The OASI Foundation celebrated its 12th anniversary last Thursday.
On Wednesday, its director, Fr Emmanuel Cordina, celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the OASI treatment centre for staff, members, volunteers and friends.
Fr Cordina spoke about the work done over the past 12 years, and mentioned the projects and departments that are working together to make OASI what it is today.
Thanking those who have contributed during the past 12 years, Fr Cordina also expressed the need for the authorities to take responsibility for the social care sector, its employees and clients, especially since the foundation will need more funds in the near future.
Mass was followed by a barbecue for staff and members. The OASI Foundation, as a voluntary philanthropic organisation, free from political, religious or secretarian allegiance, is sustained by the efforts of the fundraising committee and benefactors' contributions. OASI is divided into three main departments:
The Primary Prevention team aims to educate persons through all available educational means by organising sessions in schools, youth centres and workplaces. The team also takes care of various publications, such as the OASI.com magazine, a bi-monthly newsletter for sixth form students, and various leaflets.
This summer, 60 participants from five European countries will be meeting in Gozo to learn about alternative leisure activities. Two youth groups will also be sent to participate in two exchanges in Greece and Cyprus. Various activities are being organised for their kids club and youth groups. The annual concert Riflessi Sajfin will be promoting local musicians and dancers while conveying the idea of the beauty of life without the use of substances.
Immediate Intervention offers professional counselling, free of charge, to those with particular prolems. Besides helping those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse, those needing help in their relationships or suffering from depression can seek assistance.
The Treatment and Rehabilitation department is OASI's best known operation, which can be found at 5, Wied Sara Street, Victoria. This centre offers a therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation programme, with related life-skills training to addicts and alcoholics.
OASI's residential programme takes a minimum of three months and is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. The foundation believes that addiction is a disease and therefore, to stop the harmful effects caused by substance abuse, total abstinence is necessary. Assistance is provided for family members, enabling them to offer support to the recovering person in a healthy manner.
The OASI Foundation and Vodafone have been working hand in hand launch a preventive campaign.
For more information contact the OASI Foundation on 2156-3333, or by e-mail at info@oasi.org.mt. Those wishing to contribute to OASI's welfare can send donations to the Director-General, OASI Foundation, 5, Wied Sara Street, Victoria Gozo, VCT 108.