Be the first to comment!OASI Foundation National Conference: The Maltese family in the 3rd Millennium
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Today, June the 26th, to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the 24th anniversary of its founding, the OASI Foundation organised a National Conference on the theme of ‘The Maltese family in the 3rd Millennium – Progress and Challenges!’
As the OASI Foundation will next year be celebrating 25 years since its founding, all activities held leading up to June 26th, 2016, starting with this conference, will be focusing on the family, which has always been at the centre of the Foundation’s work.
The conference, presented by Mr. George Camilleri, consisted of various professionals who talked about the family in different contexts.
The speakers included H.E. The President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, H.L. Bishop Mario Grech, Dr Anton Refalo, Minister for Gozo and Dr Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing.
President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, spoke about the importance of the family unit as the basic building block of society. She emphasised the need for a just and progressive society, which is inclusive of all family structures and leaves no one behind.
Bishop Mario Grech, talked about the negative effects of an individualistic society on the family and the need for policies that strengthen the family.
Dr. Justyne Caruana spoke about the need for social policies providing concrete help to the most vulnerable members of society, and of ongoing projects which offer assistance to persons with disabilities, the elderly, and their families. She also emphasised the importance of a just and inclusive society, offering solidarity to all kinds of families.
Dr Anton Refalo spoke about how individualism and consumerism have a negative effect on families, and addressed the unfortunate realities of European countries separating families through immigration policies.
He also spoke about every parent’s fear that their children might suffer because of alcohol or drug use, and the importance of organisations such as OASI. He emphasised that the State has an obligation to support such institutions, to which families turn in times of trouble.
Photograph:MGOZ/George Scerri
