individuals, and attendance can be either physical or online. The subject of the training should be specifically related to the work of the voluntary organisation or to volunteering in general.

Since its establishment in 2018, 131 voluntary organisations or members of voluntary organisations have benefited from it, and the funds amounted to around €300,000.

Farrugia Portelli emphasized the importance of this scheme as a tool that makes a tangible difference in the operation and services provided to the community by voluntary organisations.

"In the past years, this scheme has been crucial for members or individuals who are passionate about volunteering to continue strengthening their skills and offering the best possible service through the projects and initiatives they lead," she said.

Chairperson of the Council Gertrude Buttigieg said that for every organisation to remain relevant, it needs to be updated and trained, and it needs members who continue to be trained continuously.

“This scheme offers the incentive and opportunity for this to happen without the organisation having to take funds from within, which are often already limited,” Buttigieg said.

CEO of MCVS Mauro Pace Parascandalo said that the scheme will further strengthen the capabilities of members of voluntary organisations, as well as in areas and subjects where it is needed.

Applications for this scheme will open on the vofunding.org.mt website from Thursday, 22 February 2024 at noon and close on Friday, 22 March at noon.

There will also be two information sessions to guide organisations throughout the application process. These will be held on Monday, 4 March at 11am and 6pm. Voluntary organisations interested in the scheme are encouraged to attend.

Applying organisations must be registered and compliant with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations.