Agenzija Sapport is carrying out extensive improvements and structural work at its premises in Ghajnsielem, Gozo, which has been hosting the agency’s services since 2015.

This investment, which amounts to around €350,000, aims to improve and expand the spaces from which essential services are provided to people with disabilities and their families, the agency said.

The ongoing works were visited by Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Julia Farrugia, together with Agenzija Sapport CEO Oliver Scicluna.

Currently, day services are being offered from this location as well as applications being received for various schemes and services related to the disability sector in Gozo.

It was explained that through the extension that is being made, new services will be added with the aim of providing more assistance to these individuals and their families. In addition, a dedicated space will be created for the NGO Voice for Inclusion, which will be able to operate and provide its services more effectively.

Executive Chairperson of the Voice for Inclusion organisation, Pauliana Said, explained how this project will mean a much improved service for those who work closely with them.

She said, “this is a very important project for Gozo, which not only strengthens the services available to persons with disability, but also ensures that Gozitans are given the same accessibility to services that are currently available in Malta. Focusing on inclusion and equality is essential, and the fact that Voice for Inclusion will have a place from which to operate will allow us to continue working more closely with the community, supporting persons with disability and continuing to strengthen their voice at every level of society.”

Among the main projects being carried out, independent living facilities (community hub) will also be created where the My Programme service of Agenzija Sapport will be able to offer individual interventions to persons with disability. This concept is similar to what is already being implemented in Zurrieq and Rabat in Malta.The Minister said that thanks to this investment, services in Gozo will continue to be strengthened, including those related to the Blue Badge, European Disability Card, Empowerment Scheme and other vehicle-related schemes.

Minister Julia Farrugia described the importance of this investment while explaining how the Government will continue to invest everything necessary in favour of strengthening the inclusion of persons with disability and their families.

“The Government is determined to continue to invest as much as necessary to strengthen the disability sector and ensure that every person with a disability has the support, opportunities and services they deserve. This investment in Gozo is just one example of a series of projects that we are carrying out to improve the quality of life of these people and their families,” she said. “At the same time, we are working to ensure that our society is truly inclusive, where everyone is given the necessary tools to reach their full potential. We are committed to continuing to invest in this sector so that no one feels stopped or marginalised, but is able to live with dignity and autonomy.”

While part of the works has already been completed, such as plastering and painting the ceilings as well as structural alterations, the evaluation process of various tenders is currently underway.

The agency explained that the most imminent is the tender for electrical works aimed at improving the building’s electrical infrastructure. This includes the installation of a direct cable from the Enemalta substation, with an estimated investment of €75,000.

Chief Executive Oliver Scicluna explained that after a number of years of operation by the Agency from this location, the Ghajnsielem Learning Hub is now considered by Gozitans as the central office of Agenzija Sapport in Gozo.

He added that “it is therefore opportune that this site continues to be developed in order to continue to centralise disability services in Gozo while making it easier for the services provided by the Agency in Malta to continue to be replicated in Gozo as well. This is in addition to continuing to strengthen and centralise work in the sector through collaborations with non-governmental entities that affect the same people.”

Scicluna concluded that, “this project is an important step towards offering more modern, efficient and accessible services to persons with disability in Gozo, and to continue to strengthen the work of Agenzija Sapport on this island.”

Photos: DOI

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