“Youths are an essential element to keeping our cultural heritage, like band clubs, alive in our communities” said Parliamentary Secretary for Youths, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

He was speaking during a conference organised by Agenzija Zghazagh entitled, ‘Il-Kazini tal-Banda taht Lenti Zaghzugha,’ whereby several youths were in attendance to contribute and be an integral part of our country’s culture with their participation in band clubs.

The Parliamentary Secretary praised those present and thanked them for their voluntary participation in cultural associations of this type.

Director of Agenzija Zghazagh, Maria Borg, spoke about how closely the agency has been working for the past years with Ghaqda Kazini tal-Banda to ensure that more youths have a safe place where they can express themselves.

“We organised this conference to listen to your views and see how band clubs remain relevant both today and in the future. It is also important to look for more spaces for youth where they can continue to thrive,” stated Ms Borg.

On behalf of Ghaqda Kazini tal-Banda, Duncan Brincat stated how much their organisation fully believes in the participation of youths in band clubs. He continued that it is important to preserve the uniqueness of each band club, which goes back decades.

“Youths are the present and the future of band clubs, and we want to keep listening to their innovative ideas for band clubs to stay alive and offer their share in society,” stated Mr Brincat.

He concluded by stating that they are satisfied with the work that the band clubs are carrying out, in particular with the participation of youths and thanked the volunteers who are giving their time and talents to keep the band clubs in Malta active and alive.

During this conference, a number of workshops were organised for the young volunteers present, in order to discuss together how they can get more involved in band clubs and in which way they can attract more youths to join as active members in band clubs.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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