A new Collective Agreement for Id-Dar tal-Providenza employees

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A new collective agreement has been signed between Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza and the General Workers’ Union (GWU).   The agreement, covering the period 2024‑2026, provides for better working conditions for all employees as well as a new structure and promotion opportunties. There is also a substantial improvement in salaries as well as various other conditions, it awards the development and training whilst it continues to strengthen family friendly measures. In its totality, this agreement strengthens the relationships of jobs at the Home for the next three years.

The agreement was signed by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza and Mrs Riccarda Darmanin, Secretary of the Professionals, Finance and Services section of the GWU.  It was also signed by Ms Nadine Camilleri Cassano, Administrator of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza, Mr Paul Micallef, Assistant Secretary of the same Section and Shop Stewards Mrs Karen Agius, Mr Miguel Grech and Mr David Muscat.  Present on behalf of the Archdiocese of Malta were the Director of Human Resouces Dr Rebecca Gatt, and the Administrator, Mr Michael Pace Ross.

After the signing of the Collective Agreement, Fr Martin thanked all those involved in the negotiations leading up to the signing of the Collective Agreement for the workers which were carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect and a desire to continue improving on the working conditions and salaries of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza employees. He added that the will to increase employees’ wages does not only reflect a sense of justice but also an appreciation of the commitment and great dedication of the Home’s employees.

Mrs Darmanin, on behalf of the Professionals, Finance and Services Section of the GWU, expressed her satisfaction at the way the negotiations took place where good will was shown by all which led to a satisfactory conclusion for all parties concerned. Dr Rebecca Gatt, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Malta, said that one has to appreciate the efforts made during the negotiations so that competence and experience of the present work force are recognised and at the same time new talent is attracted.

Those who would like a pdf copy of the new Collective Agreement in Maltese can send an email on info@dartalprovidenza.org. A printed hard copy can be collected from the reception as from Wednesday 24 January 2024.  Copies of the Collective Agreement in English will be availble as from 1 February 2024.  However one can ask for a copy of the salary scale only as from Monday 22 January 2024.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza which was founded in 1965 by Mgr Michael Azzopardi offers residential services to 115 persons with disability.  It employs 289 employees.

Festa ta’ Ġenerożità raises €1,520,517 for Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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The people of Malta and Gozo have again shown their generosity towards Id-Dar tal-Providenza and expressed their solidarity by donating €1,520,517 during Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on new year’s day. The funds raised will help the Home to continue providing the best residential services to 115 persons with disability that live in its homes. These funds will also help the Home to finish the refurbishing and improvements of the environment for the residents of Villa Papa Giovanni in Siġġiewi where extensive renovation works have already been done during the past year.   At the end of the twelve‑hour televised marathon, Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home augered that the solidarity shown towards Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza on the first day of the new year will continue throughout the year with all those in our Maltese society who need support.

This year’s Festa ta’ Ġenerożità was broadcast from under the big tent purposely set up in the Home’s parking lot in Siġġiewi. It started off with a mass celebrated by H.G. The Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna in the Home’s chapel and went on till midnight. At the beginning of the celebration, which was attended by the President of Malta, Dott. George Vella and Mrs Vella, there was the traditional Christmas homily delivered by 10-year old Kate Prasel Caruana.

On again was the art auction – paintings, sculptures and ceramics – donated by various Maltese and foreign artists. Once again everything, including the bidding, was online and the sale of the works of art raised €39,042.

The Hon. Julia Farrugia Portelli, Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights who represented the Prime Minister Dott. Robert Abela, donated €25,000 from the Good Causes Fund.

As has happened every year, an appreciable number of parishes in Malta and Gozo organised special collections on new year’s eve and new year’s day that were then presented to Id-Dar tal-Providenza on behalf of the parish communities.

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna focused on the five blessings that the national poet Dun Karm Psaila mentions in the National Anthem: wisdom, charity, health, unity and peace that should guide us through the year. He augured for peace in the hearts of all Maltese and Gozitans because whoever has no peace in his heart is a poor person whilst those embracing peace are very rich indeed.

In the concelebration, the Archbishop was assisted by Mgr Charles Cordina, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, Fr Josef Mifsud, Archpriest of Siġġiewi, and Fr Martin Micallef, Director, and Fr Trevor Fairclough,  Spiritual Director of Id-Dar tral-Providenza.

This new year’s Festa ta’ Ġenerożità get under way

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The Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on the first day of the new year got under way with a mass concelebrated by H.G. the Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna in the Home’s chapel and will go on till midnight tonight. At the beginning of the mass, which was atttended by the President of Malta, Dott, George Vella and Mrs Vella, there was the traditional Christmas homily made by Kate.

In his homily, Archbishop Scicluna dwelled on the five blessings that the national poet Dun Karm Psaila mentions in the National Anthem: wisdom, love, health, unity and peace. He augured that peace be in the hearts of all Maltese and Gozitans because whover does not nurture peace in his heart is a poor person indeed whilst those who endear peace in their heart end up being very rich.

Durin the concelebration of the mass, the Archbishop was assisted by Mgr Charles Cordina, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, Fr Josef Mifsud, Archpriest of Siġġiewi and Fr Martin Micallef, Director and Fr Trevor Fairclough, Spiritual Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

Photo: Ian Noel Pace, Archdiocese of Malta

 

Counting down to Festa ta’ Ġenerożita’ 2024

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The public can make its donation right now as follows:

  • 5160 2012 – €10
  • 5170 2013 – €15
  • 5180 2014 – €25
  • 5190 2085 – €50
  • 5130 2022 – €100
  • (SMS) 5061 8922 – €7

By cheque of more than €20 addressed to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Lapsi Road, Siġġiewi SGW 2822;

Using Paypal or Bank Transfer through one of Id-Dar tal-Providenza’s accounts with APS Bank, BOV, HSBC, Lombard Bank or BNF Bank;

Or personally at Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi, at the Valletta office at St. Paul’s Street right behind the old market in Valletta (Tuesday to Saturday between 9am and noon), at the Paola Catholic Bookshop, or at the Rabat Malta square in front of the parish church up to January 1st 2024.

Santa Claus made it to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Santa Claus used one of the modern transport systems, the helicopter, so as not to miss out on dropping by for a handshake and a photo opportunity with the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Thanks to the Armed Forces of Malta, the residents gathered in the Home’s parking lot to watch Santa Claus dangling from a winch and coming towards them to the ground.

Of course, the residents did not miss out on having their photo taken with Santa Claus.

Eden Leisure Group donates €5,000 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Mr Simon De Cesare, CEO, and Ms Kate De Cesare, Chief Sustainability Officer, of Eden Leisure Group donated €5,000 to Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home, thanked the Group for its sustained support of the Home.

Eden Leisure Group is one of the considerable number of large and small companies and entities in Malta that encourage its employees to pass on a small contribution from their salaries to Id-Dar tal-Providenza as well as inspire other companies to do the same.

Employers can get more information on this act of solidarity by sending an email on info@dartalprovidenza.org. On their part, employees who wish to be part of this scheme may contact their HR Manager to encourage the company they work for to become part of the scheme.

Festa ta’ Ġenerożita’ back on January 1st 2024

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This year, ‘il-Festa ta’ Ġenerożita’ in aid of Dar tal-Providenza will be organised again
under under an installed canopy at the Dar tal-Providenza outdoor parking in
Siggiewi. This was announced by the director of ‘Dar tal-Providenza, Fr Martin
Micallef, during a Press Conference held this morning, 5th December 2023.

Il-Festa ta’ Ġeneroiżita’ will be broadcasted live on main local television stations
between 10:00am and midniht. At 9:30am, TVM2 will broadcast a Special Mass by
Mons Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna from the chapel at Dar tal-Providenza. During
the day, an auction for work of art will be held. Such work of art will be exhibited in
the main hall of ‘id-Dar tal-Providenza’. Interested parties may browse through the
whole catalogue on www.dtpauction.com. Online bidding will commence on the
15th of December onwards, on belgraviaacutions.com.

During the Press Briefing, Fr Martin Micallef emphasised that Dar tal-Providenza is
committed to keep offering quality service to its residents, as it continues to aspire
to keep improving as much as possible the quality of life of the same residents. He
emphasized that although the provision personalised services to residents is a
crucial element, the objectives of Dar tal-Providenza are to assist residents in to be
included in society, and also participate actively. Fr Martin explained in detail the
fees incurred by Dar tal-Providenza on an annual basis, which are required to
continue enhancing investment in human resources, purchase of new equipment,
maintenance, and new capital projects. All of such investment is ultimately
required to continue improving the services provided to its residents, and to launch
new homes in the community.

Il-Festa ta’ Ġenerożita’ on the 1st of Jannary is an annual event, where the
institution request the Maltese and Gozitan population for their financial
contribution. The institution requires more than €6.5 million annually to be able to
operate.

Ms Camilleri Cassano, Administrator at Dar tal-Providdenza explained how
donations can be done as from today until the 1st of January 2024 in a variety of
means: By Telephone: €10 – 51602012, €15 – 51702013, €25 – 51802014,
€50 – 51902085, €100 – 51302022 SMS €7- 50618922
One can also use Paypal or by Bank transfer on one of Dar tal-Providenza’s
accounts: APS Bank, BOV, HSBC, Lombard Bank, BNF Bank.
Additionally, individuals may place donations of more than €20 by means of a
cheque addressed to Dar tal-Providenza, Triq Lapsi, is-Siġġiewi SGW2822. It should
be noted that cheques of less than €20 value cannot be exchanged dfollowing a
directive issued by the Central Bank of Malta.
Other Donations may be received at the Office of Dar tal-Providenza, situated at
Triq San Pawl, il-Belt (behind the market), between 9:00am an noon; at Poala
Catholic Bookshop, and the Rabat Central Square during the days preceding
Christmas until the 1st of January 2024.

The Down Syndrome Association is awarded this year’s Mons Mikiel Azzopardi Prize.

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The Down Syndrome Association Malta is this year’s winner of the Mons Mikiel Azzopardi Award. This was announced by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, during a vocal and instrumental concert by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta. H.E. the President of Malta Dott. George Vella, in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop, Mgr Joseph Galea-Curmi, presented the award to representatives of the Down Syndrome Association. The concert was held at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Imdina by the band of the Armed Forces of Malta under the baton of its Director of Music, Captain Jonathan Borg. Christine Delicata was the presenter.

The Down Syndrome Association Malta was formed in 1981 when it was established and led by parents of persons with the Down Syndrome. The association is registered as a voluntary organisation and as such is totally dependent on voluntary support and donations made by the generosity of its members and the general public in order to maintain its mission and cover administrative expenses.

One of the main aims of the association is to encourage persons with the Down Syndrome condition to reach their potential where they can live indipendently in a society that accepts their capabilities. The association also helps parents who just had a new born with the Down Syndrome condition by providing advice and support particularly during the early stages of its life. Another role is that the association represents the interest and needs of Down Syndrome persons in all aspects of their lives and individual needs as members of the family and the community.

The concert that was very well attended took place on Friday, December 1st on the occasion of the World Day for Persons with Disability that is celebrated on December 3rd. In a short address, Fr Martin Micallef said that the United Nations established this Day as an annual occasion for society to unite as one to support persons with disability living in our communities, establish awareness of the importance that we create a better  future in which persons with disability enjoy equal opportunities and do not have to face any obstacle in all aspects of their lives in the communities they make part of, both in their daily lives as well as in their expectations for gainful employment and the realisation of their aspirations. To this, Pope Francis added the importance that during this Day we also promote a culture for life that continually affirms the dignity of every person, especially as a protection to men and women of all ages and social conditions.

The concert included works by Kettlebey, Yoder, Nelhybel, Appermont, Coleridge‑Taylor together with those of Maltese composers  Aurelio Belli, Daniel Vella and Antoine Marcieca.  Solists were Sgt Joseph Zammit on the Euphonium, Bdr Joseph Grech on the tubular bells and tenor Bdr Georg Zammit.

The Mons Mikiel Azzopardi award, that was given out for the first time in 1955, is awarded every year in recognition of contributions made by persons in the disability sector in Malta and Gozo as well as to persons and organisations that help out Id-Dar tal-Providenza in its mission.

Arts Exhibition in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza hosted by the Parliament of Malta

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The Parliament of Malta hosted an exhibition of works of art – paintings, sculptures and ceramics – donated by various Maltese and foreign artists. These works of art will be auctioned off online in aid of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza on January 1st as part of the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità that will be happening under the big tent in the Home’s Siġġiewi car park and to which everyone is welcome.

The Director of the Home, Fr Martin Micallef, thanked the Speaker, the Hon. Dr Anġlu Farrugia, for once again agreeing to host the exhibition in the Parliament’s entrance, a truly central and accessible location for the public in Valletta. With the full support of Dr Farrugia it can be said that the exhibition has become an annual event. Fr Martin appealed to all Maltese and Gozitans to join in at the Festa ta’ Ġenerożità on new year’s day.

In a short address, the Speaker referred to the work achieved by Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi, whom he described as a pioneer who taught and encouraged the Maltese and Gozitans to change their attitude towards persons with disability.

Dr Farrugia thanked all the artists, both Maltese and foreign, for their generosity in donating their works of art as well as those carers and support workers who work with the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The catalogue of all the works of art as well as more information on the auction may be accessed online on www.dtpauction.com. One can bid online on www.belgraviaauctions.com. between December 15th 2023 and the 1st of January 2024.

Bazaar in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza

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Grand bazaar in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi  from Saturday 25th to Sunday 26th November  between 8.30am and 4.00pm. You can find new and second-hand items like books, clothing, plants, kitchen goods and utensils, decorations, antiques and other useful objects.

See you then.