An agreement was signed between the Ministry for Education and Employment (MEDE) and the Foundation for The Rehabilitation Of Drug Abusers – Caritas Malta (FRDA).
This document defines and communicates an agreement details about terms, responsibilities, and requirements related to the collaboration between the parties, in terms of the service delivery at Caritas tal-Ibwar Adolescents Therapeutic Services (CIATS) especially in relation to the Learning Hub within CIATS.
This agreement reflects the excellent working relationship between the two parties and the common intention to address the educational needs of adolescents facing problematic substance use, who will be accessing therapeutic services on a residential or day-care basis at CIATS.
The need for professional and specialised services targeted for adolescents, was noted by the National Addictions Advisory Board (2015) following an in-depth analysis of what services in Malta and Gozo are currently on offer between the ages of 12 and 17 when they experience serious challenges with the use of substances.
Minister for Education and Employment Owen Bonnici explained: “The collaboration and support by the Ministry for Education and Employment reflects our commitment towards providing present and future generations with the necessary skills and talents for citizenship and employability. Our children need to develop their personal and social potential and acquire the appropriate knowledge, key skills, competences and attitudes through a value-oriented formation including equity, social justice, diversity and inclusivity.”
Minister Bonnici continued by saying: “In view of the educational provision, the Head of the Learning Hub at CIATS together with relevant professionals, will plan an individualised educational programme (IEP). The IEP is considered an integral aspect of the overall care plan in order to ensure a continuation of the educational journey for each learner.”
Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity Michael Falzon, welcomed this agreement with the Education Ministry, and said that adolescents following the rehabilitation programme would further benefit from innovative educational programmes, and thus enhance their literacy ability or being able to engage in the workplace.
Minister Michael Falzon explained that this model could be used in any other rehabilitation programme, as such initiatives help the adolescents to not only get level with other youths, but also explore new horizons which in the past seemed unreachable.
The educational programme at CIATS for adolescents aged between 12 and 17+ will be accredited by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE).
