The Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Dr Justyne Caruana, on Friday officially opened the first Centre for active ageing Gozo, located in Xewkija.

Justyne Caruana explained that this Centre has been specially adapted for the elderly which was by agreement between the Parliamentary Secretariat, the Xewkija Local Council and the Xewkija Prekursur Philharmonic Society, to enable the Active Ageing Centre to start operating in the main hall of the Society's building.

She said that it will offer a specific Life Long Learning programme, which was prepared for the Centre with many varied activities including training in the art of ganutell, in digital technology, in art, in religion and current events, among others.

Programmes were also distributed on Friday of the different sessions to be held by the end of May 2016.

During Friday's official launch, the Parliamentary Secretary expressed her satisfaction for the fact that there was strong interest in demonstrating the need and demand for community services in Gozo.

Dr Caruana said this Government, through the Parliamentary Secretariat, started to launch the first services of this kind in the community on Gozo, and that is why today the elderly in Gozo can benefit from these services needed for society.

She concluded by referring to the active aging strategy which has been launched and adopted by the Government, stating that this Centre is a clear demonstration of the commitment by the Government to continue to implement the policy measures for active aging and to help older continue living in the community.

Dr Caruana thanked the Xewkija Mayor, Mr Paul Azzopardi for his collaboration in this initiative.

Photograph: MFSS_PS

Permalink: Active Ageing Centre officially inaugurated in Xewkija