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People with disabilities in Gozo benefit from improved services The Gozo-based group Voices for Inclusion Gozo received help with material equipment and more funding to run a summer school for people with disabilities.

Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli made the announcement during a visit to the Sannat Task Force in Gozo, making possible the support of the Ministry of Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector.

This is the third year of an agreement signed between Agenzija Sapport, the Gozo Planning Department, the Education Services Foundation and Voice of Inclusion Gozo to invest €160,000 in the intensive summer courses. The Minister said the course has benefited 67 students with disabilities, 17 more than last year.

The courses last for 10 weeks and include maths training through storytelling, drama lessons, ICT, cooking and clay making. Each participant has an individual LSE and professional tutor who monitors each student’s progress and ensures that everyone participates in the prepared activities.

In addition, the ministry said that through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS) project funded by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), equipment for physical exercise for persons with disabilities and some instruments from the Small Initiatives Scheme (SIS), some of which can be operated by eye movements, were purchased. Students in Gozo can use these during breaks and after school hours.

The Ministry of Education said that with the implementation of this project, Voice of Inclusion Gozo, with the help of Sannat Special Unit, which will provide the equipment, will not only be able to provide a much-needed service to the community of children with special needs in Gozo, but will also help the staff of Sannat Primary School Special Unit through training, enabling them to provide a more comprehensive service to these children.

Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli explained how the two projects will continue to help people with disabilities in Gozotan to achieve their potential.

“As a government, we have an obligation to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. By supporting Voice For Inclusion Gozo in its mission to empower people with disabilities, we are helping to ensure that all people, regardless of their ability, have access to services that provide support and assistance. These projects are an important step towards promoting the physical and educational development of people with disabilities. We are confident that this investment will have a significant impact on their independence,” concluded the Minister.

Mauro Pace Parascandolo, CEO of MCVS, said: “It is great to see the VOPS program operating and growing year after year. The competition is very strong and this makes us more determined to continue working for the benefit of the industry and ultimately society.”

Pauliana Said, chairperson of Gozo Voice for Inclusion, praised the government’s efforts to provide specialist services for children with disabilities in Gozo.

She stressed that this investment not only has a significant impact on the personal and educational development of these children, but also provides essential support for their families.

Said added: “This commitment demonstrates how important it is to provide these children with the necessary opportunities to fulfil their potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.”