Better integration for young people in society

The Foundation for Social Welfare Services recently launched 'Embark for life' (E4L), a project co-financed by the EU and European Social Fund and coordinated by Aġenzija Appoġġ and Aġenzija Sedqa, in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation and the Housing Authority.

Sina Bugeja, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said youths pass through important phases in life.

Through this project, 140 young people will be able to integrate themselves better in society through better employability prospects and adequate accommodation.

Francis Borg, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Social Policy, stressed the importance of supporting young people at risk of social exclusion. He said the project will not only provide support but will also serve to promote a more inclusive society - one that looks at these young people more positively. The aim of E4L is to provide support to young people aged between 16 and 24. Those who already benefit from the specialised services of Appoġġ and Sedqa can also make use of this project.

Through E4L, young people can attend individual sessions with a professional youth support worker who will help identify their strengths and weaknesses and outline areas where they need to work on to improve their employability prospects.

Young people can also benefit from vocational training. With the help of the ETC, they will be supported to identify suitable employment opportunities.

The Housing Authority will intervene and assist in cases where these young people require adequate accommodation. So far, 86 young people have already submitted their interest to benefit from the E4L project and initial meetings with these candidates already took place.

For more information, visit www.appogg.gov.mt or www.sedqa.gov.mt.