Watch: Prime Minister Visits Santa Marija Community Rehabilitation Centre
Prime Minister Robert Abela visited the Santa Marija Community Rehabilitation Centre where he joined residents for a meal earlier today.
The Santa Marija Community Rehabilitation Centre is run by the Sedqa Agency in Ħal Farruġ. While thanking the residents for the work that went into hosting this lunch, Prime Minister Abela praised them for the courage they had in sharing their personal experiences with him.
“Anyone can make a mistake, it is important to understand this. But it takes great courage to recognize the mistake, accept it and work tirelessly to recover and rebuild your life. And you are doing this with dignity and determination that should inspire many others,” said Abela.
Together with the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, and the Chief Executive of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) Alfred Grixti, the Prime Minister met with the residents who prepared everything necessary for this meal, using fruit and vegetables that they grow themselves in the fields surrounding the residence.
During this lunch, the Prime Minister spoke with the residents, as they shared their experiences, both challenging ones but above all, those of hope. He also heard stories of residents who have gone through this program, successfully completed it, and today are giving back to the community by helping others on their journey towards healing.
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“You are not just professionals, you are people with big hearts who believe in change and believe in people. To every resident here, I tell you that these workers believe in you and are here to help you succeed. As a Government, we will continue to work to offer the necessary support so that anyone who wants to make a change in their life has the tools and the chance to do so,” said Abela as he acknowledged the invaluable work of the workers in the Santa Marija Community.
The Director of Operations of Aġenzija Sedqa, Charles Scerri, also explained how residents now have the opportunity to share their experiences with children and young people through the ‘Hurt by others. Healed through others’ programme.
This program, which is provided at Learning Centres in cities and towns, offers a space for residents to talk about their experiences while sharing life lessons including resilience and different ways to live a better life.
The Santa Marija Community offers a program based on a therapeutic community, which includes residential and aftercare phases, in order to offer concrete tools for a life free from addiction and healthier.
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