Ronald McDonald House Charities Raises €27,000 For New Motor Sensory Room

Oct 25 2023

Children attending the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Learning Centre in Qawra will soon have a motor sensory room thanks to a successful fundraising dinner where more than 200 guests were present.

“Our research showed that the north part of Malta has no motor sensory room for therapists and parents to use outside school hours. That’s why we have set out to equip our Qawra property with specialist motor sensory equipment aimed at stimulating user’s motor skills and promote interaction in a calming and engaging environment,” said RMHC Chairman Martin Xuereb, adding that the new space would be inaugurated next year.

The RMHC Learning Centre is a purpose-built 360-square meter facility filling a crucial gap in specialized and accessible support services for children facing challenges stemming from learning disabilities or social circumstances. It was inaugurated in 2019 and has since served hundreds of children, young people and their families, empowering NGOs and professionals to deliver their own programmes and services through counselling, therapy and training.

To raise funds for the Motor Sensory Room, a dinner was held at Xara Lodge in Rabat, featuring a a silent auction showcasing stunning art pieces by local artists, including James Vella Clark, Francesca Balzan, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Nickie Sultana, Kane Cali, Celia Borg Cardona, Johanna Barthet and Pawl Carbonaro, as well as a weekend trip to Provence, courtesy of Hans Travel & Hans Jet.

These efforts resulted in impressive proceeds of €27,000, bringing RMHC one step closer to fulfilling its charitable mission to continue enriching the lives of those in need.

The Malta Chapter of RMHC is part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities global network network which delivers programmes and services in more than 60 countries and regions, benefitting the lives of millions of children and their families around the world.

The event also included a raffle with an array of prizes supported by Allelon Hospitality, Dee Spas, Dota Frames, Enemed, Harvest Technology, Hilton Malta, iRiparo, iSpot, JPA, Land’s End Boutique Hotel, McDonald’s, M. Demajo Wines & Spirits, Mediterranean Ceramics, Nenu the Artisan Baker, PTL, San Benedetto and XARA Collection.

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Mother Talks Her Transgender Son’s Journey & Transition

Oct 25 2023

Sylvana, a mother of a transgender son, was invited onto a local television programme, AWLA, to discuss her experience as a mother of a child who is transitioning and the support the family received from the school.

Sylvana explained how her child was born biologically female, but they started their social transition when they were in secondary school, with the help of school staff.

Thankfully, the family found lots of support, with the school head and other staff understanding the situation – for example, the use of different pronouns and a new chosen name. The school even had a gender neutral bathroom, which, despite only being one bathroom in a three storey building, was immensely helpful for the child.

Sylvana issued a message of understanding, saying that many students going through the same experience are not receiving the support that they need, with some facing discrimination simply for who they are.

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People React To Video Of Girl Being Assaulted In Valletta

Oct 25 2023

After a video surfaced on social media showing a young teenage girl being physically assaulted by a group of what seem to be her peers, police an investigation into the case as local social media reacts to the assault.

Among them was PN MP Darren Carabott, who posted a status saying: ‘if you are of flesh and blood, you felt your stomach churn with every hit she received. But at the same time you start to think about how there are people who are able to laugh and film the scene.’

‘Am I surprised with what I saw? I’d say no, unfortunately. And if the hand of the law is not enforced in Valletta, this will keep happening.’

Referring to comments made by Prime Minister Robert Abela after another youth attack on other youths earlier this year, Carabott added: ‘It seems as though Prime Minister Robert Abela was right when he said, last January, that he does not trust his daughter out in Valletta’s streets. The problem is that, after 10 months of having said this, nothing happened.’

‘The residents and parents who let their children go out to Valletta – they expect action: they hope that they, or their children, aren’t the next victim.’

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Could Malta Be Getting A New Electric Minibus?

Oct 25 2023

Malta Public Transport is embarking on a pilot project to assess the feasibility and advantages of employing smaller electric vehicles in areas where conventional bus sizes might not be practical.

Collaborating with local transport authorities, the company aims to gather valuable insights into the adaptability and suitability of these minibuses for future transportation needs.

The initiative stems from feedback received through recent surveys conducted by Malta Public Transport and other organizations.

The new electric minibus, with a capacity of up to 25 passengers, is currently operational on various routes serving different villages across the island.

These routes include 106 (covering Ħ’Attard, Ħal-Lija, Ħal Balzan, Birkirkara, Mater Dei Hospital, and the University of Malta), 103 (connecting Bidnija, Mosta, Naxxar, Bahar iċ-Ċagħaq, and Pembroke), and 124 (operating between Marsaskala, Żabbar, Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea).

This service is suitable for localities with lower passenger demand or where larger buses face operational constraints due to size.

The minibus will also soon be introduced on routes in Gozo, broadening the scope of the pilot project’s evaluation. Malta Public Transport’s foray into smaller transport options, such as the Valletta service and on-demand services in various communities, has proven highly popular.

Plans are underway to incorporate electric minibuses on both current and potential routes, linking villages to main bus terminals and fortifying transport connections. This complements the recent surge in passenger numbers, which peaked at 6.1 million in August 2023.

Additionally, the electric minibus is being assessed for suitability in “on-demand” transport services, enhancing the flexibility and convenience of public transport.

This initiative follows Malta Public Transport’s substantial €20 million investment in electrifying the public transport system, underscoring their dedication to sustainability and eco-conscious transport in Malta.

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