The government has pledged €38 million to restore Dar Saura and transform it into the Ta' Saura National Empowerment Hub, a major social enterprise aimed at helping children and young people reach their full potential.

Speaking during a press conference announcing the funding, Prime Minister Robert Abela described the investment as a significant step towards turning the long-planned project into reality. He said the initiative would provide a modern and inclusive space where children and youths can develop their creativity, skills and independence.

Abela said the agreement is being implemented by the government with the support of Komunità Malta, allowing the historic building to be restored and the project to begin operating fully. He said the deal also reflects appreciation for the work carried out by the Malta Trust Foundation and sends a strong message of solidarity and commitment towards social initiatives of this kind.

The Prime Minister said that through Dar Saura, Malta will have a modern centre under one roof, in what he described as a beautiful environment, capable of welcoming up to 1,000 people at a time. He said those using the services will not only benefit from society's support but will also be empowered to give back through the creativity and abilities they develop there.

He added that children and young people who will benefit from the project, many of whom depend on others, should be given the independence and dignity they deserve.

Abela also referred to a number of social services and incentives being offered by the state, including support for therapies paid for by parents to help children with disabilities progress further. He noted that an incentive which initially started as a tax credit was later converted into a grant, and has now been increased to €1,000 per year.

"This model is already being used in other initiatives of national impact, such as the Puttinu Cares projects in Mosta and London, as well as the new Malta Premier stadium project in Marsa," Abela said. He added that the agreement shows Malta not only has a strong economy capable of directing investment towards social purposes, but also the moral and social commitment to back projects that deserve support.

Abela also thanked the Archdiocese of Malta, which he said had been instrumental in transferring the property to the Malta Trust Foundation so the project could move forward.

Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna said he was pleased to see Dar Saura, a Church property entrusted as a gift to the Malta Trust Foundation, continue to be given new life through the joint commitment of civil society and the state.

"This is another oasis of inclusivity and healing that responds to the current needs of our people through positive synergy between the Church, civil society and the state," he said.

Home Affairs, Security and Employment Minister Byron Camilleri said that when government and civil society work together, significant social benefits can be achieved. He said the partnership brings different experiences, values and skills to the table and confirmed that, in his role as minister responsible for citizenship, he had ensured that the government would assist the Malta Trust Foundation in securing the resources needed for the project to succeed.

"This project has been designed around people's needs and will benefit hundreds, if not thousands, of children and families. It will move from paper to reality and give new life to those who make use of it," Camilleri said.

Malta Trust Foundation founder and chairperson, President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, said the agreement was not simply about infrastructure, but about hope, dignity and a better future for hundreds of children and families in Malta.

Through Ta' Saura, she said, the foundation is building not just a physical space, but real opportunities that will make Malta a more inclusive and just country.

The project is being led by the Malta Trust Foundation, which over the years has built up experience in social and educational support. The foundation is known for its programmes that use art, music and other creative methods as tools for integration, empowerment and personal expression for children and young people who often find themselves excluded from traditional systems.