Last year, the OASI Foundation of Gozo, had over 300 requests from people who have addiction difficulties and over 200 people received residential or community therapy. 44% went initially because of cocaine-related difficulties and 41% because of drink-related problems.

The information was revealed by OASI Foundation Chief Executive, Mr Noel Xerri during a presentation of the statistics of people who sought help at OASI because of addiction in 2022

The OASI Foundation  commemorates its 32nd anniversary on the 26th of June. To mark the occasion an event was held on Wednesday evening at OASI.

Mr Xerri also reiterated is concern that there was a lack in the amount of people who approached OASI because of a problem with cannabis compared to previous years. In fact, during 2022, 6% of those who asked for help had a cannabis problem, while there were 10% in 2021 and 12% in 2020.

He stressed the importance of the motto that OASI has always embraced “the beautiful life without drugs,” and how current this still is.

Dr Xerri mentioned the suffering that family members go through because of the problem of addiction, and gave concrete examples to those present.

Dr Alex Borg reinforced the argument he made last year for this occasion – the importance of eliminating the word ‘recreational’ and only mentioning drug use, because over time, the drug use brings several difficulties.

He also spoke about the importance of the prevention sector. He made reference to the people in our society who do not use drugs and mentioned how these people are affected by certain ideas that make them doubt whether they should continue with their decision to stay away from drugs, or they will lose from the experiences of their friends who use drugs.

Dr Borg went on to mention the importance of evaluating the field of prevention and suggested that we look at the levels of success of these strategies and evaluate if there are things that can be changed to be more successful.

He closed by recalling the important and essential work of the OASI foundation, both now and for the future.

“How good it is that we are here.”‘ These were the words with which the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, Mr Joe Borg, opened his speech. He explained where the name of the OASI Foundation originated from. The oasis is for the place where one finds water after having been struggling in the desert and how, in the same way, the OASIS helps the person to pass from darkness to light.

Mr Borg stressed the importance that one should never give up, rather he should continue to fight, because happiness can only be found in the victory of change.

Mr Borg also spoke about the goal with which the Foundation was established 32 years ago – to give young people an opportunity to experience change. He also stressed that although our society is changing rapidly, the struggle of OASI remains the same, and the victory of each one remains the same.

He mentioned the importance of volunteering and how impeccable the work they carried out was for this Foundation. He stressed that this experience is a clear case that shows how much when you give unconditionally, you in fact get back much, much more.

The board of directors of OASI, together with the Chief Executive of the Foundation, recognised the work of Dun. Manuel Cordina and the other directors who together founded this organisation.

They also thanked all those who are helpful in this journey such as the Church of Gozo, which has been supportive from the beginning, the Ministry of Social Policy and the Ministry for Gozo for their help.

The poet Dr. Alfred Grech read a poem he prepared for this occasion. Representatives from Caritas Malta and Sedqa were also present at this ceremony, as well as Mr. Anton Tabone, who was very instrumental in the establishment of this organisation.

On this special occasion of OASI Day, two volunteers who have been working continuously for over 20 years were recognised with the ‘OASI Tribute’ award for their help.

Permalink: OASI assisted more than 500 people in 2022, 44% because of cocaine related problems