President George Abela will be carrying out missionary work in Arequipa in Peru in July, together with a group of 60 Maltese volunteers.

Addressing a news conference this morning, the President called on people interested in joining the mission – between July 11 and 26, to express their interest by the end of April.

Volunteers will have to pay €1,500. Those aged between 18 and 30 who are not in full time employment will pay a subsidised rate of €750. The subsidy will come from the Malta Community Chest Fund.

In an appeal this morning, Dr Abela called on construction workers, health professionals and teachers to join the team.

During their stay in Peru, the volunteers will, among other work, build bathrooms and finish and furnish two child centres.

The volunteers will stay with the MSSP.

Dr Abela appealed for donations including bathroom tiles, sinks, showers, rubber matting, television screens, stationery, educational material, books in Spanish, outdoor equipment, used prescription glasses, medicine, toys and cements.

He appealed to agents and to the Spanish embassy to help as much as possible.

The President pointed out that all people on the team, including himself, will be paying for the trip, which was not a holiday.

"We are going there to work."

"We will be building a better future – for the people in Peru but also for the volunteers themselves."

Dr Abela said that since his first day as President, he had always dreamt of carrying out missionary work in a poor country.

During his visit, he will also show his appreciation for the work MSSP has been carrying out in Peru for more than 40 years.

Fr Louis Mallia, from the MSSP said there were around 10 Maltese priests in Peru where they tried to create a sense of community. He described this as a "marvellous but tough experience".

The event is going to be heavily sponsored by Rocs.

Applications can be filled online up to the end of April. Further information from 21226226, e:mail- maria.c.grech@gov.mt

president.gov.mt

mccf.org.mt

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