The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo recently visited the Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem. The Foundation which was establised in 1999, by its founder Mgr.Manuel Curmi, was the first respite centre to open in Gozo. It is a voluntary, non-profit making and non-governmental organisation that promotes the welfare of people with special needs and of their families, irrespective of their creed or nationality.
The Centre is fully air-conditioned centrally heated and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including two therapeutic baths, two large heated pools, a jacuzzi, a gym, and wheelchair-friendly facilities. Arka today employs nineteen full time staff and two part-time.
Mgr. Emanuel Curmi said that it was an honour for them to meet, for the first time as Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo. He went on to say that after years of voluntary work as well as the great generosity of all Maltese and Gozitans, today, the Arka foundation has put the island on the map for health-related tourism for the disabled. Maltese and foreign groups of not more than 26 persons (disabled and carers) can book a holiday in Gozo at the Centre. He said that many international organisations use the Centre for conferences as well as other activities.
The Minister for Gozo, who was accompanied on his visit by his wife Lina, said that Mgr. Curmi had a vision and through the collective efforts of dedicated and talented Gozitans, under the guidance of the hard-working Mgr Manuel Curmi, a Respite Centre was built a living monument of solidarity with people who are less fortunate than we.
Dr Refalo said that during this legislature he will be working with this foundation to assist in every possible way.