After spending a year in a residential drug rehabilitation programme, today John* will be returning to work with newly-acquired computer skills.
"We all deserve a second chance... Before I entered Caritas' San Blas rehab centre I only knew the basics of how to use a computer but I've now improved my typing skills and I can use various programmes such as Microsoft Windows," he said as he joked that he had practically become a computer whizz.
John, 31, is now looking forward to practising what he learnt outside the walls of the rehabilitation centre.
A new government scheme entitled PC 4 NGOs, which allows voluntary organisations to obtain reconditioned computers cheaply, will help people like John learn computer skills.
These skills will in turn help them reintegrate into society and give them a better chance at finding a job.
During the launch of the scheme yesterday, Caritas director Monsignor Victor Grech stressed the importance of helping residents keep in touch with job market demands.
In fact, he said, there were plans to set up a learning centre within San Blas to facilitate residents' integration.
Last year, he added, the centre hosted about 655 people although not all were residents.
"I can't say that we've solved the drug problem. It's clear that the drug market is an open one. It's clear that there isn't enough control on drugs and it's clear that there are many young people who don't have aspirations for their future," Mgr Grech said.
Currently there are about 25 residents at San Blas and the youngest is 16.
During the launch of the scheme, IT Minister Austin Gatt presented Mgr Grech with 10 reconditioned computers for the centre.
Mr Gatt explained that the scheme gave NGOs the opportunity to acquire up to five such computers for prices ranging between €50 and €80 each.
He added that the Communication's Authority was working with a number of NGOs to improve digital literacy in the community. Through the Smart Start scheme, he said, the authority had donated 1,000 computers.
All NGOs set up for more than a year can apply for the PC 4 NGOs scheme by logging on to www.mca.org.mt.
* Name has been changed to protect identity.