During the inauguration of Dar San Frangisk, a community home in Żejtun for people with disabilities, managed by the Nazareth Foundation, Prime Minister Robert Abela not only spoke about the importance that everyone deserves to live a life of quality and in a dignified way but stressed the support towards volunteering, a very strong aspect in this foundation.
The Prime Minister claimed that the Government remains committed to continuing to support and incentivize voluntary associations in the invaluable work they carry out. Apart from mentioning agreements that are made between the Government and the voluntary associations, including another that has just started for three years between the Government and the Nazareth Foundation so that it continues to be helped in the important social work it carries out, Dr Abela said that the Government must continue to incentivize volunteering in other ways as well.
In this context he spoke about a change that the Government is bringing to the voluntary sector to strengthen it and on this reform a public consultation was held where they are currently being analyzed with the 300 proposals put forward. Prime Minister Abela stressed that this sector is a strategic partner in the social and economic development of our country and the Government must offer support to volunteering with more simplification of processes and less bureaucracy. Note how these thoughts share with proposals put forward by stakeholders in the sector.
The Prime Minister pointed out the great work carried out by the Nazareth Foundation which runs four homes for people with disabilities in the community where it also helps in the independence of these people in their daily life. “Dar San Francisk is a living example of how the work of volunteers together with that of professionals leads to the social improvement of different people,” said Robert Abela and he also referred to a meeting he had with the workers and people who enjoy the great work carried out by the Nazareth Foundation founded by Rev. Anġ Seychell and today the President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca leads the board of the same foundation.
During the inauguration, the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli also spoke where she emphasized how this project reflects the Government’s firm commitment to continue supporting the voluntary sector, which is the heart and soul of our community.
“Our partnership with the Nazareth Foundation, strengthened by agreements exceeding €2.5 million, highlights the great work being done to raise and take care of our most vulnerable citizens. This new residence is testimony to our collective efforts to foster a compassionate and inclusive society where everyone is appreciated and supported,” said Minister Farrugia Portelli.
Photos: OPM, DOI
