The first Crafts Incubation Centre being built in Gozo has gone into its second phase, with all construction work finished in recent days.
The centre is part of a project being carried out under the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006, co-financed under the European Regional Development Fund, entered into its second phase with all construction work finished in recent days.
The project, undertaken by the Ministry for Gozo, provides an added opportunity for craftspersons in Gozo in the initial phases of their trade, with the provision of 10 units to be utilised by newly-created businesses in the production of crafts. The project also allows for the use of specialised equipment, in use by the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts, besides the state-of-the-art facilities currently undergoing finishing works.
The new Crafts Incubation Centre forms part of a wider project which includes the construction of an extension to the present Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts in Ghajnsielem, involving the investment of Lm372,465 or around e865,000. The extension now provides for a new administration area, considerable exhibition space, a conference room as well as five specialised workshops together with newly procured specialised equipment for the benefit of participants attending the various crafts-related courses held.
During a short visit to the finishing works in progress, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said one of the main objectives of the Ministry for Gozo was to sustain development which leads to the creation of more job opportunities on the island. The implementation of the project not only provided a better learning and working environment for those wishing to initiate a sustainable career in crafts, but also served to encourage more artisans to set up their own private businesses.
Minister Debono referred to the better opportunities for training in Gozo in this area with the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts starting off with three courses on offer in 1989, but now offering 44 art and crafts courses, including 11 courses co-funded through the European Social Fund to a total of 1,289 students of all ages. Referring to the direct investment by the government in the crafts area in Gozo, the Minister for Gozo also spoke about the modernisation of the Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gharb, which was brought to an end late last year through the investment of a further Lm70,000 (around e163,000).
Besides the Crafts Incubation Centre project and the extension of the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts, another Ministry for Gozo project currently underway aimed towards providing quality training opportunities for human resources in Gozo, is that of the construction and setting up of a new Training Facility for Tourism Studies in Qala, co-financed by the European Regional Development fund and the government of Malta.