During a press conference marking the €38 million financial support from the Government for the restoration of the Ta’ Saura National Empowerment Hub project, Prime Minister Robert Abela described this assistance from the Government as an important step in order for this project, which will foster the creativity of many children and youth, to materialize and begin operating.
The Prime Minister explained that this is an agreement that the Government is implementing with the support of Komunità Malta, so that this historic building is restored and the project begins to operate fully. He stressed that the same agreement shows appreciation for the work of the Malta Trust Foundation while sending a message of solidarity and commitment to give a boost and impetus to such initiatives. While adding that this partnership of agreements between the State and civil society are the cradle of further creation of wealth in the community.
Prime Minister Abela said that through Dar Saura, our country will have under one roof a modern center, in a beautiful environment, capable of welcoming a thousand people at once, receiving services and not only taking something from society but even giving back with the creativity and skills that they will develop. He added that to these children and young people who will benefit from Dar Saura, and who are dependent on others, we must give them the independence and dignity they deserve. He also referred to various services and social incentives that the State is offering, including support for therapies paid for by parents to see their children with disabilities take another step forward.
“An incentive that we started in the form of a tax credit, then we converted it to a grant because we understood that we would continue to strengthen the assistance and this year we even increased it and raised it to one thousand euros per year,” noted Prime Minister Robert Abela when he gave an overview of the Government’s work in the disability sector. “What we are announcing tonight is a model that is already being used in other initiatives of national impact, such as the Puttinu Cares projects in Mosta and London, as well as in the field of sports with the new Malta Premier stadium in Marsa,” stressed the Prime Minister.
This while saying that with this agreement the government is showing that Malta not only has solid foundations in an economy that is capable of dedicating the investment that comes into it to social purposes but above all our Malta has the moral and social fiber to decide that such a social project deserves all the support it deserves. Dr Abela also expressed his appreciation to the Maltese Archdiocese, which was instrumental in the transfer of this property to the Foundation so that this project could be carried out, which will help every person to reach their potential.
Archbishop of Malta, Monsignor Charles J. Scicluna, stated, “It is my great pleasure to see this Church property, Dar Saura, the use of which was entrusted as a gift to the Malta Trust Foundation, continue to come to life with the joint commitment of civil society and the State. This is another oasis of inclusivity and healing that is responding to the current needs of our people with a positive synergy between the Church, Civil Society and the State.”
Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri said that when we work together as Government and civil society, much good comes out.
“Such a partnership brings to the table different experiences, values and skills. As Minister also responsible for citizenship, today I assured that as a Government we will ensure that we assist the Malta Trust Foundation in obtaining the necessary resources for the project to be a success. This is a project designed from the needs of the people and will benefit hundreds if not thousands of children and families. Without a doubt, from a project on paper we will see it come to life and give new life to those who make use of it,” reiterated Minister Camilleri.
The founder and Chairperson of the Malta Trust Foundation, President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that this agreement is not just about infrastructure, but about hope, dignity and a better future for hundreds of children and families in our country. She added that through Ta’ Saura, they are building not only space, but real opportunities that will make Malta a more inclusive and just country. This project is being led by the Malta Trust Foundation, which has developed experience in the field of social and educational support over the years. The foundation is known for its programmes that use art, music and other creative methods as a tool for integration, empowerment and self-expression for children and young people who often find themselves excluded from traditional systems. Photos: OPM
