Sandro Zammit and Alex Cassar

Alex Cassar won the Peace Lab’s Pope John XXIII Prize for Kindness, 50 years after the death of the “Good Pope”.

The award is given to schoolchildren aged between seven and 15 in remembrance of Pope John XXIII, affectionately remembered for his kindness.

Alex, 15, was nominated by the headmaster of the Kirkop Boys’ Secondary School, where he attends.

“He is a very good boy. In all my 40 years of teaching experience, Alex is one of those students that left an impression on me. He thanks me every day before leaving for home and is always smiling, appreciative of little things,” Raymond Portelli said.

Mr Portelli said the boy was always running around with his classmate, Sandro Zammit, who uses a wheelchair.

“For the past four years, Alex has made sure that Sandro’s mobility difficulties do not stop him from participating in any activity organised by the school. Alex and Sandro are always together, going from one place to another,” he added.

In May, the school organised a three-kilometre marathon called Festa Komunità and Alex ran with Sandro all the way with the other students.

Whenever Sandro is absent from class, to receive treatment, Alex takes care of his notes and schoolwork. And, through it all, he shies away from praise.

“In class, Alex is a quiet but friendly guy and puts his heart into everything he does. He has also expressed a love for the environment and takes care of plants, something he is passing on to Sandro,” Mr Portelli said.

Alex, who was chosen from among other students who also demonstrated kindness at school, will receive the award on Tuesday.