The Dar tal-Providenza home in Siggiewi was awarded the European Citizen's Prize for 2021.

The Citizen’s Prize for 2020 and 2021 were awarded in a ceremony held by the European Parliament in Brussels on 9 November.

The European Citizen’s Prize has long recognized organisations with driven initiatives and projects promoting solidarity, European collaboration, and the integration of common values since 2008.

Nicknamed “a monument of mercy,” by the Archbishop of Malta Charles Scicluna, id-Dar tal-Providenza works to ensure the care of persons with disability and provides a home-like environment which strives to integrate the individuals into society.

Housing 115 people ranging between the ages of 8 and 80, the home creates an empowering environment giving persons with disability their respective rights and dignity, as well as practice both Maltese and European values.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NGO faced a decline in their donations, having had to implement safety measures as well as a personal battle with cancer from the NGO’s head, Fr Martin Micallef.

Despite this, id-Dar tal-Providenza organised several initiatives for their residents to be able to speak to their loved ones virtually.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a perfect embodiment of Maltese and European values. Their incredible work despite difficult circumstances with vulnerable people in society has been recognized and appreciated within the EU.

“Each winner is proof that real heroes can be any ordinary person who cares enough to do something extraordinary,” said MEP and Chancellor of the European Citizen’s Prize, Dita Charanzová.