Qawra Access Centre assisted a group of Lithuanian residents to launch the Lithuanian Community in Malta.

During a launching activity which was carried out at the Qawra Access Centre on Thursday morning, the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity Dr. Michael Farrugia praised the initiative taken by the residents to be active within the community so that they would create a positive difference within the society.

The support provided by Qawra Access Centre to these residents is a clear statement that the government want to work in close collaboration with the NGOs so that together we identify further the present needs of the community through an outreach process.

The Leap project which shall be officially launched in the coming weeks shall provide further opportunities so that the provision of outreach will be strengthened for the benefit of the whole community.

Martin Chetcuti Manager of Qawra Access Centre said that this is one of the empowerment initiatives conducted by the centre to enhance the prospects for active participation. The fact that residents coming from different nationalities are coming together to participate in a number of initiatives is very positive.

This opportunity is leading residents to engage in a learning experience through which mutual respect is established within the community.

One of the positive opportunities provided by the Qawra Access Centre is the provision of around 30 training programmes which will be offered as from October by the Directorate for Life Long Learning.

Applications will be available online from the Directorate for Life Long Learning website between the 18th August and 5th September.

Through this opportunity education is being used as one of the main tools for integration.

Tomas Mikalauskas the President of the Lithuanian Community in Malta showed appreciation for the support given by Qawra Access Centre in the setting up of the Community. Mr Mikaluauskas highlighted that the Lithuanian Community in Malta will be working in close collaborations so that the present and future opportunities provided on different level will be promoted amongst the Lithuanian residents.

Furthermore Mr Mikaluauskas stated that the members of the Lithuanian community will also be motivated to contribute towards the well being of the society. The launching activity involved a display of traditional Lithuanian dress code, souvenirs, food and culture.

For information about the work conducted by Qawra Access Centre like Qawra Access Centre Facebook Page or send an e-mail on [email protected].