Through an investment of €8 million, dreams will now come true with the construction of a sensory-hydrotherapy pool at Sannat Primary and Special Unit where children and young students attend who have individual educational needs.
At this school, which already has an intensive educational programme, including hydrotherapy – children and students will now be able to use this type of specialist swimming pool on their own premises.
“We will see to it that this school is a centre of excellence that serves as training for educators and other professionals. The school in Sannat already has good contacts with various schools in Europe, including Finland, so it is expected that through Erasmus +, the school will become a training centre at European level,” said Minister for Education Justyne Caruana.
She went on to say that autism brings with it many challenges and no case is the same, so we are talking about people on the wide range of autism. “Research shows that therapy can make a big difference for these people, particularly when it comes to behaviour, while also motivating them to learn.”
The Education Minister said that this is why this project was started, and not just a hydrotherapy pool, but also a sensory-hydrotherapy pool, so that those who need this therapy have a swimming pool equipped for the specific needs of people with autism.
Minister Caruana said that this project is very important and has different dimensions. “We talk a lot about inclusion, but ultimately inclusion has to be accomplished. “The word inclusion means giving rights to every child, regardless of their skills and needs, but we must be the ones to give that opportunity, and above all the facilities,” the Minister continued.
She said that this project is also a project entrusted to the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools.
The swimming pool will also be accessible after school hours and will therefore have separate access from the school building, while the building and swimming pool will be accessible to the community, to people with mobility challenges.
Dr Caruana explained that research also shows that what is beneficial for children with autism is also beneficial for all children – a concept known as ‘universal design’ – so it is expected that the pool will benefit everyone, both in school time and even after.
The pool water will be set at the correct temperature, have controlled lights and sounds, as well as sensory features. Adjacent to the swimming pool there will also be a First Aid room, sanitary facilities and changing rooms.
FTS Chief Executive Neville Young and Head of School Pauline Grech were present at the launch of the project.