A financial agreement between the Family Ministry and women’s shelter Dar T’ghanniqa t’Omm was signed on Thursday afternoon, with the aim to help pregnant women who are in a problematic situation to choose life and gain support from the shelter. The agreement consists of €130,000 over 3 years.
Dar T’ghanniqa t’Omm, a shelter which is run by NGO Life Network Malta, helps mothers experiencing crisis pregnancies. Mothers seek shelter, support and guidance on how to raise their new-born whilst residing in the residence, and some mothers remain living there even once the child is born.
Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity Michael Falzon underlined that the government is against abortion and that he wishes to help such women who are in a difficult situation, so that they can choose life over abortion. He recalled that on Mother’s Day he gave out flowers to the mothers residing at the residence, and how one mother told him she never received such a gift before. “That comment remained in my mind, and I am proud and happy to help in this way,” said Falzon.
Four babies born at women’s shelter, another nine on the way
Miriam Sciberras, chairperson of Life Network Malta explained that in the first six months of 2020, the team provided 570 hours of counselling and received 79 calls on their helpline.
In the first six months of 2020, Dar T’ghanniqa t’Omm provided 570 hours of counselling and received 79 calls on their helpline from distressed women who were worried that they would not manage to bring up their child due to their situation. There have been five mothers that have used the maternity shelter programme. “We have had four babies born at the shelter and another nine on the way,” said Sciberras. She said that a total of 24 babies were born to mothers who sought help some way by the foundation.
Sciberras said that the residence carried out 38 donations to families in need, which included food, nappies, hospital bags and blankets. “We wish to provide more education to Maltese and foreign women to understand conception and the development of their child,” explained Sciberras. She said that it is not an easy situation for the mothers but the team are there to help every step of the way.