A national award has been introduced to recognise self-achievement by those at risk of poverty and who made outstanding efforts to help themselves and others.

The aim of the award, called B’Ħilti Wasalt (I succeed through my efforts), is to identify and acknowledge those who worked hard to lift themselves out of poverty.

Such individuals should also be able to show that while improving their own economic status they are empowering others.

The award to combat poverty and social exclusion is being organised by the Peace Lab, under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. Nominations will be received until April 13.

The message to the public is that people living in poverty are not necessarily laid back and lazy. The award is intended to celebrate the spirit of enterprise and self-help, coupled with solidarity rather than an egoistic approach towards advancement in life.

The organisation said there was a growing number of people and families facing the risk of poverty and whose quality of life was fast deteriorating. An increasing number of households have a disposable income below the risk-of-poverty threshold.

Peace Lab referred to a number of social and economic factors that are leading to the situation.

“These include an erosion of our traditional values for caring and social solidarity, increased consumerism, and the generally cut-throat approach and mode of life of a number of middle and upper class people.”

The organisation said there was a growing awareness that this situation could and should be addressed by all sectors of society: “While various initiatives may be addressed to help solve this national issue, ideally these would be based on fostering social solidarity, giving empowerment to such people, and offering specialised services to help them help themselves.”