A number of individuals were recently recognised for successfully completing a rehabilitation programme run by Agenzija Sedqa at the Santa Marija Community in Ħal Farruġ.
The event was organised by the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS) and held under the patronage of the President of Malta, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono.
The ceremony celebrated personal achievements in overcoming addiction, while also highlighting success stories from Sedqa’s wider range of services, which support individuals dealing with various forms of dependency.
Tributes were also paid to other entities whose continued efforts contribute to a healthier society free from substance abuse.
President Spiteri Debono focused her speech on the theme Breaking the Chains, commending the participants for their strength, determination, and courage.
She praised their commitment to rebuilding their lives and returning to society as responsible individuals. The President also stressed the importance of prevention, awareness, and readiness in the face of emerging dependencies.
Furthermore, she acknowledged the dedication of Sedqa’s staff as well as the work carried out by other government and voluntary organisations involved in the rehabilitation sector.
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, shared that one of his first actions in his current role was to oversee the transformation of the Santa Marija Community.
He said the government believes in the potential of every individual, including those battling addiction. The stories of recovery, he noted, serve as a reminder of the importance of hope and resilience in shaping effective social policy.
FSWS Chief Executive Alfred Grixti reflected on the challenging road to recovery, describing rehabilitation as a long journey often marked by setbacks. He said it is a privilege for Sedqa to be entrusted with people’s lives and to guide them through personalised care programmes that help them rebuild their futures.
During the ceremony, residents of the community presented paintings that illustrated the contrast between their painful past and their newfound strength and hope in the present.
Sedqa, which was established in 1994, continues to provide essential support for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction. Its services include prevention, therapy, and both outpatient and inpatient medical care.
The agency’s international reputation has grown in recent years through the presentation of research at conferences such as Lisbon Addictions 2024 and ISAM 2024.
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