Ten-year-old Samuel Cutajar was this morning awarded the Pope John XXIII prize for kindness, an award organised by the Peace Lab.
Young Samuel was awarded his prize for his dedication to his best friend Jordan Farrugia, who has Down’s Syndrome.
During the award, Peace Lab founder Fr Dionysius Mintoff said education had to be the priority of any political, social and religious agenda.
Quoting Pope John XXIII, he urged parents and teachers to let their children criticise and be criticised to grow into sound adults.
“Samuel Cutajar left a silver trail behind him made up of kind acts, and at such a young age already knows that what can be done today should not be left for tomorrow as we are only kids once,” he said.
President Mary Louise Coleiro Preca said that through his acts, Samuel not only found a true friend but also set a role model for all. “Your practical help reflects your good values and upbringing,” she told him.
The friendship, President Coleiro Preca said, helped Jordan Farrugia integrate within his classroom and continue his studies and there was no better gift than love, she said.
She urged people to take Samuel’s example for justice to reign in society and commended Patri Mintoff’s work, including the setting up of the Peace Lab which also helped migrants who made it to Malta with great hope and heartaches.