Four NGOs - OASI Foundation, Richmond Foundation, Integra Foundation and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malta - have teamed up in a project aimed at bringing Europe closer to its citizens by promoting better understanding of EU citizenship values among Maltese people. The project, entitled ‘Tal-Linja ghal Cittadinanza Ewropea’ (EU Citizenship on Wheels) is co-financed by the European Union under the Active European Citizenship programme.

The project seeks to provide an opportunity for EU citizenship values to be addressed and promoted locally via a combination of education, youth involvement, cultural elements and open dialogue. It focuses on four values: human dignity, equality, solidarity and pluralism.

The project, which kicked off in April 2006, involved a series of video fora introducing these values to a broad spectrum of young people from different backgrounds. A group of these youths also produced images mirroring these values – some of which have now been reproduced on a Maltese bus. A Maltese route bus, a traditional feature of Maltese social life, is therefore being used to convey the message that the core values of the EU do not undermine the values on which our society is built, but rather enhance and complement them.

During the final phase of the project, between the 27 April and the 14 May, a series of open square debates are being organised with the participation of guest speakers. Members of the general public are invited to participate in these events by sharing their views on the four values identified. They are also invited to see the youth paintings and the EU citizenship bus which will be on site.

Further details may be obtained from the Richmond Foundation on telephone 21224580/ 21482336 or e-mail: info@richmond.org.mt