Fondazzjoni Sebħ, a Church‑run NGO, estimates it will cost around €3 million by the end of the year to continue supporting vulnerable members of society, including children, families, and women and children escaping violence.
Sebħ’s Director Yvonne Mallia turned a spotlight on the meaningful work Fondazzjoni Sebħ has carried out behind the scenes and said that to sustain all its services it had used up €2.4 million last year.
During a milestone event this morning, Fondazzjoni Sebħ launched its new brand conveying messages of love, protection, renewal, hope and a deep‑rooted commitment to support women, children and families. This was made possible through a partnership and full sponsorship of 9H Digital and thanks to the support of the Digital Presence Office of the Archdiocese of Malta.
Around €1.8 million of the €2.4 million was allocated to support children in Sebħ’s residential homes, with an expenditure of around €45,000 per child, to cover basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, therapy, daily maintenance of the homes and round the clock care provision. This made it possible for 48 children to make one of Sebħ’s four residences their home — Dar Fra Diegu, Dar San Nikola, Dar Sagra Familja and Dar Santa Tereża — where they can live and grow in a cherished, safe and dignified environment.
Ms Mallia said that by the end of 2024 the expenditure per child was set to increase by €19,000, reaching €64,000 due to an increase in running expenses and a substantial increase in staff required to offer the children the individualised and specialised attention they require.
“We are anticipating that if Fondazzjoni Sebħ is to continue delivering the necessary and improved level of support and care to the children in residence, we will need around €3 million by the end of this year,” Ms Mallia said.
Over the years, the financial support provided by the Church in Malta, and in more recent years by the State through Public Social Partnerships, has enabled Fondazzjoni Sebħ to evolve from institutionalised care to a more personalised environment. Nowadays, the children live in small groups and apartments intended to provide a family environment.
Ms Mallia added: “Our homes offer specialised care with new forms of therapy. With the support and close collaboration of the Children in Need Foundation, we have developed an in‑house therapeutic service focused on trauma‑informed practices. This strengthens the holistic development of the children entrusted to our care.”
Fondazzjoni Sebħ also provides support to families through Il‑Milja, that helps women and their children escaping violence, including domestic violence, human trafficking and forced prostitution, as well as forced abortion. In 2023, the cost for this service for 39 persons (17 women and 22 children) was €415,000. This year, the cost is expected to increase to over €500,000. During the past two years, 30 families were provided with necessary support to address their traumatic experience as well as their psycho‑social needs, in preparation for an independent life in the community free from abuse.
The Community Family Service is another service offered by Fondazzjoni Sebħ, aimed at early intervention, reducing poverty, and providing family support and preservation. 75 families benefited from this service in 2023.
“Fondazzjoni Sebħ aims to enhance the residential services offered by the Church by strengthening therapeutic support and investing in human resources, particularly through the new aftercare services, which have been set up to provide ongoing support to children leaving residential care and to women leaving Il‑Milja as they transition to independent living.
“To achieve this, we will actively listen to those we serve, engage more specialists and collaborate with other organisations to bridge the existing gaps in support for vulnerable women and youth.
“Our efforts to raise awareness about Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s work will strengthen our role as advocates for vulnerable members of society, ensuring they have a brighter and more dignified future. Through Sebħ, the Church remains committed to providing a safe environment where children, youth and families can thrive,” said Sebħ’s Director.
During the press conference, Fr Martin Micallef, the Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia, also pointed out that the Church was this year on the eve of the Jubilee of Hope and Pope Francis had invited all Christians to be instruments of hope.
“Fondazzjoni Sebħ is showcasing its renewed commitment to being a source of hope for all those who benefit from its services. The Church in Malta is committed to continue supporting this Foundation as it accompanies children, youths and adults.”
He thanked the management and all Sebħ employees for their impeccable work, as well as the Archdiocese of Malta and the Government for their continued support. Lastly, he thanked the benefactors and the Maltese and Gozitan people for their generosity.
Those who wish to help Fondazzjoni Sebħ continue to provide services of the highest quality, as well as to create new services, may visit sebħ.mt. If you need help, you can contact Sebħ at 22470900 or email [email protected].