A track record to emulate

Almost midway into this important electoral campaign, we are confident that the Labour Party’s track record in government is self-evident.

So many pledges have been implemented and so many promises kept since 2013. The achievements of every ministry are testimony to a party in power determined to steadfastly align this country with the EU elite.

Like my colleagues, I am proud of the past four years and our achievements in the disability and voluntary sectors. I honestly believe these two sectors have seen remarkable progress and innovation. It is motivating to know so many reforms, upgrades and new schemes have been introduced and they constitute a track record which we are determined to emulate going forward.

The disability sector has seen a tsunami of reforms, primarily aimed at making life easier to persons with disabilities and their families, offering them new opportunities, an equal standing in society, independent living, financial support, and legislative moves to help eliminate discrimination and inequity.

We have embarked on a successful, ongoing project to help persons with disabilities stay within their communities. The deinstitutionalisation reform remains constant as we invest more in centres and hubs around Malta and Gozo.

This very month sees the opening of a new respite centre in Kirkop, where eight persons with disabilities will take up residence as part of Aġenzija Sapport’s Soċjetà Ġusta programme. Other milestone projects were completed: Għajnsielem with an investment of €800,000 in Dar Madonna ta’ Pinu; Żurrieq where €850,000 were invested in Ġiżimina; Qawra where in agreement with Dar tal-Providenza we invested €350,000 in Dar Akwarell; Dingli, where a dilapidated structure was converted into a respite residence at the cost of €1 million; Rabat with an investment of €200,000 in Ċentru Ġirasol; Bormla with an investment of €620,000 in Dar Tereża for mothers with mental illness; Qrendi where we invested €1.4 million in Ħolqa, the first Aġenzija Sapport centre for transitory services to persons with disabilities; and Żejtun with an investment of €2.5 million in Fondazzjoni Nazareth’s homes within various communities.

Other initiatives are testimony to our commitment for the coming years. These include a €5 million, five-year investment in a Malta Trust Foundation artistic programme for persons with disabilities aged between 5 and 35 in Rabat. This programme features music, dance, and expressive art. Another investment was of €350,000 in Għajnsielem’s community centre and €550,000 for an inclusion hub at Rabat, Malta. The Ċentru Ħajja Indipendenti Sonia Tanti at Ħal Far was supported with an investment of €700,000, while Ġnien Zaylen and Ġnien il-Ward opened as sensory spaces. The gardens were a joint project between Aġenzija Sapport and Project Green.

Other projects that were started were the Hearing Care for All pilot project and swimming safety for autistic children. Other initiatives include an increase in the carers’ grant and the New Hope Guarantee for persons with disabilities and medical conditions to help them buy their own home.

We also provided financial support to Thalidomide victims, and supported the Peppa Pig series in Maltese with subtitles and sign language. A huge €9.2 million investment covers two agreements with Dar il-Kaptan, and a three-year, €1.5 million agreement (a 131% increase) with Embrace Diversity Organisation to help enhance day-centre services.

The voluntary sector has also had its fair share of government support.

Some €18.2 million were allocated between 2013 and 2026, while1,063 projects were financed between 2021 and 2026. Add to that €1.1 million in 52 projects a spart of the Community Support Scheme, and €300,000 from the Storm Harry Fund covering 56 projects.