More than 200 young men and women have entered the world of work and remained in employment to this day.
Until a few months ago, these young people were considered vulnerable. All this was made possible through the OK Project (Opportunity Knocks) offered by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), with the beginning of this experience dating back to the year 2018. The aim of this the project is to enhance the well-being of vulnerable young people facing complex emotional challenges and difficult behaviors. This is another project that works to prevent these young people from ending up on the brink of social exclusion.
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon described the project as a success because it created opportunities for people to integrate effectively and gain independence. The Minister said that 500 people benefited directly, and 200 new job opportunities and even educational spaces were created. While 24 young men and women lived in a safe house as part of a process of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“Every commitment can make a difference and even change the direction that individual has taken. This Government believes in the potential of everyone and so we are getting involved in such collaborations. We are interested in everyone, no matter how small that minority, “said Minister Falzon.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett said that today we are seeing the success of this project, with an investment of € 941,176, of which € 800,000 is funds from the European Economic Area Funds, which are the countries of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Parliamentary Secretary Bonett said that in addition to this project, five other projects are being carried out from the same package of funds with an allocation of € 8 million aimed at dealing with local development and poverty reduction. “The Maltese Government is looking forward to strengthening the bilateral relations that Malta has built with these countries so that in the near future we will be able to announce more useful projects,” reiterated Parliamentary Secretary Bonett.
File photo: Minister Michael Falzon
