Through extensive restoration work on a historic building in Valletta funded by the Development Planning Fund (DPF), Ċentru Santu Rokku will house a space for youths.
This was announced by the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia who explained that this centre will provide a safe social space for the youth of Valletta and to also nurture the necessary skills and have access to the help needed to cope with the pressures of life.
Minister Farrugia explained how this Planning Authority (PA) fund is financing a number of environmental and social projects that benefit the community, with the aim of further improving the quality of life in our country.
The project was completed through an investment of around €350,000.
Ċentru Santu Rokku in Valletta is home to the Teen Klabb youth centre that will be providing social, spiritual and educational guidance to young people living in Valletta and surrounding areas. This building, which dates back to the 18th century, was restored after many years of neglect in order to house this club.
Martin Saliba, Chairperson of the Executive Board of the Planning Authority, said “over the past years the PA has been at the forefront of supporting urban projects for the community through the DPF. We are proud to have supported this entire project. We have not only seen the potential of this project, but the commitment and professionalism with which this NGO, under the auspices of the Parish Church, has carried out the restoration and rehabilitation of this building that will now serve to improve the social and community life of young people living in and around the Valletta area.”
“We are all aware of the difficulties and pressures young people face, and this place is one of the remedies that will offer a safe space for the development of skills needed for the future. Here, young people will be given spiritual values and academic support that will help them tackle the negative pressure they may face,” Saliba concluded.
“Before we started the meetings with the development planning fund committee, the mission of Teen Klabb was established with the aim of giving young people an alternative space to meet. Through the dedication of the helpers, we respond to the needs of the young people who gather in this place, in a practical manner,” Maurizio Lapira, the project leader, said.
He went on to say, “this historic building needed a good turnaround so a plan was made to first restore it and make it safe for the public, then move to the other important phase to improve the accessibility of the place. The funds from the DPF were essential for this dream to come true.”
The Santu Rokku Center is located in Triq Sant’Ursola in Valletta and is owned by the Collegiate Parish Church of St Paul’s Shipwreck.
