St. Joseph Home, also known by many as The Institute of St. Joseph in St. Venera Malta, with the same intentions as Family of Nazareth, wants to offer shelter to kids, in whom we see the figure of Jesus, and who we love in the same manner as Saint Joseph loved his adopted son, Jesus.
This is obviously a huge challenge, because first and foremost we have to create a comfortable and adapt environment, so that each boy who seeks our lodging, would feel at home. We have to cater for all the needs of each individual, such as: food, clothing and education. However, our toughest challenge is for us to guide and accompany them on their journey of life. We want them to know and treasure the values of discipline, harmony and the meaning of living a truly good life. We wish to give our kids an up-bringing that would help them become good, independent and well-formed citizens, in order to be able to live their life to the fullest.
We are trying our best to generate a pleasant and welcoming environment. In fact, lately, we have renovated three flats which can host up to five kids each. Every flat features: a room for each boy, a communal area, and a kitchen. This is their home, and we tried our best to make it as pleasant as possible. We do this because we wish to respect these boys fully.
The latest and greatest project was the refurbishment of the flat that caters for ages 10-14 years (mezzanine level). We have changed the whole place: the doors, furniture, tiles, and soffits. We also installed air conditioners and created wonderful spaces where the kids can pray, talk and share some memorable moments together. There is also a lounge area, in hope of creating a welcoming and pleasurable environment for our boys.
The kids are always in the trust of two carers. This offers a sense of stability and constant presence, which makes the kids feel as if they are at home. Each flat has a male and female key carer assigned, who take care of the kids once they return from school. The carers, who are well-trained within the sector, give individual attention to the kids’ holistic behavior and education. The carers help with; the kids’ homework, take them to sports activities and also tend to the health and medical needs of each boy. In order to do so, apart from having a cook, carers will also watch what, and how much the kids eat. This helps the boys grow and develop in a natural and normal manner, as any other who is brought up in a nuclear family.
Despite the different stories and backgrounds of our boys, here they can find an agreeable setting and people who truly love them. The kids know that we honestly love them. The cozy environment that we are trying to create at St. Joseph Home, continues to help the kids grow in a family environment. This is also why, each flat takes up to a maximum of five boys, so that the number resembles that of an average household.
Our house, dedicated to St. Joseph, is offering a HOME, to those who unfortunately ended without a HOME. This is why we are trying our best to provide a good life, adorned with exciting and memorable experiences, along with the basic and necessary needs that each, individual boy would wish to have.
Another activity which is of highly importance for us, is their education. Every day, kids have teachers who help them individually in different academic subjects. This is bearing its fruit and our children are feeling as competent as other students at their respective schools. Our kids have good academic standards. We are well aware that education is key to future success and opportunities, and that is why we give it utmost importance.
Our house, dedicated to St. Joseph, is offering a HOME, to those who unfortunately ended without a HOME. This is why we are trying our best to provide a good life, adorned with exciting and memorable experiences, along with the basic and necessary needs that each, individual boy would wish to have. We try to do so in the most harmonious and efficient way as possible! I believe that we are a good and well-needed alternative in the services we are offering, to be a dignifying shelter to kids who are deserving of love and attention. We do this in the spirit of Saint Joseph and following the example of our founder, Joseph De Piro. We also do this with communal spirit, in the hope that we become like a blossomed rose in the garden of this same community.
Fr Gigi Mallia MSSP, is the director of St Joseph Home, and Provincial of our MSSP Community in Malta.
Well done Fr Gigi