“Strong message” to mark day dedicated to person with disabilities

The Ministry for Gozo said that it is sending a strong message on the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities., which is celebrated on the 3rd of December

The Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, in a statement said that social inclusion and the full participation of people with disabilities are important pillars and the right of people with disabilities.

For this year, the Ministry for Gozo wants to send a strong message that people with disabilities are protagonists, she said.

“This year the Ministry for Gozo’s Christmas decorations ^[1] have been made by clients of the Santa Marta Day Centre, the gifts that will be given by the Ministry for Gozo to school children have also been made by them,” the Minister said.For the official opening of the Christmas in Gozo festivities, the Ministry for Gozo invited the world-famous Alfina Fresta, a young Sicilian lyrical singer with cerebral palsy, who enchanted the audience present, Dr Caruana said.

Alfina was joined by the renowned AllegroModerato Orchestra, a social cooperative started in Milan in 2011 which trains children, teens and adults with physical, mental or social difficulties in musical and artistic expression.

Dr Caruana said that as well as the evening show, there were also sessions and activities with school children to foster a sense of inclusion and respect.

Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana concluded by saying said that the Ministry encourages initiatives for more physically accessible communities, with plans for parishes to have hearing loop systems, there are courses in Maltese sign language and assistance for various organisations to carry out projects and initiatives.

Photographs: MGOZ/Terry Camilleri