The Receiver of the Common Treasure, Fra’ Francis Vassallo, accompanied by the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Antonio Zanardi Landi, visited the GIOIA project, (Giovani, Impegno, Occupazione, Inclusione, Accoglienza – Youth, Commitment, Employment, Inclusion, Hospitality), a centre for young people with disabilities in the Ostiense district in Rome.

This initiative was promoted by the Embassy to the Holy See in cooperation with the Grand Priory of Rome and the Diversa Arte cooperative to encourage the social inclusion and autonomy of young people with disabilities by offering professional training courses in the tourism and hotel sector.

The Receiver of the Common Treasure visited the four completely renovated apartments, adapted for the specific needs of the guests. The structure has the dual mission of hosting youths with disabilities so they can experience independent living outside the family and offering them professional training and integration in the tourism sector.

Fra’ Francis Vassallo was able to meet those assisted by the project, the educators and some volunteers, listening to the stories and impressions of the young people and their instructors. This initiative aims to create a family outside the family of origin, where young people can discover their autonomy and usefulness in society.