Gozitan girl wins kindness award

Eight-Year-Old Riona Attard has won this year's Pope John XXIII Award for Kindness.

Riona, a Year Four pupil at Patri Mattew Sultana Primary School, Xaghra, Gozo, is the first Gozitan girl to win the award. She was nominated by her headmistress, Marija Assunta Attard, and Mary Bajada, a facilitator who helps Guzeppina Galea with her school work. The John XXIII Peace Lab has asked President Eddie Fenech Adami to the present the 24th Award for Kindness - a gold medal bearing the image of the 'Kind Pope' - to Riona.

Riona and Guzeppina, who first met in Year One, have a strong bond. With Riona's constant help and support, Guzeppina is able to communicate and participate in many school activities.

Riona herself has had to face difficult life experiences: her ill father was in hospital for a long time until he passed away. The little girl, however, never shirked her responsibility and dutifully visited her father and cared for him without brushing aside Guzeppina, who needed her help continuously.

Well loved by all teachers and pupils, Riona carries out her daily acts of kindness discreetly, without expecting reward. She is a shining example to all her friends.