1,100 people, 220 of whom are disabled, benefited from the INK project launched in 2018 with an investment of more than € 2.1 million co-financed by European funds.
The INK project benefited 223 professionals working directly with people with disabilities, 133 parents and 524 employees. Of the disabled people who participated in the project, 114 also completed the work placement, of which 51, after training and work experience as part of the project, were given fixed work.
Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli said that today’s occasion is the end of a project, but it is also the beginning of a successful life for hundreds of people. people with disabilities in the world of work. The minister reminded that thanks to the continuous work of the government, in the last five years the number of people with disabilities in the world of work has increased by 25%.
The minister also spoke about how the INK project has not only benefited people with disabilities, but also offered training services to relatives of people with disabilities, employers, and professionals. working directly with people with disabilities. Minister Farrugia Portelli said that these beautiful figures are not the final destination. “We have the same energy to see more people with disabilities receive the training they need to enter the world of work.”
The Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett explained that through the INK project, with a total investment of € 2,153,321 from the European Social Fund, about 1,100 people in Malta and Gozo benefited. “It is very gratifying to see such projects that have been carried out with European funds and that have improved the lives of Maltese and Gozitan citizens and even led to the creation of new opportunities for people with disabilities,” said the parliamentary secretary.
He added that this project not only further promoted the inclusion of people with disabilities in society but also prepared them to enter the world of work as the government has always had the will to have people with disabilities. live an independent life and enter the world of work.
Oliver Scicluna, Chief Executive of Support Agency, wished the participants their success as well as their commitment to actively get involved in the world of work. He stressed that the work of the agency will not stop at the end of this project but will continue to address this need to deliver services that revolve around the needs of the individual and that practically lead to training and employment. This is because he believes that work is instrumental in giving dignity to the person while his or her rights are being protected.
The project was implemented by the European Union Department of Administration and Projects within the Support Agency. The project partners were the Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Irish organization KARE.
