Graduation with a difference

A week ago, 16 young people celebrated their graduation. It was no ordinary graduation. They did not become lawyers, doctors or teachers. These youths were ready to face the world again after overcoming their addiction to drugs, thanks to a two-year programme at the Foundation of New Hope's San Blas Complex run by Caritas Malta.

A few of those graduating spoke emotionally about their experiences with drugs. Often in tears, they recounted their struggle and circumstances. Some of these young people were lucky to have their families and friends present to share this important moment. Others have no family. They were supported and encouraged by the dedicated staff at the foundation who became their family during their stay there.

At present, there are 182 young men and women, some married, who are in various phases of the programme. The evening included entertainment by some of these youths. One resident read a poem she wrote herself regarding her life, while others presented a wonderful musical dance through the decades.

The theme of the evening was, "We believed in the value of the person." Caritas director Mgr Victor Grech said: "We must awaken a collective conscience regarding the value of life and the dignity of the human being. Society seems to have become obsessed with a consumerist and selfish culture, where the value of a person is measured by money and what he possesses.

"Parents of children and youths should not remain on the sidelines when the life and security of their children is being threatened," Mgr Grech continued. "Be protagonists in the fight against drug trafficking. Make that first step if one of your children is facing ruin."

Drug trafficking and the use of drugs in the country is growing, and the age of those trying them for the first time is getting younger and younger, even 11 and 12. Mgr Grech urged everyone to join in the fight against this scourge and to aid the law enforcement agencies concerned in this battle.

"Caritas Malta has been offering drug rehabilitation services for the past 19 years, and people are constantly turning to Caritas for help." He stressed that there was no need for new rehabilitation centres, but that "every effort should be made to strengthen existing programmes and services that are being offered - through human resources and financial aid, while avoiding duplication of services."

Mgr Grech made some recommendations, among which he mentioned the need:

¤ to draw up a National Strategic Plan with the participation of all social partners involved in the field of drug prevention, rehabilitation and research;

¤ to review legislation in order to clarify what constitutes drug trafficking and drug abuse in today's social context;

¤ to provide ways of reparation, as an alternative to imprisonment, for offences committed by those who have successfully terminated their rehabilitation programme, and who still have long-standing pending court cases related to their drug abuse problem;

¤ to eliminate the distinction between soft and hard drugs, as is being done in Italy, since both kinds have harmful mental and physical effects;

¤ to find support from Government and employers who would offer employment opportunities to those who have completed a rehabilitation programme;

¤ to study the possibility of having Methadone dispensed by the rehabilitation agencies themselves to their clients.

He went on: "Some may ask: 'Don't you think that the work Caritas is doing in the field of rehabilitation is just a drop in the ocean when compared to the widespread abuse of drugs and alcohol in our country?

"This is the same question Mother Teresa of Calcutta used to face: 'Mother, don't you think that you are only reaching a few, when poverty is so rife in this world?'

"Mother Teresa used to answer: 'God does not ask of us to do great things, but to do whatever we do with great love'."