Before 1965, people with physical and mental impairments were looked after, mainly, by their families, who had the daunting task of trying to integrate their charges into society. There were no set guidelines and outside assistance was very limited.
On September 12 of that year Mgr Michael Azzopardi aired his idea of opening a residential home for these people, upgrading the quality of their lives so that their natural abilities were developed to ultimately enable them to be integrated in society. His dream became a reality and Id-Dar tal-Providenza has already provided 40 years of service to Maltese society.
Mgr Lawrence Gatt, director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, explains that its symbol is a wilting flower being gently and carefully nursed back to health. "It serves as a constant reminder of the commitment to the continued welfare and nurturing of the residents themselves and the support given to their relatives," he says.
"It was built on faith in Divine Providence. The generosity of the benefactors and the volunteers who unselfishly dedicate their free time to help achieve the goals to which the management and employees are committed to: that of continuing our mission to prepare those with impaired faculties for their entry into the community''.
Id-Dar tal-Providenza needs Lm1.6 million a year or Lm4,500 daily to meet its needs. Each year, for the past ten years, RTK Radio has organised a fund-raising campaign, which through the people's generosity provide a welcome respite to the financial pressure on Mgr Gatt and his team who help him keep Dun Mikiel's living monument going.
RTK Radio is organising its annual Open Day at Id-Dar tal-Providenza tomorrow between 2 p.m. and midnight, where people can follow a guided tour around the complex in Siggiewi and appreciate the work carried out there.
An enormous tent has been erected in the parking area of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Some of the best local talent - singing, dancing, bands - will take part in a 14-hour marathon between 10 a.m. and midnight. They include Freddie Portelli, Ira Losco, Voices Choir, Claudette Pace, and Hooligan.
Readers who for some reason or other cannot be at Id-Dar tal-Providenza tomorrow, can follow the broadcast on RTK radio and local TV. The event will also be streamed live on www.di-ve.com.
There need be no prizes to be won, other than the satisfaction of giving. You can also make a donation by calling 500-49363 (Lm3), 500-49365 (Lm5) or 500-49360 (Lm10), or by sending an SMS for a donation of Lm3 to 506-18922.