In the past days, a representation of KNŻ met Hon. Clyde Puli at his Parliamentary office, and Dr. Joseph Muscat at the Labour Party Headquarters. These meetings served as an opportunity for the newly elected KNŻ executive to present the recently finalised work plan for the next two years. This was also an occasion for each member of the Council executive to explain their role and the targets they hope to achieve over the coming two years. This work plan was put together through brainstorming and dialogue between the members of the executive, so that a work plan can be provided which shows a mixture of continuity and innovative ideas to better represent Maltese and Gozitan youths. The executive showed willingness to be more proactive, while continuing the rebranding process and strengthen the work done by the past KNŻ executives. KNŻ is looking to work closely with youth organizations as well as Public Entities and also keep in line with the year dedicated to voluntary work whilst currently preparing for the National Youth Parliament which will take place next September.

On 6-7 May 2011, KNŻ participated at the Council of Members (also known as COMEM) organised by the European Youth Forum (YFJ) which took place in Antwerp, Belgium.

Around 150 young delegates from 98 youth organisations from all over Europe gathered in Antwerp to discuss various issues such as employment, volunteering and youth participation. Organised twice a year, this event serves as an opportunity for full members like KNŻ to vote on new resolutions and policy amendments that better reflect the needs and concerns of the young people in Europe.

On the occasion of the European Youth Year of Volunteering 2011, a major part of the COMEM was dedicated to young volunteers. On Friday 6 May, an open debate on the theme of "The Rights of Young Volunteers" was hosted by the City of Antwerp as the European Youth Capital 2011 and saw the participation of local youth organisations and volunteers.

In the next weeks, the European Youth Forum will launch a process of extensive consultation among its member organisations and open dialogue with other key stakeholders, on a draft for a Charter on the Rightss of Volunteers leading to a high level debate on such a document during the II Youth Convention on Volunteering taking place in Brussels on 7-11 September.

During the intense two days of work, the young delegates also discussed, shared experiences or adopted common positions on youth entrepreneurship, guidelines for an environmentally sustainable YFJ, quality assurance in non-formal education, and the future of the EU Structured Dialogue.

The next COMEM will be held on 18-19 November 2011.

European Youth Week 2011 – 15th to 22nd May 2011

Aġenzija Żgħażagħ will be organizing a series of activities for young people to celebrate the European Youth Week 2011. Activities will be held from Sunday 15th May to Sunday 22nd May.










Sunday 15th May (15.00 – 19.30) – Bay Street, St Julians
X’QED IĠĠEMMA? - An opportunity for young people to exhibit items from their collections

Monday 16th May (19.00 - 20.30) – Casa Leoni, Sta Venera
UĊUH! - The opening of a photographic exhibition consisting of a selection of photos by young people

Tuesday 17th May (18.30 - 20.00) – Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Sta Venera
e-GĦAQDA - A seminar about the best ways to benefit from information and social networking tools

Wednesday 18th May (18.00 - 19.30) – St. James Cavalier, Valletta
In-Nota - A concert of classical music

Thursday 19th May (18.30 - 20.00) – Dar l-Ewropa, Valletta
FONDI EWROPEJ GĦALIK - A seminar about the EU funding options available for projects and initiatives

Friday 20th May (20.00 - 22.00) – Il-Pjazza, Mqabba
ROCK MASS+ - A rock mass for young people with the participation of Christian Bands

Saturday 21st May (10.30 – 16.00) – Departure Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Sta Venera
VolTour - A visit to a number of voluntary organisations to experience volunteering

Saturday 21st May (19.30 – 23.00) - Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Sta Venera
LEJLA INTERKULTURALI - An evening of music, dance and intercultural experiences with European youth and a Chinese delegation

Sunday 22nd May (11.00 – 12.30) – Ċittadella, Gozo
MALTA L-EWROPA u Ċ-ĊINA - A forum which explores different cultures and better ways to understand each other

A number of activities will be held in the morning specifically for students in secondary schools and include:

Monday 16th May (9.30 - 12.00) – Police Academy, Valletta
SERVI! - An activity were young people experience a morning as a recruit in the Police.

Tuesday 17th May (9.30 - 12.00) – Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, Sta Venera
NIDDISKUTU! - An activity for representatives of students’ councils in secondary schools aimed at empowering young people and discussing their roles and contributions.

Tuesday 17th May (9.30 - 12.00) – AĊĊESS, Valletta
X'SE TAGĦMEL FIS-SAJF? - A seminar for young people organized with the Youth Employment Programme of ETC about courses and other opportunities this summer.

Wednesday 18th May (9.30 - 12.00) – MCST/Bighi, Kalkara
ĦAJTEK MAL-INFORMATIKA - An activity for young people about the ways in which information technology is shaping lives and the benefits of the newest technologies.

Thursday 19th May (9.30 - 12.00) – departure Castille Place, Valletta
LIL HINN MIS-SWAR - A guided tour for young people about the fortifications and Valletta history where they will visit a number of sites which are usually inaccessible.

Friday 20th May (9.30 - 12.00) - High Ropes, Ta' Qali
AVVENTURA! - An activity where young people will be assisted by professional instructors in an exciting and fun adventure.

Activities are intended for young people, youth groups, youth workers and anyone interested in the youth field, Admission is free of charge. Due to the limited capacity of a number of activities we urge you to reserve your place preferably by Friday 13th May 2011 to avoid disappointment.

You can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it stating which activity/activities you would like to attend or phone 2388 6139 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 2388 6139 end_of_the_skype_highlighting during office hours.

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Timing:

World Environment Day is on June 5th, 2011. The contest winner will be flown to India for three days, beginning June 3rd 2011 and ending June 6th 2011. Short-listed and winning posts will be published on TreeHugger and the World Environment Day websites.

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