Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1524716
9 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 31 JULY 2024 NEWS MARKING its fifth anniversary, the Qawra Learning Centre built by the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malta Chap- ter shared its impact highlights, having hosted 1,353 families for free educational and therapeu- tic programmes and activities designed to keep families close over the past five years. To commemorate this mile- stone and 50 years of RMHC around the world, US Em- bassy Chargé d'Affaires Ken Toko and Joanna Raley, Po- litical-Economic Professional Associate, were invited to tour the Learning Centre. During their visit, Toko and Raley observed the diverse pro- grammes and activities taking place, as well as the ongoing work on a state-of-the-art Mo- tor Sensory Room, set to be inaugurated this summer. This room aims to stimulate users' motor skills and promote in- teraction in a calming and en- gaging environment. Over the past five years, the charity has helped 1,289 chil- dren and young people, and de- livered 3,888 hours of sessions. It has also provided space and additional support to various NGOs and entities that share its mission. Additionally, 3,121 professionals and volunteers have dedicated their time to RMHC's cause, demonstrating unwavering support and mak- ing a significant impact on the community. "This milestone marks five years of dedicated service and impactful programmes that have made a difference to marginal- ised groups and our neighbour- ing communities," said Martin Xuereb, Chairman of the RMHC Malta Chapter. "We believe that every child deserves the chance to succeed, and we are proud to have spent this time creating a safe environment for people who need a shoulder to lean on dur- ing difficult times and providing learning opportunities to those in need." Inaugurated in 2019, the pur- pose-built Learning Centre - a 360-square meter facility – has addressed a critical need for specialised and accessible sup- port services for children fac- ing challenges stemming from learning disabilities or social circumstances. It offers one- on-one and group counselling, family therapy, integration programmes, academic tutor- ing, educational workshops, professional development for educators, and training ses- sions for volunteers. The Centre includes a mul- ti-purpose hall for events and activities, a learning kitchen for life skills lessons, and a re- source room with workspaces. Additionally, it serves as an autism-friendly space, offering a supportive environment for children with sensory difficul- ties. The premises also func- tions as a hub for 18 NGOs and public social work entities, fa- cilitating various programmes for their service users. The Learning Centre is the first major project of the RM- HC Malta Chapter, which is part of a global network oper- ating in more than 60+ coun- tries and regions, benefiting millions of children and their families annually. Since its es- tablishment in 2012, the RM- HC Malta Chapter, a registered charity (VO/0778), has been committed to providing chil- dren and young people with access to specialised support to enhance their education and improve their quality of life. More than 1,350 families supported in five years at Ronald McDonald House Charities' Qawra Learning Centre LIDL Malta has partnered with Caritas to launch an empowering training and recruitment initiative. The heart of this programme lay in a comprehensive workshop held at the Lidl Malta Head Office last week. During this workshop, partic- ipants received guidance and practical tools to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce. The shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance, and a collective commitment to break- ing down barriers and creating pathways to success formed the foundation of this transformative project. The workshop held at the Lidl Malta Head Office, provided par- ticipants who had completed their rehabilitation programme with a comprehensive toolkit for effec- tive workforce re-entry. Through- out the session, attendees delved into effective job search strategies, honed their CV-writing skills, and practiced interview technique. The retail chain team simulated real-world job interviews, offering constructive feedback to enhance performance. Beyond technical skills, focus was also placed on building self-confidence and re- silience, essential qualities for navigating the job market. The collaboration focused on having participants leaving the workshop equipped with practi- cal tools and renewed hope for a brighter future, with some of the partakers having the opportunity of becoming part of the #teamlidl family. Owen Micallef, Lidl Malta Di- rector, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating "looking ahead, I am excited to deepen our collaboration with Caritas, as their mission aligns seamlessly with our Company Values. This workshop represents just one of the many ways we ac- tively support the NGO and the people it supports. This project underscores our unwavering ded- ication to fostering opportunities for second chance – a belief we hold dear, knowing that everyone deserves a fresh start." Anthony Gatt, Caritas Malta Di- rector, went on to state "Caritas remains steadfast in its mission to provide support, rehabilitation, and hope to those seeking a fresh start. Through collaborative ef- forts such as this workshop, both entities continue paving the way for second chances, believing, and highlighting that transformation is possible for all." Caritas remains steadfast in its mission to provide support, re- habilitation, and hope to those seeking a fresh start. Through collaborative efforts such as this workshop, both entities continue paving the way for second chanc- es, believing, and highlighting that transformation is possible for all. Lidl Malta and Caritas collaborate to offer second chance for reintagration within society