Making the Outdoor Area Safe and Accessible – A VOPS project by Ħ’Attard Girl Guides and Scout Groups

The Attard Girl Guides in collaboration with the Attard Scout Group, have transformed the shared outdoor area connecting their premises to a safer and more accessible space for the enjoyment of the two Associations’ younger members.

‘Making the Outdoor Area Safe and Accessible‘ is an initiative which has been funded by the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS) supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector (MIV). The meeting places of these two Associations are housed within Attard’s old abbattoir (Il-Biċċerija l-Qadima) on Triq il-Gradilja. The building is scheduled and
of unique historical and industrial importance. Inevitably, it requires constant maintenance and upkeep which can be strenuous on the voluntary organisations’ funds. The VOPS funding opportunity along with fund raising efforts by both groups made the restoration and conservation of the premises possible. Prior to embarking on the much needed refurbishment works, the boundary wall of the former butchery courtyard’s was deemed unsafe by an architect. This required a complete reconstruction of the wall while preserving the old building’s architectural charm. The previously neglected back entrance, has been expanded and made wheelchair-accessible, to provide a safer entry point for the young members of both organisations, away from the main road.

Additionally, the Ranger and Venture sections comprising of young people aged between 14 and 18 years of age, joined forces to craft outdoor furniture from wooden pallets. While serving as a learning experience, through this initiative a cozy hangout spot with sofas and a coffee table was created for the enjoyment of both groups.