The Malta Social Impact Awards has committed to continue supporting local initiatives as Semi-Finalists Gear up for the 5th Edition Final Event in 2021.

In a statement it said that it is always on the lookout for new and innovative initiatives that are making a difference in Malta.

Twelve social initiatives have been selected to go through to the semi-finals of this year’s Malta Social Impact Awards, including one from Gozo, and are now in the running to win financial and non-financial support to develop sustainable initiatives that continue to change lives and have a positive social impact on our island.

MSIA explained that all semi-finalists have embarked on a tailor-made mentoring programme aimed at developing their social initiatives, focusing on their sustainability, impact and long-term vision.

The mentoring programme kicked off with three workshops provided by TAKEOFF business incubator at the University of Malta.

In addition, the semi-finalists are receiving further support from VISTAGE mentors and an MSIA judge they are paired with, as well as other professionals.

The organisers said that following the mentoring period, the semi-finalists will then present their initiatives to a panel of judges in January 2021 and those chosen to go through to the finals will receive further mentoring in preparation for the final event.

The MSIA 2020 Semi-Finalists are:

360Blue (by AquaBioTech Group)

Adopt a Grandparent (by Missio and Newsbook)

Charity Shops for the Community (by Inspire Foundation)

Dreams of Horses Indoor Facilities for Horse-Assisted Therapy (by Dreams of Horses Farm) Xaghra, Gozo.

Empathizer (by Luke Laurenti)

Green Gyms Malta (by THRIVE)

Interpreter Unit (by Tama)

MWBA A Sport for All (by Malta Wheelchair Basketball Association)

St. Michael Hospice (by Hospice Malta)

Remote Learning and Learning Centre (by Migrant Offshore Aid Station MOAS)

Project Stop (by Cross Cultural International Foundation)

Walk and Talk (by Rachael Hollwey)

MSIA said that over its past four editions, together with the support of local businesses and individuals, it has awarded over €350,000 in grants to thirteen winning initiatives, as well as additional non-financial support.

These initiatives have had an impact on the lives of thousands of individuals in Malta, from children to the elderly, migrants and disadvantaged groups, as well as people suffering from mental or physical health issues.

Prof. Alexiei Dingli, Fair Artificial Intelligence Educator (FAIE) – MSIA 2019 winners, said, “the Malta Social Impact Awards was an incredible opportunity to develop my idea further and to test its feasibility. On a personal note, it has been an incredible learning experience and I’m grateful that I embarked on this journey.”

Due to this year’s developments surrounding Covid-19, the MSIA final event, which is normally held at the end of each year, will now be held on the 13th of March 2021. The finalists will pitch at the MSIA 5th Edition Final Event and the winners will be awarded up to €50,000 in funding, as well as additional pro bono mentoring and advisory services.

“Covid-19 has affected everyone one way or another and the same can be said for social purpose organisations that are either struggling to get support or are needed even more given these unprecedented times,” said Louisa Attard, CEO Inspirasia Foundation Malta. “Both social and environmental organisations are even more crucial today and Malta Social Impact Awards will continue supporting the great work being done in Malta.”

For more information on the Malta Social Impact Awards, send an email to info@siamalta.org, visit the MSIA website or follow the MSIA Facebook page for regular updates.

The MSIA 2020 Semi-Finalists are:

360 BLUE by AquaBiotech Group

360°Blue is a national educational and awareness building project around the marine environment and blue economy, driven by concerted action from different key stakeholders in the sector. The aim is to bring marine education to different sectors of society, and to create a platform for discussion and action around important marine issues to drive Malta to become a good paradigm of sustainable practices, and appreciation towards our beautiful seas.

https://www.facebook.com/360BlueMalta

Adopt a Grandparent Malta by Missio and Newsbook.com.mt

Adopt a Grandparent is an initiative by Missio and Newsbook.com.mt aimed at pairing senior citizens within our community with caring individuals who touch base regularly to help the elderly feel loved and help combat loneliness in solitary, confusing times. The initiative kicked off during Covid-19; eight months after they feel they have already started to reap the fruits, but are determined to take this initiative long-term and extend further; in schools as part of the educational syllabus and by eventually liaising with a tertiary institution to document transcripts of conversations between grandparent and adoptee.

https://www.facebook.com/adoptagrandparentmalta

Charity Shops for the Community by Inspire Foundation

INSPIRE’s Charity Shop project seeks to work on its sustainability by professionally organising its retail operations and expanding INSPIRE Charity Shops around the island. They aim to do this through a number of objectives such as a) Providing a better quality product for their main users on the poverty line b) Increasing the level of recycling and upcycling, positively contributing to our environment c) Creating employment opportunities for persons with disability.

https://www.facebook.com/inspire.malta

Dreams of Horses Indoor Facilities for Horse-Assisted Therapy – Gozo

DREAMS OF HORSES is a unique Caring Farm based in Xaghra, Gozo, which provides a rescue and rehabilitation facility for unwanted horses while helping members of our society in general as well as those with special needs.

This initiative would make possible the finishing of the building, which would serve as horse stalls and indoor facilities for clients to engage in therapy, care farming and educational activities in a safe, sheltered and secure environment.

https://www.facebook.com/dreamsofhorsesfarm

Empathizer by Luke Laurenti

Empathizer is a mobile application that helps people reach out for comfort and advice when dealing with a difficult moment in their lives, such as suffering from anxiety, losing a loved one or getting over a breakup. The app allows users to seek professional advice as well as chat anonymously to other users in a safe environment.

Green Gyms Malta by THRIVE

Green Gyms is a wellness gardening programme aimed at improving mental and physical health -whilst enjoying nature and its therapeutic benefits. Creating an environment where individuals feel supported to connect to themselves, each other, and nature. Participants learn about Permaculture gardening, how to grow their own organic food and explore self-enquiry within the community, whilst also improving their overall health and fitness.

https://www.facebook.com/ThriveMalta

Interpreter Unit by TAMA

The aim of the Interpreter Unit is to reform the current system addressing issues related to the availability of trained interpreters in Malta. Tama aspires to have a responsive, professional and organised response team to combat migrants being isolated from the community and ensure all migrants have access to services and benefits. Moreover, Tama aims to secure stable wages to interpreters and cultural mediators, as well as offer training and supervision from mental health professionals.

https://www.facebook.com/tama.malta.ngo

MWBA A Sport for All by Malta Wheelchair Basketball Association

Malta Wheelchair Basketball Association is a sports organisation committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential on and off the court, by providing everyone with the equal opportunity to play, learn and contribute to this all-ability sport. MWBA aims to help overcome the barriers to live a more active lifestyle for people with physical impairments; ultimately to create a more inclusive and accessible local society.

https://www.facebook.com/maltawheelchairbasketball

St Michael Hospice by Hospice Malta

Last year, Hospice Malta embarked on an ambitious project which was to create and set-up St Michael Hospice Centre which is a unique, bespoke palliative care facility to cater for the ever-increasing number of cancer cases and other serious illnesses we have on the Island. To complete the project, Hospice Malta proposes a strategy to increase awareness among the general public whilst expanding its membership base and the restructuring of the internal membership structure.

https://www.facebook.com/hospicemalta.org

Remote Learning and Learning Centre by Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS)

MOAS, through the remote learning project, aims to ensure migrant students continue to have access to an education online during the current pandemic and in the aftermath of this crisis. MOAS will be providing electronic devices to the migrant community to facilitate engagement in remote education and home-study. The plan is also to work on refurbishing and equipping a learning centre at Hal Far Open Centre that can be accessed by all residents.

https://www.facebook.com/migrantoffshoreaidstation

Project Stop by Cross Cultural International Foundation

‘Project Stop’ aims to reach out and empower vulnerable groups in our community on the dangers of human trafficking, as well as equipping them to detect it and to stay safe while following their aspirations and dreams. They create awareness about the prevention of human trafficking by using different platforms such as music, dialogues, films, games and digital tools/platforms.

https://www.facebook.com/Projectstop-1774370692796662

Walk and Talk by Rachael Hollwey

Walk and Talk is a platform for people to open up and talk about the mental health difficulties they may be facing. In this initiative, people can walk together in scenic locations, with both someone who has personal experience and someone who can provide professional guidance. Walk and Talk offers a non-invasive and relaxed space to reduce the fear of talking and inspire confidence in seeking help.

https://www.facebook.com/simplywalkandtalk

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