SEM assists in the absorption of EU funds for local communities

Four projects funded from the LEADER programme promoted in Żejtun

Servizzi Ewropej f’Malta assisted a number of organisations to apply for EU funds under the LEADER programme. Such funds help small organisations and local councils which are very often limited in their financial resources to implement projects that benefit the local communities. SEM comes in to support these organisations through the technical assistance required to apply and implement successful EU-funded projects. This support, which is free of charge, make up for the limited human resources of the applicant organisations.

Four projects funded from the LEADER programme were promoted at an activity in Żejtun in the presence of Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Carmelo Abela, SEM CEO Mandy Falzon, SEM EU Funds Director, Darren Grasso, and representatives of four organisations that benefited from these funds.

Żejtun Corinthians Football Club, Beland Band Club, Teresa Nuzzo Foundaion and Marsaxlokk Parish benefited from a total of €55,000 for their projects.

Żejtun Corinthians Football Club sought LEADER funding for the purchase of items to transform the training grounds hall of the club into a living space including a dormitory to host foreign football teams and more comfortable for activities for the Club’s members. The project will combine informal education and the healthy development of young individuals.

The Beland Band Club’s project focused on refurbishment works within their premises in Żejtun, by implementing alterations to internal windows and doors to their original state, and purchased new equipment for the teaching of music to students attending the band club.

The Teresa Nuzzo Foundation is implementing a LEADER project on behalf of the Congregation, which owns and runs St Joseph Home in Żejtun. The Home was built as an extension to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit between 1819-1820 and always served a community purpose. The Foundation is restoring most of the wooden apertures and conserving the facade of the Home.

The Marsaxlokk Parish Church requested LEADER funding for the gilding and restoration of an ostensory (an ornamental religious artefact used to display the holy eucharist on special occasions) which is older than 120 years. The asset consists of the ostensory as well as an ornamental halo which attaches to it. This asset is closely tied to the religious heritage of Marsaxlokk. It shall be displayed in a museum annexed to the Parish Church of Marsaxlokk.

The LEADER programme for rural development is one of the programmes which serve local councils and organisations to implement small-scale projects for the benefit of local communities in a wide range of areas, from restorations and renovations of historic, cultural and community buildings to sport clubs, band clubs and religious organisations.