Tuesday, 3rd November 2009 - 12:52CET
Maltese development funds may change the life of hundreds abroad
Foreign Development Funds donated by Malta are to be used to change the quality of life of hundreds of people in Africa thanks to a number of projects which will be administered by Maltese NGOs.
The allocation of the funds, totalling €237,200,was announced this morning by Foreign Minister Tonio Borg.
Nine projects will benefit.
Volunteer Mark Caruana was given €55,000 to partly finance his project to build a low cost housing project in Ethiopia for 55 poor families. The cluster of houses will be known as Village Malta.
Also in Ethiopia, Jesuit priest Joseph Cassar and the INYGO Foundation will be building a water desalination facility for the Missionaries of Charity, for which €25,200 were allocated.
Another foundation, CFC-ANCOP Malta Foundation will build 30 houses and a community hall for a migrant and refugee community in Nairobi, Kenya, with assistance of €24,000.
The Daughters of the Sacred Heart were given €40,000 to build a nursery in a school compound in Tanzania.
Another school in Tanzania, Atiman Primary, will benefit from a donation of €29,000 given to the Mission Fund for new equipment.
The Happy Moments Kenya group will be using a donation of €12,000 to enlarge an orphanage for children whose parents died of Aids. Some of the funds will also be used for a borehole for fresh water and an internet centre.
€16,000 will also go for another project in Kenya being handled by Kare4Kenya group for the building of a community centre.
The Malta Red Cross were given €24,000 to help finance transport and living conditions in a section of Swaziland.
The only project being held outside Africa will be the building of a playing field in Aplao, Peru, by missionary Fr Nicholas Schembri. He has been given €12,000.
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Our legacy is to leave a better world than the one we found and it starts with each one of us based on one's means and gifts; irrespective of what others are doing. For those who not believe in a Higher Authority at least believe in yourselves .. that within you you have the power to make a positive change no matter how small.
As for this piece of news .... I am proud to be Maltese. Let us keep up the good work.
But then again what is Iraq today since then.........................??
I have allways wondered why after the end of WW2, when europe was completely devastated in every sense, yet a bussiness case come out of the ashes leading to what is called today, the EU. !!!! The African continent is so wealthy....................I mean do I need to say more here ???
Anyway, these organisations do indeed make a difference to those in need. Well done Maltese NGOs. You are ambassadors of Humanity to these impoverished regions of the world.
Why should we take the blame and burden of Africa? Was it Malta who colonialised mostparts of Africa? The answer is no!!!. Was it Malta who sold weapons and ammo to African dictators, which in turn wreck havoc in their countries? No again!!!
Malta is a small country that is faced by a massive invasion, where we are forced to provide shelter, clothing and food to unwanted strangers, while on the other hand the rate of unemployment is on the high rise.
Charity begins at home, so first and foremost our responsabilty should be towards aiding all maltese in need. we joined the EU to "benefit" the opportunities provided by the union. But unfortunatly we are risking to form part of the African Union instead, a continet which we couldn't care less about during these hard times!
not only we should care of what happens beyond our shores, but we should feel responsible of the so called North/South divide. It is us to blame what's going on in the Mediterranean routes. It is us to blame on climate change making Africans leaving their homeland due to droughts and absolute poverty. long never ending list ...it is our responsability to commit ourselves towards development projects in order to reach the MDGs
There is sufficient money available in most African Countries, the emphasis should be on Foreign Governments taking the African Leaders to task, on how and where all the money is spent.
It clearly shows that this country is losing its values.
We should be ashamed to think and write such comments.
We should all strive to combat poverty and not crticise people who give their time and life to help the poor. This is a good job by our Foreign Minister and an example to be followed by all.
With small amounts we can make a huge difference to the poor children in these third world countries.
Martin Spiteri what makes you think that you werren't born or stilling living in 3 World country?
And if we DID care what happens in Kenya and Timbaktoo, we wouldn't have to deal with the refugees who come here. They are the result of the situation in their homeland, which you prefer to ignore cause "it's none of our business". Well, you will realise that it IS our business after all. Helping people in their homeland is the wisest decision. After all, many of them prefer to stay at home with their families - but they are forced to come here cause "we don't care". Well, it's about time we start caring and taking action. Well done to all the NGOs who are changing people's lives.
I wish they could also change our attitudes but we're too concerned about the "swimming pool" that 'they' will steal from us to realise that 'they' don't give a damn about our swimming pool - all they want is something to eat!
First of all You should thank Whoever you believe in for not being born in a third world country. Secondly what happens all around the world, might effect you, directly or indirectly especially in the long run. As long as the money is well spent, it doesn't make you a difference if it is spent locally or abroad. The main scope is to help people living in difficulties. Illegal immigrants in Malta are by far more comfortable than when they were back home.
How about considering the local NGOs that have not yet received Governmenr funding despite the fact they support Maltese in need?