Prime Minister Robert Abela, visited the Santa Marija Community Rehabilitation Centre run by Aġenzija Sedqa in Ħal Farruġ where he also joined the residents for a meal organised by them together with the staff of this community.
Together with the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, and the CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) Alfred Grixti, the Prime Minister met with the residents who prepared everything necessary for this meal, where they made use of fruit and vegetables that they grow themselves in the fields surrounding the residence.
During this meal, the Prime Minister spoke with the residents, as they shared their experiences, both those of challenge but above all those of hope. He also heard stories of residents who have gone through this program, successfully completed it, and are now giving back to the community by helping others on their journey to recovery.
While thanking the residents for the work that went into organizing this luncheon, Prime Minister Abela praised them for the courage they had in sharing their personal experiences with him. “Anyone can make a mistake, it is important that we understand this. But it takes great courage to recognize the mistake, accept it and work tirelessly to recover and rebuild your life. And you are doing this with dignity and determination that should inspire many others,” said Dr Abela.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the invaluable work of the workers at the Santa Marija Community. “You are not just professionals, you are people with big hearts who believe in change and believe in people. To every resident here, I say to you that these workers believe in you and are here to help you succeed. As a Government, we will continue to work to offer the necessary support so that anyone who wants to make a change in their life, has the tools and the chance to do so,” concluded Dr Abela.
The Director of Operations of Aġenzija Sedqa, Charles Scerri, also explained how residents now have the opportunity to share their experiences with children and young people through the ‘Hurt by others. Healed through others’ programme. This programme, which is given at Learning Centres in towns and villages, offers a space for residents to talk about what they have been through while sharing life lessons including resilience and different ways of living a better life.
The Santa Marija Community offers a therapeutic community-based program, which includes residential and aftercare phases, in order to offer concrete tools for a healthier, addiction-free life.
Photo: OPM
