Elected members and employees of Local Councils have begun receiving specialized training aimed at helping them in their work. This training began last year after the National Strategy for Training in the Local Government Sector was launched, and on Wednesday morning the first certificates were awarded to those who completed the respective training.
This training is being provided through European Funds from the European Social Fund. The training program is being led by the National Council for Training in the Local Government Sector, and is made up of the Public Service Institute, the Local Government Directorate, the Local Councils Association, and the Association of Executive Secretaries of Local Councils.
The Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, said that this training, co-financed by European Funds, is a direct investment in our communities through the strengthening of human resources in Local Government. He explained that the project has a total value of approximately €600,000, of which approximately €530,000 is financed by European Funds, and this demonstrates the concrete commitment towards improving services at the local level.
He stressed that every training and development opportunity contributes to a stronger, more professional and efficient service for citizens. The Minister also pointed out that this project is broadening the experience of councillors and employees through training, study visits and practical experiences both locally and abroad, so that Local Councils continue to be strengthened in their daily work.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Alison Zerafa Civelli said that this is a concrete way in which the Government is recognising the importance of human resources in Local and Regional Councils. She said that investment in human resources is important in order to have trained workers who place the citizen at the centre of the work.
“Employment in Local Councils has become a career and therefore these courses will be strengthening the position of workers and councillors. This exercise is another way of encouraging more people from our communities to pursue a career in Local Government. Workers have always been close to the heart of this Government and therefore the investment we make in workers is done with appreciation towards the same worker who provides a service to the citizen every day. In fact, strengthening the competencies of human resources helps officials in Councils provide a better, more professional and efficient service to our communities,” said the Parliamentary Secretary.
The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by saying that this also aligns with the Malta Vision 2050, where through this initiative it is leading to trained workers with skills that are relevant to the needs of society.
Photos: MFI/MCLG_PS
