Youth Group Corner – January to March 2026

Hey everyone!🌞

We kicked off 2026 feeling motivated, inspired, and honestly just really grateful for the young people and mentors that make the Right 2 Smile Youth Group what it is. The first few months of the year have been packed with creativity, connection, learning, and some very real (and important) conversations too.

Here’s a little look at what we’ve been up to…

💬 Our Weekly Youth Sessions

Our youth group sessions continue to be a safe, supportive and fun space where young people can learn new things, share their thoughts, and just be themselves.

🎯 Starting the Year with Vision

We opened January with a Vision Board session. Together, we cut, pasted, brainstormed, and shared our hopes and aspirations for 2026, both individually and as a group. It was such a positive way to set the tone for the year ahead and remind ourselves that we’re building this space together.

🥚 The Great Egg Drop Challenge

One of our most fun (and slightly nerve-wracking!) sessions was led by our youth work student, Stacey. She organised the classic Egg Drop Challenge, and it did not disappoint.

The young people worked in teams to design and build structures to protect an egg from a high drop. There was planning, debating, problem-solving… and a lot of laughter. All the eggs survived! 😅 The activity sparked some really meaningful reflection about teamwork, communication, leadership, and listening to each other’s ideas. It was such a powerful reminder that when we collaborate and support one another, we achieve so much more.

🤖 Let’s Talk AI

We also had an eye-opening session delivered by our mentor Reuben, all about Artificial Intelligence.

He broke down; what AI actually is, how it’s being used in everyday life and why it matters for our future. The session included a video, open discussions, and even a chance for us to generate AI images ourselves (which everyone absolutely loved!). It was interactive, engaging, and sparked a lot of interesting questions about technology and the world we’re growing up in.

Huge thank you to Reuben for sharing his knowledge and time with us.

💼 CVs, Interviews & Career Goals

Sharon delivered a really practical and empowering session focused on CV writing and interview skills.

We explored; what kind of jobs they see themselves doing, what employers actually look for, how to structure a strong CV, how to write a cover letter, and interview do’s and don’ts. It wasn’t just about “getting a job.” It was about helping young people understand their strengths, what environments suit them, and how to communicate their skills clearly.

Thank you Sharon for this session!

💛 A Space for Honest Conversations

We also held a session with psychotherapist Kyle, focusing on a recent transition within our group, our youth worker’s resignation. Change can be difficult, especially in spaces that feel safe and familiar. This session gave everyone the opportunity to talk openly about how they were feeling, share concerns, and support one another. It was a powerful reminder that emotional wellbeing is just as important as activities and projects.

🌟 Our Incredible Volunteer Mentors

We really want to take a moment to emphasise how vital our voluntary mentors are.

Every single week, they show up. They give their time, their energy, and often their professional expertise, not because they have to, but because they believe in young people.

From delivering sessions, to facilitating discussions, to simply being present and supportive role models, our mentors are a huge part of what makes this youth group special. We are beyond grateful for each and every one of them.

🧵 Threads of Time – Our Intergenerational Project ✨

This project brings together young people and senior citizens to exchange skills, stories and experiences, from traditional crafts to digital skills, building meaningful connections across generations.

🎨 Malta School of Art Visit – Valletta

Our second intergenerational activity took place at the Malta School of Art in Valletta, and it was such an inspiring evening.

We had an informal tour led by Roderick Camilleri, a hands-on green screen session with an educator and a chance to explore how creative tools can be used in both artistic and educational ways. The mix of generations learning side-by-side made the experience even more special. The young people were genuinely excited, engaged, and curious throughout.

🧺 Open Boċċi Session 

The third activity was an open Boċċi session organised in collaboration with the Santa Luċija Boċċi Club. People of all ages took part, including our young people, families, adults, seniors and children. It was wonderful to see everyone interacting, playing together and enjoying the game. The session was a great success and created a warm community atmosphere. We are very grateful to the Santa Luċija Boċċi Club for their collaboration and for welcoming us so warmly.

🧺 Intergenerational Picnic 

Our fourth activity was an intergenerational picnic held in the Garden of Serenity. People of different ages gathered together for board games, snacks and plenty of laughter. The picnic had a pot-luck feel to it, with participants bringing along different food items and board games to share with everyone. It was a pleasure to host such a lovely and relaxed activity where people could meet, chat and enjoy each other’s company.

Both sessions highlighted the importance of bringing generations together and creating spaces where people can connect, have fun and build a sense of community.

🚀 Outreach in Santa Luċija

Our outreach work continues to grow!

We’ve been:

• Doing periodic neighbourhood engagement
  
• Meeting stakeholders for collaboration
  
• Expanding partnerships

On Saturday mornings, you might even spot Jenson, our Outreach Coordinator, walking around Santa Luċija, chatting with locals and handing out leaflets about the youth group.

We love meeting new faces and inviting more young people to be part of this journey.

🌸 Right 2 Smile Youth Group Open Day

We’re so excited about this one!🌞

Join us for a vibrant and inspiring Open Day at the beautiful Chinese Garden of Serenity in Santa Luċija. This free event is open to all families, especially young people and children, from all localities!

What to expect:

• Interactive Workshops
• Games & Icebreakers
• Testimonials from mentors and volunteers
• Creative Brainstorming
• Merchandise
• Informative & Engaging Stands
• Sports Activities
• Local Artisans
• Food Truck
• Bake Sale & More!

Local artisans include Trek Deck Malta, Make Amend Jewellers, It Tila Art, D-Kom Accessories, Sunriiyu and Fata Morgana! The food truck Maxtar will also be present. More stallholders may be announced soon.

This is organised with the support of the Santa Luċija Local Council, Science in the City, Malta Libraries, Santa Lucija Public Library, Luqa, Tarxien & St Lucija Community Policing Team, Xjenza Malta, ESINED Group and other collaborators.

Donations collected during the event will go towards the Right 2 Smile Youth Group, supporting ongoing projects and youth initiatives. This does not include the personal sales by stallholders.

Come explore what our young people are passionate about and discover how you can get involved in building a more connected, engaged community. Stay tuned for the full schedule and updates here: https://fb.me/e/6vkXLneeY

Stay Connected 📢

We would love to hear from you! Whether you are already part of the youth group or thinking of joining, your ideas help shape the activities and events we create together: https://forms.gle/V9ykb5mhhQiQJ8n88.

Interested in joining the Right 2 Smile Youth Group?

📱 Messenger, or WhatsApp: 79658873

📄 Prefer us to contact you? Fill in this form: https://forms.gle/fCbtmmXRf6RRiksC6

Looking Ahead!

We are continuing our outreach in Santa Luċija, with weekly Youth Group sessions, monthly psychotherapy workshops, and quarterly mentor training.

📢 Stay in the loop on our social media pages: Right 2 Smile Youth Group on Facebook, @right2smileyouthgroup on Instagram, and Right 2 Smile Youth Group on TikTok.

Got questions or want to learn more about Right 2 Smile Youth Group? We’d love to hear from you! 😊
📩 General: contact@right2smile.org
📩 Youth Group info: malta@right2smile.org
📩 Outreach: outreach@right2smile.org
📩 Activities: activities@right2smile.org

The Youth Programme of Right to Smile is supported by Aġenzija Żgħażagħ through the INVEST Operational Grant 2026-2028.