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Agenzija Sedqa marks the International Day against Drug Abuse
Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Agenzija Sedqa, in collaboration with Rotaract Club Malta La Valette, launched an educational CD entitle Facts, not Fiction, which includes useful information about substance abuse, as part of the celebrations to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

During the event held this morning, Sina Bugeja, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, thanked Rotaract Club Malta La Valette, that for the second time offered its support to the Agency in its initiatives. Ms. Bugeja said that one of the aims of the Foundation is to focus on prevention methods on a national level, particularly those aimed towards young people, especially with the aim to minimise the risks of social exclusion. This is also in light that during this year, the Foundation is also leading the celebrations of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Jesmond Schembri, Operations Director of Agenzija Sedqa, said that since its inception 16 years ago, it has always given the utmost importance to the preventive aspect in the field of substance abuse. He also said that while the Agency is very active in service provision to those who have already developed a substance addiction, a lot of work is also done in other environments such as schools, the workplace and the community, with the aim of strengthening social and personal skills in order for persons to be able to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Mr. Schembri also referred to the various media used by the Agency, through which it delivers its preventive messages. These include the publication of leaflets and newspaper articles, participation in TV and radio programmes, use of the internet, and also the production of interactive CDs such as the one launched today.

During the launch of Fatti mhux Hrejjef CD

“Rotaract Club Malta La Valette is the ideal environment from where young people may give their service to society”, stated Mr. Joseph Meli-Attard, President of Rotaract Club Malta La Valette, during his address, during which he emphasized the importance of delivering preventive messages in schools, where one also needs to invest more in students. He also reiterated that one should make the most of the opportunity presented today to learn more about the negative effects of drugs and their destructive consequences on the individual, the family, and the community at large. Mr. Meli-Attard also encouraged young people to be more active as European citizens in society for the good of humanity. He also appealed to those people who have a substance abuse problem to seek the professional help available. This, to be able to be guided properly for more opportunities, a better future, improving community life, and also benefit from the positive aspects of life in a realistic, effective and positive way. Mr. Meli-Attard concluded that it has been a pleasure that Rotaract Club Malta La Valette took on this opportunity to work with Agenzija Sedqa, while hoping that there will be further future projects for the benefit of the Maltese community.

This CD, co-financed by Rotaract Club Malta La Valette and Agenzija Sedqa, is aimed towards young people and includes an updated interactive version of a previous booklet issued by the Agency, including information about the effects of various substances on the body, substance abuse during pregnancy, and useful contact details. Sections of this CD are presented in both English and Maltese. Facts, not Fiction will eventually be disseminated in post-secondary schools and during education programmes led by the Sedqa Prevention Services.

Through this initiative, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services is, once again, showing its commitment and that of its agencies in delivering an incorporated message of prevention. As part of its prevention work, Agenzija Sedqa, which marks its 16th Anniversary on the 26th June, delivers various prevention programmes in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools; programmes at the workplace, parental skills courses, and projects within the community, amongst others.

Present for this launch were members of Rotaract Club Malta La Valette; Sedqa staff; representatives from the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010 project; and also representatives of the European project Embark for Life, operated by the Foundation with the aim of helping young people find gainful employment and integrate in society.

Rotaract Club Malta La Valette was officially launched on the 28th June 2006. it is sponsored by two local Rotary Clubs Rotary Club La Valette Malta and Rotary Club Malta. It also forms part of the Sicily-Malta District 2110. for more information, one may visit the website www.rotaractmalta.org.

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