Eden and Razzett agree merger

Eden Foundation and Razzett tal-Hbiberija, two charities that cater for the disabled, have agreed to merge, ending weeks of speculation and resistance from Eden’s founder Josie Muscat.

The trustees of both sides today finally concluded the evaluation process and agreed to move towards setting up a new foundation to manage the operations and services of the two charities.

The new venture will operate under a new name. So far, the proposal was to brand the new organisation Inspire – Inclusive Services Promoting Independence at Razzett and Eden, but this has not been finalised.

The new entity will operate through the current facilities of the two charities, under the direction of a joint board of trustees, made up equally of representatives from Eden and Razzett.

The process, which will see the two charities develop their operations into a joint effort, is expected to take a number of months, with the transition team appointed by the trustees steering the operations.

Razzett’s CEO Nathan Farrugia, who is heading the transition, said the process was a long one that had required deep evaluation and diligent examination.

“We are happy to have invested this time because we now feel confident that the future for these two charities will be improved together. We ask the parents, staff and other stakeholders to join us and help us make this work, for the good of our beneficiaries,” he said.

Initial plans show that the current services will continue to be provided without any downsizing in service delivery staff. A more complete outlook on the operations and services of the new organisation will emerge over the coming months.

The idea for a merger was raised in August when the two charities began exploring the potential of coming together because they shared similar principles and ideals in the provision of services to the same 350 clients – Eden provides education to children with learning difficulties, while Razzett focuses on their therapeutic well-being.