The sum of Lm14,500 was distributed among more than 100 Gozitan NGOs in an event held at the Gozo Ministry last Friday.

During her speech, Minister Giovanna Debono said the government understands and appreciates the important role non-governmental organisations play in the social development of Gozo and in recent years, the ministry offered a number of services to assist these organisations in their work.

Minister Debono referred to the setting up of the NGO centre in Xewkija, used by these organisations free of charge; the setting up of the NGO Association which seeks to coordinate the several organisations on Gozo; as well as the active participation of the same association in the Gozo Regional Projects Committee which closely follows up on projects in Gozo being co-funded by the European Union.

The minister also referred to the Bill on Voluntary Organisations which is currently being discussed in Parliament and that aims to strengthen local NGOs. This same law gives more recognition to non-governmental organisations and makes it easier for them to apply for projects funded by the European Union as well as other international projects.

Minister Debono wished the organisations another full year of work for the benefit of society at large and thanked members of the Association for Gozo Non-Governmental Organisations who held their third annual general meeting on the same occasion. The association includes around 200 organisation members and was set up by the Ministry for Gozo in August 2003. Members of the organisation are divided into three categories: those working in the social sector, the cultural sector and the philanthropic sector.