Acting for a worthy cause

Rotaract Malta and Nonsuch Players recently collaborated to stage Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid at the Carmelite Priory in Mdina to help Equal Partners Foundation raise funds to purchase specialist tools for the foundation to assist people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

The foundation is seeking to buy the ‘Mullen Scales of Early Learning’ and the ‘Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule’ which will cost a total of €3,011.

Executive manager Louisa Grech said: “These are psychometric and developmental assessments kits, which are tools used by professionals to provide further information about the child’s overall development, strengths and difficulties.

“They allow us to accurately assess and diagnose disabilities or difficulties across ages, developmental levels and also communication skills.

In turn this allows the professional to also recommend the appropriate intervention for the child and develop individualised programmes targeting their specific needs and disability.

Sue Fletcher, director of the play and founder of Nonsuch Players said: “Our entire company is made up of volunteers and we put on two performances each year to raise funds for charitable organisations. This year, we were thrilled to work with Equal Partners Foundation as their work is invaluable.”

Chris and Rita Allen were living in Australia when their son Nick was born. Chris said: “In Australia we were advised to put Nick in a home as he would never master basic skills, never mind activities such as swimming. We came to Malta hoping for a better prognosis and became members of Equal Partners and we have never looked back since then.”

Nick has just finished his O-levels, loves to swim and is planning to become a computer engineer when he finishes his studies. He is a deft hand at video editing, enjoying himself with the family camcorder.

“Nick has a private tutor who tutors him at home and he also attends sessions at the foundation’s premises which has enabled him to master the skills we were told were completely beyond him,” Rita adds.

Rotaract president Ian Sant said: “Rotaract Club Malta La Vallette gives young men and women, aged between 18 to 30, the chance to serve the needs of their community, widen their personal and professional contacts while increasing their understanding of the world through international service.

“Each year we choose a worthy cause to help and Equal Partners Foundation is the beneficiary of our efforts this year. We are hopeful of reaching our target of €3,011 which will enable the Foundation to acquire the two tools they are aiming for.”

The foundation is a non-profit parent-run organisation that strives to work in partnership with people with disabilities, their families and the community to enable them to lead an independent and meaningful life in an inclusive society.

It provides support programmes tailored to the needs of over 250 children and adults with disabilities and/or learning difficulties.

Donations may be made directly to either of the foundation’s bank accounts: BoV 400 1686 0016 and HSBC 0250 1328 5001.