The voluntary movement is a phenomenon in every society which does not follow the logical rules of profit and loss, supply and demand.

It is often defined as one of the factors that constitute social cohesion, or the

social-glue, that keeps members of a society together .

In an increasingly individualistic world, communities risk falling apart and becoming the mere sum of a number of individuals. Together with other elements, the voluntary movement draws people together, giving them a reason to cooperate, aiming towards a common aim.

2011 was the year dedicated to this phenomenon, and as a government we have celebrated it in more ways than one. In the last days, we underlined our commitment to this movement, in concrete ways, because we truly believe that the good that comes out of it, is truly immeasurable.

A centre for voluntary organisations

Together with Minister George Pullicino and fellow Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli, we announced the launch of an investment of €1 million in a centre for voluntary organisations in Valletta. This project shall bring together all voluntary organisations which lack the physical space to meet in, under one roof, supplying them with the resources like meeting rooms, offices, and office supplies, so necessary for their operation. Being responsible for government property, I am often asked for premises by voluntary organisations and other NGOs, an issue which is not easy to solve. Our territory is limited, our real estate is at a premium, and as much as government would like to give offices to every organisation, this is often not possible.

These offices will be housed in a historical building in Valletta known as il-Biċċerija l-Antika, which will be meticulously restored by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, and transformed into the aforementioned syndicate units. This building sprung to my attention following my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary responsible for public property. The two-storey building, situated right behind Auberge de Baviere, dates back to Grand Master Cottoner, and used to house the slaughterhouse of the Knights of St John. Over the centuries, this building has been used for an array of purposes, up to the time of the British rule. Unfortunately in the recent decades, this building has fallen into disrepair, and had started attracting abuse.

With the full collaboration of Minister Pullicino and his team, a year-and-a-half ago, the Land Department organised a seminar at the Auberge the Baviere to investigate what possibilities exist for the building, and how this can be used to fulfil a once again glorious purpose, and hence regenerate the whole area. Following this discussion, the idea of a centre for voluntary organisations saw the first light, and it swiftly gathered consent and support from all.

This building will therefore be turned into a home for any voluntary organisations which lack space where to operate from. The ground floor will be dedicated to creativity and art. Young and emerging artists will be encouraged to use this space to exhibit their work. The first floor will house a number of offices which will be shared by different organisations on a time-share system.

The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education

Today week, I presided over the official opening of the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education at Tigné in Sliema. The 280 m2 property was passed on to Young Enterprise Malta earlier this year, without payment, to be used as offices and a meeting centre for the students they work with, in their drive to promote entrepreneurship. Government believes wholeheartedly in the value of entrepreneurship as this is one of the central keys of job generation.

Through this allocation the government is hence bringing together two very important values: Underlining the importance of making the best use of the government’s immovable property, and the nurturing of our young business community. This building in a prestigious, central area is being dedicated to these very important values, as a concrete testament to government’s commitment to both.

An investment in

extra-curricular education

Also last week, I attended the devolution ceremony of a stretch of land in Dwejra limits of Rabat, to the Attard Scout Group, for them to use for scouting purposes. Scouts including the Attard group are deserving of praise, as they carry out very important work amongst our children, teens and young adults, providing them with the tools so necessary in life. Scout groups carry out priceless work in extra-curricular education, in a safe and supervised environment. The devolution of property to the scouts and such groups, confirms government’s commitment to this cause. This year alone, up to November, government devolved no less than 21 properties to such organisations, 12 to the Malta Council for Sports and 9 to local councils around Malta and Gozo.

A better title for NGOs

I am also proud to point out that all this is taking place in the context of a motion I presented in Parliament in the last days, whereby 15 government properties will be passed on to 15 different NGOs with a better title than they currently have, for them to continue operating in. These NGOs will therefore join a long list of beneficiaries which have been on the receiving end of help in various forms from government. This continues to confirm, in the most concrete and absolute of manners, our dedication to the cause.

Voluntary work has a very special place in our society. It is estimated that some 2,000 voluntary organisations exist in Malta and Gozo. Beyond the numbers however, we believe in each and every one of them as they have a very important role, helping others and promoting values central to our society’s growth.

Allow me, Mr Editor, to wish you, your staff and all the readers of this paper, the merriest holy Christmas, and the warmest wishes for the New Year.

Dr Jason Azzopardi is parliamentary secretary in the Finance Ministry