ŻAK Żurrieq Youth Centre Officially Inaugurated
On Saturday 25th January 2025, the newly renovated premises of ŻAK Żurrieq were officially inaugurated. The center will serve as a vibrant hub for young people from Żurrieq and surrounding areas, fostering community, personal growth, and spiritual development. Operated by Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika (ŻAK) and Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija (AKM), the center proudly continues the legacy of Dun Guzepp Falzon Zammit, who for decades nurtured the youth of this community.
During this visit, the Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia, together with the Chief Executive of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector Mauro Pace Parascandolo, saw the work carried out at this centre. The event culminated in a thanksgiving mass, celebrated by Mons. Carmel Camilleri, who served as spiritual director of the centre for around 15 years during the late 1970s to the early 1990s.
In her opening remarks, AKM President Marija Cachia expressed her gratitude towards Dun Ġużepp Zammit Falzon, who nurtured the Catholic Action group in Żurrieq to the extent of donating his house for the use of the Maltese Catholic Action in Żurrieq. Fr Żammit Falzon’s actions paid testament to his belief in the role of lay people within the church and, therefore, of
their formation. Ms Cachia extended her gratitude towards leaders of the AKM and ŻAK, who across decades, volunteered their time and skills towards developing a community of individuals committed to social justice. The refurbishment of the ŻAK Centre in Żurrieq, made possible through local and EU funding made available to voluntary organisations such as AKM, enables the continuation of this mission.
ŻAK President, Michela Baldacchino, explained that ŻAK is a branch of the Maltese Catholic Action and its purpose is to provide programs for spiritual, social and personal development. The aim of this process is to affirm an individual in his or her proper identity and involve him or her in a relationship with God and others. The structures of ŻAK assist youth leaders and other young people in the administration of youth work activities and support them to organize group meetings of young people as well as other activities like summer camps. ŻAK Żurrieq welcomes young people, aged 16 years and over, on Fridays between 7pm and 9:30pm.
Mario Calleja, Vice-Chairman of the GAL Xlokk Foundation, underscored the importance of volunteering within the community and of nurturing young people, claiming that the Foundation prioritised youth when allocating European funds. Mr Calleja highlighted the positive impact of youth work, such as that carried out by Żgħażagħ Azzjoni Kattolika. Hon. Minister Julia Farrugia claimed that this inauguration was meaningful because it evidenced the love, solace and solidarity that are nurtured within the premises. Through these actions, young people develop strong values, which enable them to leave a positive impact in their personal lives, at their workplace and in the community.
Organisations such as ŻAK and AKM are the beating heart of our society, with volunteers who give their time, energy and passion to improve the quality of life of those most in need and others in general. Minister Farrugia stated that this project was one of 168 projects supported by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector over the past few years. Chief Executive Mauro Pace Parascandolo said that this project demonstrates the collaboration not only between organisations and entities, but also between different funds and schemes which all help to carry out projects from all areas of the voluntary sector in the community.
The refurbishment of the ŻAK Centre in Żurrieq was made possible through receiving €30,000 in EU funds from the LEADER Programme 2014-2020, Measure 2: Strengthening a Healthy Cultural Identity, administered by the GAL Xlokk Foundation; €7,500 from the Co-Financing Fund, managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector; and funds through the Planning Authority’s Irrestawra Darek Scheme.
Azzjoni Kattolika Maltija (AKM), a longstanding pillar of the Catholic community in Malta, has been instrumental in fostering youth engagement and adult formation for decades. Through its youth section, AKM continues to provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, deepen their faith and build meaningful connections. The ŻAK Żurrieq Centre invites young individuals from Żurrieq and its surrounding areas to join its vibrant community and participate in its diverse programs, which include workshops, social events, and spiritual activities. For more information on how to get involved contact AKM on info@akmalta.org or
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