The first Crafts Incubation Centre in Gozo was inaugurated at Ghajnsielem by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday.The project involved the construction of an extension of the existing Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts and the construction of a number of workshops that make up the underlying Incubation Centre.
The project cost e850,000 from the Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006, specifically under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the government funding 25 per cent of the total project.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr Gonzi referred to this project as another important stepping stone in the social and economic development of the island. “We are acting in accordance with the island’s particular scenario and addressing its needs in a most tangible way, as can be seen today,” said the Prime Minister.
While mentioning the various budget measures aimed at enhancing the education and employment sectors in Gozo, the Prime Minister also referred to the higher stipends for Gozitan students and the opening of two MCAST centres in Gozo. Dr Gonzi also alluded to the increasing number of Gozitan students attending university courses, which now adds up to 952.
Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono referred to the project as one that links in a concrete way the two pillars of employment and education as it offers educational opportunities in art and crafts and an opportunity for Gozitans to set up their own business and generate employment in the field.
Mrs Debono also spoke about how Gozo-specific European Union funds were addressed to the generation of more jobs in Gozo and cited the training hotel project in Qala, specific schemes created for Gozo, including the graduate scheme, courses for adults to help improve their employability, and tourism-related projects, such as those addressing the diving and heritage niche areas.
Minister Debono also referred to government incentives and schemes launched last year that encourage the private sector, including small enterprises, to create more job opportunities in Gozo.
The Crafts Incubation Centre and the extension of the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts is built on two floors.
The ground floor is made up of 10 workshops to be made available for those wishing to set up a business in the field and an exhibition space.
The first floor includes five large workshops that serve as an extension to the school, adjacent utility rooms, administration offices, and a conference hall.