Dar Sant’ Anna Inaugurated As Inclusive Home For Persons With Disability
Dar Sant’ Anna in Isla has been officially inaugurated as a small and welcoming home designed specifically for persons with disability. With over two centuries of social service, the residence is now embarking on a renewed mission of inclusion and dignity, following its transfer on a 50-year lease to CareMalta for continued social use.
The residents of Dar Sant’ Anna previously lived at Casa Apap Bologna in Mosta. Their move is not simply a relocation but represents another concrete step towards full inclusion and community participation. Malta’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities remains a historic milestone, underscoring the country’s commitment to ensuring equal rights, autonomy, and dignity for all citizens.
A key element of this commitment is the process of deinstitutionalisation transforming large residential institutions into smaller, community-based homes where persons can flourish as active members of their locality.
Dar Sant’ Anna is a clear example of this principle, where residents are recognised not by their disability, but by their humanity and aspirations. This approach is being realised through collaboration between government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and local communities, with Aġenzija Sapport playing a central role in driving sustainable and person-centred change.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia highlighted the importance of deinstitutionalisation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building on the principles of the UN Convention. She stated, “The opening of Dar Sant’ Anna marks an important step in Malta’s journey towards a more just and inclusive society. Located in the heart of Cottonera, and with a history spanning over two centuries, this home is now taking on new life as a symbol of the community we want to be one that values every person and places them at the centre of social life.”
#MaltaDaily