Tucked to the left on Merchants Street in Valletta, a block beyond the old market, YMCA’ s colourful drop-in centre hosts friendly smiles and eager volunteers who welcome people of all ages and needs on a daily basis.
The NGO seeks to build a “just society”, providing emotional and physical nourishment to instil a sense of hope.
Contrary to common belief, YMCA is not just a physical shelter, Youth Programme coordinator Mario Saliba says. It is also a youth organisation which has guided many people through their first steps in discovering themselves.
Mr Saliba came across the NGO in 1998.
“I had always dreamt of organising my own international film festival. YMCA gave me the opportunity to take part in a film festival in 2001 and that event kicked off a close relationship with the NGO,” Mr Saliba smiles.
Mr Saliba, who insists on calling the YMCA drop-in centre at Valletta “a creativity centre”, says his role with the NGO has no boundaries.
The work embraced by YMCA’s Youth Programme includes talks in schools and youth centres, leadership training for volunteers, guitar lessons, festivals and voluntary experience abroad.
The local programme hosts international volunteers from France’s University of La Rochelle, language schools, systems of knowledge project students and University students who are studying social work, psychology and personal social development.
“I encourage students to extend their voluntary work school projects after they submit them. Once you try voluntary work, it’s rather difficult to get it out of your system,” Mr Saliba adds enthusiastically.
This is the European Year of Volunteering and Andrew Galea says one has to experience the joy of being a volunteer to truly understand the reward.
Mr Galea, 22, dismisses the notion that paid work is more valuable than voluntary work. There are more valuable things in life other than money, he says.
“At the end of the day, one does need to make a healthy living of course, but, through organisations like these, one remains positively immersed in the value of what others can contribute, and be encouraged to donate the same.
“Helping others give a meaning to their life, or just simply helping them find their way, gives such an indescribable amount of satisfaction,” Mr Galea adds.
Mr Galea embarked on this adventure as part of his Systems of Knowledge project in 2008. His experience with YMCA led him to witness the time and effort put in by YMCA staff.
“For the staff especially, it’s rather strenuous as the social cases they deal with can be very mentally challenging.
“On top of that, people are required to market what the organisation is doing, to encourage companies and individuals to donate any second-hand items that can be re-used, such as clothes, along with monetary donations, and even sponsors for the various events YMCA organises throughout the year.”
Mr Galea is especially attracted to YMCA as it does not discriminate but seeks to bring together people from all different walks of life.
“Unlike other groups, it has not restricted itself but adapted according to the society it was branching out to, to unite people. The initiative it takes to organise big events throughout the world makes this group unique,” he says.
YMCA attracts people of all ages. Together with Jacques Mifsud, Jurgen Briffa founded YMCA’s Kids Club at the age of 10.
He organised fun runs and activities for three consecutive summers, encouraging children his age to donate money for the social service programme.
Mr Briffa, 14, nowadays helps Mr Saliba with his summer school programmes among others.
“Volunteering has strengthened and shaped my personality and, in the long-term, whoever you help will be grateful forever,” he says shyly. Mr Briffa’s experience has branched out to other opportunities. He has joined the Valletta youth local council, where he takes care of the group’s website and social networking facilities.
SMS lines: 5061 8088 for donations of €4.66; 5061 9212 for donations of €11.65. Donation Website: www.donationto.com/YMCAHomelessCampaign.
YMCA Website: www.ymcahomeless.org.