As founder of Mission Fund, Ian Azzopardi has helped raise €3.5 million over the past 29 years to help improve the lives of thousands living below the poverty line in developing countries.
However, he firmly believes charity begins at home, which is why the accountant is offering free private lessons in accounts at O level for 10 students who cannot afford them.
Studies show families battling poverty or who are at risk of poverty also have a low education level, which further hinders them from developing skills fit for prod-uctive employment.
“This is my little contribution. I hope to set the ball rolling where, by obtaining a pass in the subject, the students might be kick-started into higher education, perhaps eventually becoming accountants or auditors.
“Accounts as a subject is a thriving profession and accountants are highly sought after. It is my dream to see the students in rewarding careers.
“They might also get the chance to do a good turn themselves and help deprived families break the cycle of poverty.”
Mr Azzopardi, 51, has always harboured a great love for accounts, which he hopes to impart to his prospective students.
The premises he owns in Mosta are relatively small, which is why he is limited to 10 students. However, if a charitable soul provides him with larger premises, he is willing to take on a bigger group.
During the weekly, two-hour lessons the students will be prepared to sit for next year’s Matsec examinations. He is appealing to the public to donate copies of the textbook Frank Wood Accounting 1 (Editions 10-12).
Mr Azzopardi is also willing to again offer free money management courses, one of his successful initiatives last year.
Living according to your means might seem obvious, but poor financial management has led to people finding themselves in dire straits and even bankrupt.
However, as he does not own spacious premises, he would prefer to deliver a seminar to a readily assembled group.
What motivates Mr Azzopardi to devote so much time and energy to the underprivileged?
“I believe a lot in what Raoul Follereau, who worked among lepers and said: ‘No one has the right to be happy alone in life.’ What right do I have to be rich and another person to be poor? We have enough resources – actually, more than enough – just look at the dustbins and all the stuff we throw away.
“I find it absurd – we invest all this money, we even go to space, searching for some sign of life there, but then we ignore the people dying right next to us.
“Around 24,000 children around the world die each day due to poverty. People in developing countries would survive with just €1 a day. It’s an unjust world,” he sighed.
“Poverty in Malta is very real and there are many cases. It tends to be more invisible, but all you have to do is speak to Caritas who will give you a clear picture of the situation.
“Even I feel the blow of rising bills – let alone people who are more disadvantaged.”
He added that adequately providing for children is a costly task, since they would need uniforms, laptops and other materials for school.
“Hopefully, with my small contribution, I may help reverse the destructive cycle of poverty. My dream is to open up a centre filled with kind teachers who would offer free private lessons for those whose parents cannot afford them.
“The sky’s the limit when there’s goodwill.”
Mr Azzopardi can be contacted on 7959 5125, hrd@global.net.mt or at 25, Summer Street, Mosta MST 4052.