Six personalities this morning left for Ethiopia where they will spend the next two weeks as missionary workers, helping youths build a better future for themselves.

The group is made up of former Miss Malta and model Jade Cini, DJ Toby Farrugia, TV chef Emmanuel Aquilina, voice coach Gillian Attard, Strada Stretta actress Doriana Portelli and Sexologist and Clinical Psychology Practitioner Nicholas Briffa. Their experience is being documented and will be broadcast on TVM next years as ‘Il-Progett.’

In Addis, Ethiopia, they will join host Mark Caruana and Chrysander Agius, another member of the production team, and embark on a mission to help build a sustainable farm where teenage boys and girls can grow and sell their own products. The mission is being organized by Missio Malta – the official mission organisation of the Catholic Church in Malta.

Addressing the media at the airport this morning, Missio Malta Head of Communication & Fundraising Robert Farrugia said the team will be helping youths that would otherwise have risked becoming victims of prostitution or human trafficking.

Construction of the farm has already started and the team will be helping with finishing works. The project will cost around €25,000 and the team have been working hard to raise the much needed funds.

A number of events, including a pasta night with the popular duo Danusan and selling coffee and biscuits in Valletta, were held. Other events, including a fashion show and a party, will be held in the coming weeks.

Mr Farrugia said the donations lines were still open and the members of the public can follow regular updates about the team on its official Facebook page.

This newspaper spoke to some of the participants before they boarded their flight to Addis via Istanbul.

Jade Cini explained that the participants were chosen by the public on Facebook. “12 of us were shortlisted and, when I was asked if I wished to take part in this noble cause I could not say no.”  This will be her first time in Africa and her first missionary work experience. “I am told by everyone who has experienced it that missionary work gives back so much in return. I hope this turns out to be that kind of experience.”

Emmanuel Aquilina said he was really excited to be leaving for Ethiopia after spending the past two and a half months working with the group to raise funds for the mission. Asked what he was expecting to find, Mr Aquilina said: “This is a third world country where there is a severe shortage of water and people live a very different kind of life. I think it will be a learning experience for us, helping us learn to appreciate what we have and each other. Ultimately, our aim is to help these people.”

Doriana Portelli said this was a dream come true as she has been wanting to go abroad on missionary work for many years but “it was never the right time.” She is looking forward to working with children. "Their smile will be enough. Going there to help is the least I can do.”

Toby Farrugia said he also looked forward to give a helping hand, especially to the children there.

This will be Nicholas Briffa’s second missionary experience, having previously worked in Guatemala. “You with a lot of energy to help but these are also very rewarding experiences. I am leaving with a lot of personal expectations, having learnt a great deal from my time in Guatemala.” Mr Briffa said he looked forward to working on the project, which will be self-sustainable and will be run by the local youths once the team returns to Malta.

SMS Donation

€2.33 – 50617374

€6.99 – 50618820

Bank Donation

Bank:     APS Bank

Name:    Pontifical Missions Societies – Il-Progett

IBAN:     MT91APSB77024000112420001816358

Swift:     APSBMTMT

Photos and video: Jonathan Borg