A “terrifying” EU report saying Malta risked facing “massive poverty” was among the factors that prompted the Government to draw up sustainable and effective policies, Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said yesterday.
She was addressing a small crowd of people who gathered at Cospicua for the second in a series of public consultation meetings meant “to give poverty a face”.
The Cottonera is an area facing a number of social problems. The rate of poverty there is five per cent above that of other localities.
The audience at the meeting highlighted a number of salient issues prevalent in Cospicua and suggested ways in which they could be addressed.
Education featured prominently. The rate of absenteeism in Cospicua was very high and the pattern was one that started in early years.
This resulted in illiterate and semi-illiterate school leavers. Many parents, it was pointed out, did not value education highly.
There was also need for courses in financial management. People at risk of poverty needed to be helped with how to spend their money and escape the vicious cycle of drugs, usury and gambling.
They should also resist the lures of mobile phone companies that offered free telephones but committed the user to a contract many then found themselves unable to keep up with, participants said.
More foot patrols by the police were required in the area, a woman suggested, in order to help maintain law and order.
Less bureaucracy when handing out social benefits was essential, as people emerging from prison had to wait for 15 days for their first cheque to arrive.
A strategic working group was set up to address the sustainability and shortcomings of the pension system, the minister said in response to a query.
The Government would be working on having “seamless integrated services”. If a child still required a social worker even after finishing school, then that service would be provided, Ms Coleiro Preca said.
A “terrifying” report says Malta is at risk of massive poverty Photo: Shutterstock