Mission statement
With the two-fold aim of person building and community building, the Salesian Pastoral Youth Service accompanies young people towards the discovery of authentic life values. Through an optimistic view of life in the light of the Gospel, it seeks to develop and implement a programme of holistic Christian formation which enables the young to grow in friendship with the Lord and peace with the self and encourages them to reach out in a ministry to others.
Each year SPYS opens its doors to interested volunteers to attend various preparation sessions that will enable to them to volunteer in Malta, Africa, Europe, India and South America.
SPYS.INT
SPYS Pillars
Home
A place where youths feel at home and where they get the necessary space to be themselves, to express their feelings and to shape their own personality.
Playground
A place where youths can meet, talk and discuss openly, build and maintain relationships with others, have fun, whilst they inspire each other to appreciate the beauty of life.
Church
Youths are accompanied and encouraged to find a meaning in life.
School
An opportunity for youths and their leaders to enhance their skills and knowledge, to better play their part in society in a constructive way.
But why volunteer?
Darinka Grech
These experiences keep me grounded, reminding me not to be greedy in life and to always appreciate what I have. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces gives me hope and fills my heart with gratitude. Summer 2023 (Burundi, Africa)
Julia Farrugia
Through this experience not only did I come to understand new aspects of life but also witnessed first hand what it truly means to be appreciative of everything we have. During those three months I was able to disconnect from the normal life I lead and form new relationships with people around me from completely different backgrounds and cultures.
Glen Farrugia
Through my voluntary work experience I encountered new people, new cultures and a new way of looking at life.
Marilyn Aquilina
The experience made me think about how little the western capitalist society appreciates the act of being. From witnessing the locals living in the slums to the people I befriended, people in India just simply get by with what they have and immensely appreciate anything they have and anyone in their presence.
Shawn Xuereb
A great time amidst the forest with Bororo indigenous people in Aldeia Indigena Meruri, Mato Grosso (Brazil) – organising games, crafts and teaching English together with the awesome Salesian community
Gwen Fava
As a solo traveller, I truly learnt who I really am, and how to interact with and understand people. My volunteering journey was an amazing life changing experience that will remain in memory forever.
Melanie Sammut
What I can say from my volunteer experience is that, although I proudly gave my time and efforts to others, I embraced this experience and was mentally prepared to reflect on my emotions and my entire life.
Samuel John Casha
Among the many months that comprise a life, my month in India is one that I will forever cherish, and one that in a short time has opened my eyes to different cultures and different human realities, widened my horizons, and I believe sent me back home a more empathetic and appreciative person. — India 2024 —
