“I found this place to be very stimulating. The centre provides me with a place where I can enjoy drama, music and discussions. It has changed my outlook on life,” says a man who frequents the Spero centre.

Spero is a training centre for the blind. It is a public-private partnership between Aġenzija Sapport and Outlook Coop. It has now become a resource centre for blind persons and the visually impaired, not only in terms of equipment they may use but also in terms of socialised human resources.

The centre currently caters for 18 people – six women and 12 men, between the ages of 40 and 87. The aims of the centre are to provide as many opportunities as possible to those who attend.

As soon as one steps into the elevator, one will notice that the buttons are also presented in Braille, a tactile writing system used by people who are blind or visually impaired, along with the numbers we are normally familiar with. The building is impressively equipped to provide the people who attend with the best possible setting, including a relaxation and activity area.

“The plan is to make them feel as comfortable as possible,” say Maryann Vella and Sonia Cauchi, two dedicated workers at the centre.

Vella and Cauchi say that the centre’s main aim is to provide individualised training and structure. In fact, a semi-structured programme is incorporated and uniquely designed to fit the needs of all those attending.

A painting done by one of the attendees at the centre.

Independent living skills are the focus of the day-to-day activities. For example, attendees are provided with training on how to make their own sandwiches, access information technology, improve physical activity and how to confidently negotiate the community through a basic mobility and orientation programme which includes the use of a cane.

One-to-one service provision focuses on person-centred goals. These sessions are increasingly becoming digitally-oriented, and participants use tablets, smartphones and Skype on a daily basis.

“We want them to use these devices and skills at home and in their personal lives. There is no point in knowing how to use Skype, for example, without them being able to call their loved ones abroad when they’re at home.”

In order to create a sense of belonging, a recreational space was devised. Attendees enjoy activities such as reading articles in Braille and also listening to novels read by their facilitators. These are essential in making sure individuals are well trained to live the most independent life possible.

What they take from here is meant to last not only after this short amount of time but for a lifetime

Spero is continuously expanding its programme to include activities such as trips to Gozo, full days away from the centre, a variety of talks from guest speakers, including nutrition and legal matters, swimming, walks and pottery sessions. The centre makes sure individuals are able to participate in initiatives they would otherwise not necessarily be in a position to participate in.

“I find the talks really interesting. They have taught me a great deal, and challenged some of the misconceptions I had. I feel priviledged to be part of this,” says one of the clients.

Vella and Cauchi recount one particular outing where the attendees were taken to the Control Tower in which they could hear the pilots communicate.

“It was a very unique experience,” says Cauchi.

Moreover, the arts are also considered highly important at Spero.

“For some of those who attend the centre, the experience is rather new. And those who have lived a rather isolated life can feel a little bit uncomfortable. The arts help eliminate this and form a sense of community.”

Braille is found on every sign within the building, including those of rest rooms.

Today, the persons who attend the centre look forward to participate in activities which are organised for them, and are socialising much more than before.

Drama is also an essential component of Spero’s programme. Mario Azzopardi, the well-known poet who takes care of this sector at the centre, set up the first performance, which was a translation of John Milton’s On his blindness. The poem was translated in Maltese and the attendees re-enacted it. Those who participated enjoyed the process right from the first rehearsal until the day of the performance itself.

“I never thought I could take part in something like this. I always thought these things were not within my reach but I really enjoyed it and I hope there will be more,” comments an attendee.

“It was not an easy one to do which continues to prove the Centre’s point: everything is possible and within reach,” says Vella.

“We encourage them to live their lives to the full. Although the day at the centre ends at 1pm, what they learn here is meant to last not only for this short amount of time but for a lifetime.”

Those interested in attending Spero centre can contact Aġenzija Sapport on 2256 8000 for more information.