No one can deny that the current economic situation is rapidly changing and that the number of people and households with an equalised disposable income below the poverty threshold is on the decline.

However, beyond the numbers, there are individuals and families who are facing economic challenges arising from new expectations and new circumstances. New types and new forms of poverty will always arise as long as society as a whole will neglect the basic values of social solidarity, empathy with the emarginated and fostering empowerment to such people to help them help themselves.

Last year, the John XXIII Peace Lab, Ħal Far, organised the first edition of the National Award for Self‐Achievement, under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, with the help of APS Bank. The aim was to identify and acknowledge outstanding efforts made by individuals who were within the poverty‐risk sector and who through their own initiatives and mainly self‐help, managed to ‘make it’, economically.

Moreover, the aim was to celebrate those individuals who not only managed to gain new economic status but did so while empowering other people and showing evidence of social solidarity with their fellows. Thus, this award was to be a national celebration of the necessary spirit of enterprise and self‐help, coupled with solidarity with one’s fellows, rather than with an egoistic approach towards advancement in life.

The concept of such a national award was well-received and Peace Lab will be organising the second edition of the National Award for Self‐Achievement, themed ‘B’hilti wasalt’. Again, this event will be held under the patronage of the President and supported by APS Bank. President Coleiro Preca will be presiding over the Self‐Achievement Award-Giving Ceremony to be held at the Palace, Valletta.

The Peace Lab is inviting nominations for people who may merit such an award. Nominations may be submitted by filling a form available from bhiltiwasalt@gmail.com or victoraxiak@gmail.com or sent to the Award Committee ‘B’Ħilti Wasalt’, Peace Lab, Ħal Far.

Any request for more information may be addressed to the same e-mail addresses.

Deadline for submission of nominations is June 30.

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