Over the past 35 years, more than 6,000 people struggling addiction have contacted the OASI Foundation in Gozo for assistance, while thousands more have benefited from educational and prevention programs in schools, workplaces and the community, the organisation said.
On Friday, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the OASI Foundation commemorated the 35th anniversary of its establishment, years of unceasing work in favour of people facing addiction problems and their families.
The Foundation highlighted the fact that the use of substances such as cocaine and cannabis continues to increase, while the use of more than one substance at the same time is also increasing, with serious consequences on mental health and families.
The celebration, which took place at the Foundation’s home in Gozo, was one of gratitude to all those who, over the past 35 years, have contributed to making the dream of the founder, Fr. Manwel Cordina, a reality.
The Foundation said that what began as a vision to give hope to people who had lost their way, has today grown into an organisation that offers a wide range of prevention, therapy, rehabilitation, outreach and aftercare services.
In his speech, the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Noel Xerri, described this anniversary as a celebration not only of the beginning of OASI, but also of everyone who has contributed over the past 35 years to keeping the dream of Fr. Manwel Cordina alive.
He saluted the founders, all members of the Boards of Directors over the years, the professionals, the workers, the volunteers, the benefactors, the public entities and the beneficiaries who all, in different ways, have contributed to the Foundation continuing to fulfil its mission.
Mr. Noel Xerri recalled how OASI started with one service in the community and today offers five different services which include prevention, outreach, the day programme, the residential programme and aftercare.He said that through the vision of Fr. Manwel Cordina and the commitment of all those who continued to build on it, thousands of people have found a “beam of light,” new hope and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Mr. Xerri stressed that the use of substances such as cocaine and cannabis continues to increase, while the use of more than one substance at the same time is also increasing, with serious consequences on mental health and families.
He appealed for society to look at these realities honestly and without minimising their dangers, while maintaining that prevention remains one of the most important tools to protect future generations.
Chairperson of the OASI Foundation, Mr Joseph Borg, described the anniversary as a celebration of the vision and beliefs of Dun Manwel Cordina. He maintained that the founder’s dream could be fulfilled because he believed in change and in the potential of every person.
He appealed for messages about addiction to always be clear and responsible, while encouraging all entities and political forces to work together for the common good, because addiction does not discriminate and affects the whole of society.
In a recorded message, President Myriam Spiteri Debono, praised the work of the OASI Foundation as a place of refuge, guidance and dignity for individuals and families who are living the reality of addiction.
She stressed that addiction should never define a person and that society’s response must be built on prevention, education, support, treatment and, above all, empathy.
The President also acknowledged the Foundation’s work in the field of prevention, in particular in the campaign that led to the banning of the recreational use of nitrous oxide, as well as the €2.3 million investment announced by the Government to further strengthen the services offered by the Foundation.
The celebration also saw the awarding of the “Gieh l-OASI”, a recognition that this year was presented to the Ghajnsielem Local Council for its leading role in the work towards the banning of the recreational use of nitrous oxide, as well as to the Smartphone Free Childhood Gozo initiative for its commitment towards a healthier childhood, free from the pressures and negative effects of social media.
The celebration concluded with a strong sense of gratitude towards the professionals, workers, volunteers, benefactors and all those who have believed in the mission of the OASI Foundation over the past 35 years.
It was also an occasion to renew the commitment that the Foundation will continue to respond to the ever-changing realities of society, while continuing to offer hope, help and new opportunities to all those in need.
After 35 years of work, the OASI Foundation said it ”remains built on the same principles that led to its establishment: the belief that every person has value, that every life can be changed, and that with the help, professionalism and solidarity of the community, recovery is always possible.”
Photos: OASI Foundation