APPOGG's Cottonera Community Service has partnered with ETC and ACCESS Community Resource Centre to launch a project entitled DAWL - Energy, Employment and Empowerment. It is supported by the Birgu and Kalkara Local Councils and Vodafone Malta Foundation.

Progett DAWL aims to increase the employability of women who have been out of the labour market for a number of years by providing life learning through hands-on training and development approach to unemployed women.

One of the objectives is to increase the female participation rate in the labour market by improving the opportunities for work. This will be done by providing training in interpersonal skills which will make them more employable. Other sessions will demonstrate cost-effective measures which households can take to lower their monthly water and electricity expenditure resulting in savings in energy and water consumption at household level and raise awareness regarding energy and water issues.

Studies show that in Malta predominantly more women than men drop out of the workforce to stay at home and take care of the family, facing difficulties when they wish to re-enter the labour market some years later. While it is recognised that every effort should be made to address this imbalance, measures are being put in place to encourage and facilitate women's re-entry in the market.

This project will benefit 6 women who are currently seeking employment, together with 60 families from Birgu, Bormla, Isla and Kalkara. The project also covers around water and energy saving techniques which these participants can apply in their homes.

Mrs. Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, the chairperson for Vodafone Malta Foundation said the foundation felt proud to be involved in this social project. "Such support shows the Foundation's commitment to aid the local community. We wish Progett Dawl every success it deserves," said Mrs Mifsud Bonnici.

Mr. Joe Gerada, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ACCESS said that supporting people to find jobs is at the basis of having a just and cohesive society. Therefore it is everybody's business to take initiatives to create economic activity that improves the quality of life of the people especially for those who are finding it difficult to find a rewarding job. This initiative between the Birgu and Kalkara Local Councils, the ETC, APPOGG, ACCESS and the private funding organisation Vodafone Malta Foundation is another excellent example of collaboration and working together for one common objective. In this case, the team is creating opportunities for employment and for improving the quality of life of the people. He thanked the mayors of Birgu and Kalkara Local Councils for their initiative, and the national organisations who are providing the expertise in the different disciplines needed for this project, as well as Vodafone Malta Foundation which is a front liner in its support for social projects of this kind.

Progett DAWL, is being adapted from its successful implementation in Mosta and Zejtun by SOS Malta, in partnership with Paolo Friere Institute, Friends of the Earth (Malta), Mosta Local Council and the Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Environment. The project was originally co-funded by the European Social Fund and is now going to be offered to the residents of the Cottonera community. SOS Malta is assisting this initiative also by providing resources such as training material, material for households and identifying potential trainers.

For more information on Agenzija APPOGG one can call on Supportline 179 or else visit www.appogg.gov.mt. Agenzija APPOGG forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services which incorporate Agenzija sedqa www.sedqa.gov.mt and Agenzija SAPPORT www.sapport.gov.mt.