The tiny village of Qrendi played host to the Earl and Countess of Wessex yesterday morning, as the Royal couple visited the Helen Keller Resource Centre.
The Royal visit coincided with events marking the 20th anniversary of the centre, which provides therapy for people with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie spoke to staff, benefactors and beneficiaries as they were shown around the centre on the second morning of their six-day trip.
The Countess, who is patron of the National Autistic Society and learning disability charity Mencap, chatted happily with children taking part in a cooking lesson before praising the dedication of staff.
Education Minister Dolores Cristina said the four resource centres were dear to her heart. “Having dignitaries visit this centre gives an extra boost to its users, their families and staff,” said Ms Cristina.
The Royal couple unveiled a plaque commemorating their 20th anniversary visit in front of a large crowd including the families of centre users.
The plaque referred to support given to the centre by the Vodafone Foundation, which recently donated a hoist for the therapeutic jacuzzi, and the HSBC Foundation, which recently donated a generator.
The Helen Keller Centre forms part of St Benedict College, whose principal, Carmel Micallef, said: “We are a tiny school in a tiny village on a tiny island, so it is a great honour to host foreign dignitaries.”
HSBC Malta Foundation chairwoman Kate Gonzi, British High Commissioner Robert Luke and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sports Clyde Puli were also in attendance.
The Royal couple later presented two ambulances to St John Ambulance Malta at Grand Harbour. The ambulances were donated by the East Midlands Ambulance Service in the UK.
The Earl and Countess are in Malta to attend the 11th International Duke of Edinburgh Award Forum, which starts tomorrow at the Corinthia in St Julian’s.