“A Dream Come True”: Lydia Abela Visits Zayn Institute

Dr Lydia Abela has described The Zayn Institute in Pembroke as “a dream come true for parents and children with autism and special needs” during a recent visit to the post secondary school.

Leading a Labour Party delegation, Dr Abela observed the work carried out over the past six months, during which the school began welcoming around 45 students aged between 16 and 22. These students follow tailored vocational programmes designed to meet their individual needs and support their development.

During her visit, Dr Abela met with the school’s management, educators and parents, who emphasised the importance of specialised and personalised attention. She noted that the institute offers families the reassurance of seeing their children’s progress on a daily basis, turning long held hopes into reality.

The project was initiated by Emily Vassallo and her husband Chris, who have a son on the autism spectrum. With Government support covering all services provided to students, the institute has been able to establish a facility that can accommodate up to 100 students. Plans are also in place to open two additional centres in the coming years.

Hand in Hand CEO Janet Silvio explained that the institute employs around 40 professionals and has developed a dedicated six year curriculum. This combines classroom learning with therapeutic services in a supportive environment tailored to each student.

Parent Anton Ciantar praised the collaboration between the Government and the private sector, noting that such services were previously unavailable in Malta. He said the programme offers families reassurance that their children can move towards greater independence and improved employment opportunities.

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