After two years of hard work and dedication the Alberto Marvelli Residence in Paola was opened this morning.
To mark the life of a past Salesian pupil, Alberto Marvelli, the National Federation of Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco in partnership with the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Order of Malta and Osanna Pia Home, opened an innovative social community project which will cater for homeless young people. The residents will be offered accommodation having their own bedroom and bathroom, as well as their own kitchen, to help them integrate into society and learn how to become independent individuals.
Bryan Magro, the Chief Executive Officer at the Salesians of Don Bosco, said that this innovative project was a journey and a challenge because a lot of work needed to be done to build such a residency. However they are grateful for everyone who contributed in some way or another and helped into making this project possible, especially the Minister of Children’s Rights, Family and Social Solidarity, Michael Falzon.
Falzon said that this project is the first public social partnership agreement in 2020. He believes that the building of such a residency is a very beneficial project as it will help homeless young people who might have lost their way in life and need help getting back on their feet.
They will also learn how to live independently within society. Falzon added that the social issues nowadays are much bigger, this is why such a project will further help the residents cope with whatever comes their way. Falzon said that we all form part of one society and such projects are developed in order to better and improve the life of people in difficulty.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna said that he is grateful for the government’s help in developing such a project which will provide a roof over a number of adolescents who do not have a place to sleep. The Alberto Marvelli Residence is a beneficial and beautiful project as it aims to help anyone who is need and face the challenges of everyday life, which ultimately achieves a common good for all, he said.
A volunteer who has been working on the Alberto Marvelli Residence since 2018, told the Malta Independent that they have been refurbishing the house in order to accommodate anyone who is in need. The house consists of three floors, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, three kitchens and a number of balconies and terraces. She added that the house is already accommodating three young boys.
The volunteer added that the residents will be living and doing the daily chores on their own, however they will have a mentor who will visit them once in a while to make sure everything is in order and to help them with anything they need. One of the aims of this whole project is to eliminate this institutionalised idea in Malta and instead, teach young people the basic everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning in order for them to become completely independent and prepare them for everyday life situations.