New €38 million children’s centre to be partly funded by citizenship by merit

A 300-year-old church building will be transformed into a specialised support centre for children through a €38 million government investment, two years after the property was historically gifted by the Church to The Malta Trust Foundation.

The government also revealed the project will be used as a vehicle for the granting of citizenship by merit, targeting wealthy donors and foreign experts.

The agreement, signed on Tuesday between Komunita Malta and The Malta Trust Foundation, secures the necessary funding to restore Dar Saura and transform it into a National Empowerment Hub for children and youngsters with disabilities.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that "those who come forward to contribute exceptionally to this project could be considered for citizenship by merit", as long as they pass the due diligence and other tests.

"Not only those who help philanthropically, but also those who come forward to offer expertise that we don’t have," he said. 

"We’re doing this because we believe in this project, and because we’re convinced it will strengthen our society."

A huge, 17th century building

The 17th-century building perched on top of the Saqqajja hill in Rabat was, until recently, a home for the elderly. The Church handed over the property - worth €25 million and covering an expanse of 5,500 square metres - to the Malta Trust Foundation for 65 years.

The cost of renovation was initially thought to be around €10 million, but further inspections ballooned the price tag to almost four times the initial estimates. The funds will be used to restore and upgrade the building, including the chapel dedicated to St Nicholas.

A "historic" day

President emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who is the chair of the Foundation, described the signing as a definitive moment for the country.

"This is a historic moment for a country that aspires to be more just and inclusive," she said.

"We look at children’s abilities, not disabilities, because we believe every child can reach their full potential through our services."

She echoed the Archbishop's words, saying society must give children the best because they deserve the best.

"And here we're aiming to create the best and the most beautiful place that will put our country on the map of social achievements and inclusion," she said.

"In here we’re not merely developing a building, but a future for our children, where we live inclusion everyday and which transforms our society into a more dignified one."

Unity amid global turmoil

Archbishop Charles Scicluna said the synergy between the Church, the State and NGOs was a necessary "message of hope" during a period of international aggression.

"We’re witnessing many signals of aggression around the world, but we’re here to show we can work together," Scicluna said. 

"Today we’re celebrating concrete love—that moves from talk to action."

Prime Minister Robert Abela acknowledged the high cost of the project during a period of economic pressure and global instability, specifically referencing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Despite these challenges, he insisted the investment was a priority.

"This government moved to cushion price hikes while still investing in social projects like this one," Abela said.

"Now, it’s all hands on deck because this project cannot wait."

He thanked the archbishop for his donation and the president emeritus for her unwavering committment to children and said this project will bring equal opportunities to everyone.

"This occasion is honestly emotional for me, because I’m witnessing a concrete example of how to seek that which unites us," he said.

"And this project does that through the needs of society."