Marsovin and Offset Printers are among the first clients of the Me2 Co-operative, the new social enterprise based in Mtarfa.

The co-operative’s 52-member team has performed more than 90,000 tasks since its establishment earlier this year. The coperative was set up as a result of the Me2 project, which was co-financed by the European Social Fund and led by Aġenzija Sapport, part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.

Its staff members, who are disabled, are being commissioned by private companies and other entities to carry out tasks such as packaging. They have also been engaged at a summer school in Pembroke.

Me2’s work was highlighted during a visit by Justice, Dialogue and Family Minister Chris Said, who pledged the government’s support for initiatives which generated employment and increased opportunities for vulnerable people, and helped develop their skills and enhance their employability.

The National Commission for Persons with Disability and the Employment and Training Corporation are Aġenzija Sapport’s partners in the Me2 project.

Dr Said explained that the authorities were preparing to revise legislation governing co-operatives. It is estimated that in 2009 there were some 5,000 co-operatives contributing a total of €71 million to the GDP.

Stephen Vella, Me2 project leader, explained that the enterprise’s staff were assisted by the project’s support workers. Me2 is led by a board whose directors were elected by the co-operative’s members.

He added that Me2 support workers are striving to establish partnerships with local businesses and showcase the various skills of its diverse team.

Organisations that would like to learn how Me2’s staff members can be helpful to their business may call 2788 5110 or visit www.sapport.gov.mt and http://me2coop.sharepoint.com .

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