2011 is the European Year of Volunteering. This year, the EU is therefore trying to promote the values and benefits of volunteering. As a result, it is embarking on various initiatives aimed at empowering volunteer organisations and improving the quality of volunteering, rewarding and recognising volunteering activities, and raising awareness on the value and importance of volunteering. As part of the Management Partnership with the European Commission, MEUSAC is supporting the European Year of Volunteering by overseeing the production of the second episode of the ‘Tommy and Rosy’ cartoon entitled ‘Give a Helping Hand!’

The 20-minute cartoon aims to encourage children to understand the value of volunteering and how, by becoming volunteers, even at a young age, one can make a difference. It also highlights the commitment of millions of people around Europe who work on a voluntary basis in various sectors of society such as schools, hospitals, sports clubs by taking part in various activities including protecting the environment, providing social services, and helping people in other countries.

In Episode 1, produced two years ago, the cartoon characters were two very young and inquisitive children. Tommy and Rosy have grown and become more responsible. However, in the new episode, they try to wriggle out of every task their mother asks them to do aimed at giving a helping hand to others. This starts to change once the children meet other persons, learn about the experiences of others and witness changes in the environment. They thus manage to find time to help others and also encourage their friends to join in.

The second episode is to be premiered during the Notte Bianca on October 1 at MEUSAC’s premises in 280 Republic Street, Valletta. You can get a glimpse of it by accessing the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1XOxFNqzLU.

MEUSAC will also be giving out copies of the Give a Helping Hand storybook and DVD to each Children’s Corner winner in MEUSAC News, published with The Times every fortnight on a Saturday. Children can also view episode 1 and download free stuff and keep updated about the new episode by visiting www.tommy-rosy.eu or become friends with Tommy and Rosy on Facebook (facebook.com/tommyandrosy).

This cartoon is also supporting the European Year of Volunteering 2011 and was devised by MEUSAC as part of its Management Partnership Agreement with the European Commission with the active participation of the European Parliament.

Permalink: Tommy & Rosy episode II Premiere at Notte Bianca