LEAP, a project co-financed by the European Social Fund and described by Family Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca as the first step in the government’s reform of Malta’s social policy, was launched yesterday by the minister and the EU’s employment commissioner, László Andor.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that with rates particularly of poverty and social exclusion always on the rise, the government wanted to take immediate action to ensure a just society.

LEAP will see the setting up of resource centres for the family, offering services in the heart of the community through public-social partnerships.

Mr Andor said the biggest effort Malta needs to make is to combat poverty and social exclusion because their rate had been on the rise since 2006. In employment Malta has a more positive picture although the rate of early school leavers remains somewhat high.

Parliamentary secretaries Franco Mercieca and Ian Borg were among those present.