In local NGOs and the voluntary sector the government sees an important partner in the social and economic development of our country, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Dr Helena Dalli, said. She was speaking during a visit to the ‘Welcome Centre’ of the St. Jeanne Antide Foundation at Hal Tarxien.
The foundation is run by the Sisters of Charity and lay volunteers. Through the ‘Welcome Centre’, the foundation offers free counselling, social work and what they term as ‘emotional freedom’ services to vulnerable people. The NGO gives these services to people with mental illness and their family members, families with financial difficulties, people who are experiencing challenging family issues, and the elderly.
During the visit, Dr Dalli met with women who were attending empowerment classes. Dr Dalli spoke about the need for these empowerment initiatives which equip women with more skills. The aim is to make more women employable. She said that this is especially necessary to those who have financial difficulties or are undergoing marriage separation. Dr Dalli said that both government and NGOs working in the field of women’s emancipation should focus more on the self-esteem of women, which many times hinders their progress.
Some of the services that are offered by the foundation are given through different outreach programmes. The counselling and social work services with the elderly are a case in point. The volunteers and professionals of the NGO encourage the elderly to take a more active role in the community. Other outreach work is done with families with financial difficulties. With the help of volunteers the foundation provides free home maintenance works to people with very limited means. Dr Dalli praised the foundation for taking up this challenging and noble task as it is resulting in better housing to families in need. The Minister noted the organisation’s efforts at training people with financial difficulties to manage better their finances, prepare healthier food, as well as make them more employable.
As regards to the foundation’s work with the elderly, the Minister said that this is very much in line with government policy in this area, which is aimed at encouraging more active ageing.
Minister Dalli praised the Sisters of Charity and the volunteers for their dedication and professionalism. She promised them her support as Minister responsible for NGO and voluntary sector policy. Dr Dalli said that this government believes in the concept of an “open government” and her visit is part of an ongoing consultation process initiated by this government.
The services of St. Jeanne Antide Foundation are open to everyone and are free of charge. The ‘Welcome Centre’ is at 51, Tarxien Road, Hal Tarxien, and is open during week days from 07:30 to 17:15hrs.