NGOs provide a great service to the community and are a practical example of the extensive community help and service available in Malta, President Edward Fenech Adami said yesterday.

Dr Fenech Adami met with 22 representatives from sports, religious, band clubs and fireworks NGOs in Lija.

He noted that most of the activities organised by the NGOs were linked to the Church.

“This shows that the Church still has a strong social function in the community which is an extremely important factor linked to the values and historic identity of Malta,” said Dr Fenech Adami.

He praised the commitment and initiative taken by the NGOs and said there are many people who work hard to reach out to youths and sick people.

The President said that there is always something new to learn and pointed out that voluntary work is of great support to families and individuals who are facing problems in their life.