During these last few months, a group of Maltese young people from ŻAK Ħal Tarxien between 16 and 25 years were planning a youth exchange, to spend a week in Malta with a group of young people from Italy and explore a particular theme together through several activities. The Italian group, Azione Cattolica in San Severo, came to Malta this year and the Maltese group plan to go to Italy next year for the second part of the exchange.
The exchange tackled different subjects and problems that young people are facing in today’s world, and how to face them as active members in our communities. The funds for this exchange were granted from the Erasmus+ programme. The theme was explored through workshops, outings, discussions, and meeting people who are facing such issues. This exchange was a great opportunity for young people to organise something meaningful together, to get to know other young people from a different country, as well as open themselves to new experiences.
The exchange experiences
Kirsty Cauchi: As a young person who had the opportunity to be involved in the planning of this exchange, I can say that I learnt a lot about how much work it entails and I also learnt so much from other young people, especially those more experienced than me. It was a great opportunity to make my voice heard and to contribute towards an activity that is not only close to my heart, but meaningful to other persons as well.
Tereża Zammit: We named the exchange Id f’Id (hand in hand) because we were inspired from a quote from Laudato Si`, written by Pope Francis: “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” There are various reasons why one loves to be part of the Catholic Action. One of them is the importance it gives us young people. On the 7th of July, ŻAK House in Birkirkara, welcomed the young people for this fruitful experience.
The main aims of this exchange were to address environmental and social problems as well as to find solutions as to what we as young people can do. We had a lot of activities around Malta and Gozo and we had the opportunity to meet voluntary organisations who help people in need, children receiving treatment in hospital, and also environmental organisations. We also met with the Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma, where together we discussed how the Church can collaborate more with young people in the community.
The best thing from this exchange was that we learnt about problems we were not even aware of and we tried to find soultions for them. We also had fun getting to know each other. I am very grateful that I got to experience such a memorable event, which I learnt so many new skills from. I also developed spiritually, emotionally and mentally as a person but also within my ŻAK community. I learnt how to face challenges in a mature way, especially the challenge brought about by the language barrier, in order to strengthen new relationships and to understand and respect other people’s perspectives. My appreciation towards the environment, towards all that I have and towards the simple things in life, grew. I am now equipped with new tools that will help me to live a better life, amidst the chaos and the unhealthy habits we are surrounded with. I found moments of peace during prayers we organised, as well as excitement and happiness during our activities and adventures.
Vito Fania: I am extremely happy to have lived this special experience. I am very proud that I spoke in English, that I improved my English and that I built bridges between the Maltese and Italians. I am especially happy that I learnt so much about the problems our society is facing. During these days we discussed the environment, we met with people with special needs, we met with people who shared their experiences and we also visited places related to this theme. I understood that the biggest problem in the world is the lack of love. Therefore, we need a change in mentality and a change of heart, and in order for all this to happen we need a guide, Jesus.
Carmen Cristiano: Energy is the word that describes the experience we had. During activities we focused on the problems of society and the difficulties we face on a daily basis but we also had fun getting to know each other through games, music and dances. The days passed very quickly and I will remember all those that made this experience a special one. We also tried Maltese cuisine. The ftira tasted so good!
Valentina Ametta: Beautiful things happen when you decide to be yourself and live the experience to the full because that is the only way in which you can show your true self and see everything and everyone in their full beauty. Those who find beauty in themselves and in the things around them are unique. I had the opportunity to meet others and discuss several interesting and current topics that everyone needs to learn more about. Together we explored our cultures, traditions and languages. I have nothing but gratitude towards those who welcomed us in their country, who organised most of it and for their time and the kindness they showed us.
Matteo Ponziano: This was my first Erasmus+ experience and I can say that it went very well. In the days we spent together, I found out that such experiences not only help us to discover new cultures, learn about each others’ history, discover new places, and taste new food, but also to spend our free time doing something other than what we are used to. It is important that during such experiences, you absorb as much as you can and take risks. English was a problem for me, but I tried my best. At the end of the experience I realised that programmes such as Erasmus+ bring about a change in you, they make you more mature, they help you improve yourself and make you reflect. You discuss various topics which are also important to other young people like yourself, such as pollution, violence and sexuality.
Matteo Radatti: I never expected this experience to be so beautiful and exciting. For me this was the first time and I was very impressed. We spoke about the environment and pollution, we had many activities such as going around town, finding problems and difficulties one may face and trying to implement solutions for them. We visited a centre for people with special needs and also did voluntary work in a place that serves food to people who are in need. We prepared the food and cleaned the dishes. In the beginning I was a bit worried about this exchange, but now I am very grateful that I took the opportunity and I participated in this exchange!