Inaugurating a finished project, launching a new policy document or unveiling some other initiative, are intrinsically the end-products of long months of incessant consultation and determined planning. People probably follow the media coverage of such events without maybe realising how many people have been involved and the continuous coordinated management with various stakeholders that has been required.
As a matter of fact, each time I am called on to preside over such launches I always insist that they are intended to celebrate the commitment of all those who gave their invaluable input in following set time-frames and budgets, while overcoming unexpected hurdles.
Such events are not a point of destination but rather the first stage towards the final goal of what we had in mind: providing a new or upgraded service to those who will eventually benefit from such projects. These people are basically the very reason for everything which, from day one, constitutes all the preparatory work leading to the project's completion. In real terms, the inauguration initiates a process of months and years of monitoring the effectiveness and efficiency of the task that has been realised.
It is up to my Secretariat to ensure that planners, designers and everyone else involved are carefully evaluating whether or not the project is meeting its targets at each stage and to review, as required, all the work that has been done, with the necessary fine-tuning. Such assessments are indispensable for any initiative to be completed, and for the desired long-term success. We are constantly aware, however, that all our work is directed at people who deserve high-quality care and dignified support. This demands far more commitment than that expected of those who plan any other kind of project.
Each task in my Parliamentary Secretariat is essentially a human service. Furthermore, in line with Labour's electoral manifesto, in all our initiatives we strive to recognise the full rights of all those we serve and for whom we seek to provide personalised and tailor-made services. Notwithstanding all the schemes and structures we have in place, each person is treated as an individual with his or her own requirements, and not merely a number in a sample group.
During the past week I have had ample opportunity to reflect on this, as both those with disability and the elderly have been at the centre of several events. Although working on different projects contemporaneously, I feel new strengths and inspiration with each one, particularly when witnessing the unfailing work accomplished by so many at all levels. I feel blessed to lead enthusiastic, multi-disciplinary teams of planners and doers - who dream and accomplish with me.
For the first time in the Maltese Islands, persons with disabilities will have a centre exclusively dedicated to learning. The Għajnsielem Lifelong Learning Hub in Gozo, which was opened on Thursday, is aimed at strengthening the skills of those using its facilities and preparing them to find employment and consequently lead an independent and qualitative live. It is based in a Church property in Għajnsielem and is the result of an agreement between the government and the Church, with the involvement of three main partners: the Employment and Training Corporation, the Malta Communications Authority and Agenzija Sapport, which will be working from Gozo for the first time. The many visitors to the hub over this weekend will appreciate that it will further strengthen and increase community-based services on a national level.
The event was preceded by talks with Arka Foundation towards extending the services they already offer to people with disabilities. During my visit to the new apartment they have acquired and refurbished, I could see how this is compatible with the government's plans for small residences, accommodating a small number of people living independently within the community. While ensuring that all such units meet the national standards that were recently established, we are exploring ways in which these residents can now benefit from further training at the Għajnsielem learning hub. Work is also reaching completion on a second residence in Rabat, as part of our ongoing 'Fair Society' project.
Another major event I had the honour of inaugurating this week was the two extensively renovated wards for 80 female residents at the St Vincent de Paule long-term care facility. Both wards had been begging for such upgrading since 1992 and are now providing higher standards of privacy and community living through an expenditure of around €1.5 million. This is part of the rebranding exercise for the whole complex, adding to the renovation of another three wards, the MMMU, fully refurbished day clinics and the establishment of a professional training centre for staff, fully recognised by Malta University and the National Commission for Higher Education.
A strikingly significant event, also held last week, was the donation of 70 pints of blood by staff members at St Vincent de Paule. It was organised in the collaboration of the MUMN and the facility's administration. I expressed my appreciation to the staff, who set an example to others by adding a further human touch to their duties.
I have also launched a Christmas-related project leading more people to think of others (Naħseb Fik). We intend to create awareness of the fact that, over the Christmas and New Year period, some of our elders may endure sad moments of solitude. About 200 older people who may not have any relatives can benefit from those who care to visit them. We already have an encouraging cohort of benevolent people who will give their support. Readers may also help by contacting my Secretariat on http://www.nahsebfik.com so that we can make a difference this Christmas for our older citizens.
The past week was also marked with two other events aimed at people with a disability. Together with Minister Owen Bonnici, I launched a pilot project for PBS to introduce sub-titles to TVM drama series, in support of the deaf. This will complement other major initiatives in this sector, particularly the draft bill recognising the Maltese sign language and our new provision of trained interpreters. It is also strengthening our commitment to implement the UN Convention - and our own National Policy - for people with disabilities.
Another event in this field that gave me particular satisfaction last week was the launching of a draft bill about people with autism. In line with the government's project for a fair society, this bill will eventually create a national consultative council consisting of 11 people from areas related to this condition. They will assist the government with an Autism Support State Plan, intended to create further awareness and find all possible avenues for the inclusion of people with this condition in society. Autism is a neurological disorder that can impair communication, socialisation and behaviour. We refer to the autism spectrum in view of the varied ways it can present itself in individuals throughout their lives. I must thank the Autism Parents Association for their hard work in supporting the families of children with this condition and also those who have worked with us on this ground-breaking bill.
One very particular aspect of my Secretariat's work is appreciation of the endless efforts on the part of various NGOs. Rewarding these people is the best way to encourage them further, as was the case when the annual award was last week presented to the Gozo Tourism Association.
It has been a hectic week but indeed a very fruitful one that adds up to a long chain of initiatives in support of all those for whose care I am responsible as Parliamentary Secretary. Despite the long hours required to carry out my duties on behalf of the government - including the frequently challenging plight to cross over between both islands - it gives me great solace to witness the importance of all such tasks. Indeed, I will never say it is 'mission accomplished', but with the support of the team I have the honour to lead, I gather further strength and commitment to work harder!