Over 130 Maltese and Gozitan youth organisations and band clubs are to benefit from a total of €370,000 worth in funds to strengthen their work with young people and create new initiatives to bring about substantial change in their communities.

This was announced during a ceremony organised by Agenzija Żgħażagħ where the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, addressed the participants and praised the contributions of voluntary organisations.

The Grand Ceremony for the BOOST Fund and the Musical Tuition for Young People in Band Clubs was held in the presence of Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Agenzija Żgħażagħ CEO Miriam Teuma, and the President of the National Band Clubs Association, Dr. Noel Camilleri.

The ceremony announced the beneficiaries for these two major funding schemes. The BOOST Fund allocated over €290,000 to 101 youth organisations while the Musical Tuition for Young People in Band Clubs saw €80,000 distributed to 33 band clubs across the Maltese islands.

PS Azzopardi Tanti observed that discussions about the future of the country must include discussions on young people. He also noted that this distribution of funds is more than a financial investment, as it is also a political one towards shared values like solidarity, participation, inclusion, and sustainability.

Agenzija Żgħażagħ CEO Miriam Teuma praised the government's commitment for making these funds more accessible and without extra bureaucracy.

Meanwhile, Camilleri described the positive implications of this funding and the importance of local band clubs.

"This support not only helps to ensure a strong future for band music, but it also continues to nurture our youth in the values of culture, discipline and community," he said, "Band clubs play a central role in the educational and social formation of young people, and this funding gives us the means to continue to do this in a sustainable and professional manner."

Among the beneficiary organisations are groups who are developing initiatives that hold the potential to transform the lives of youths in their communities - initiatives that enhance democratic participation, encourage active citizenship, and strengthen cultural and social awareness.