A Centre for Recreational and Social Activities for children, young people and their families was opened in Tripoli’s Bu Sleem district yesterday, Wednesday, by Italian Ambassador Giuseppe Buccino Grimaldi.
The centre, which has been funded by Italian government, is specifically designed to offer social support to individuals and groups affected during last year’s revolution. Bu Sleem, one of the capital’s most deprived areas, experienced significant human and infrastructural impact.
Named Moltakana (‘our space’), the centre is a major element in the psychosocial programme being implemented in Libya by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
It is viewed as much more than simply a step towards achieving the project’s goals. “The creation of the centre self-stands as a goal in itself”, said Grimaldi. “Without neglecting the excellent local and international operators that made its opening possible, it belongs inherently to the community that will be its vital force.”
Attending the opening were some 60 officials including the Under Secretary at the Minisrty of the Social Affairs, Sommaya Mahmoud Baltief, and IOM Lead for Mental Health and Psychosocial Response Guglielmo Schinina as well as members of the local authorities and the Abu Slim community, and IOM staff. [/restrict]
