Pilot project for young people with social problems launched

A group of young people with social problems will be taught ethics, communication skills and a range of academic subjects.

This will be part of an Embark for Life pilot project, worth €954,362, that aims to help them the group of 140 integrate into the working world through training and job-seeking assistance.

So far 86 people, aged between 16 and 24 years, have come forward to take part.

To be eligible, applicants had to be living in an inadequate place or in institutions, have mental health problems, were former inmates or have other social problems.

The project is organised by the Foundation for Social Welfare in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation and the Housing Authority. It will also help the young people sort out their living arrangements.

During its duration, , the youngsters will also be provided with psychological back up.

“Our aim is to help them stand on their own two feet. There will be some hand-holding at first, but we ultimately want to teach them to operate in the real working world,” foundation CEO Sina Bugeja said.