When young Samuel Cutajar spotted Jordan Farrugia playing with a plastic bottle all by himself in the schoolyard, he promptly went up to him and joined in. The next three years saw the two 10-year-olds forming a solid friendship, with Samuel assisting Jordan, who has Down’s syndrome, throughout each day.
Word of Samuel’s dedication and humility has spread beyond the Archbishop’s Seminary in Rabat though for, tomorrow, the youngster will be receiving the Pope John XXIII prize for kindness, organised by Peace Lab.
“I am so happy for him,” a thrilled Jordan smiles excitedly, wrapping an affectionate arm around his pal. “He’s the best friend ever.”
It’s a very nice feeling when you help someone else
Samuel also believes Jordan is the best mate he could ever have, as evidenced by the poem he penned Jordan for his birthday called My Best Friend.
“I think Jordan’s best qualities are that he really knows how to love and respect.
“We also share a lot of hobbies, including playing football, Secret Spies and basketball. We also love going to each other’s house.”
Samuel and Jordan board the same van and attend the same class, allowing them to be together the entire time. Samuel cares for him and accompanies him, holding his hand as they walk down the stairs, and carries his satchel when Jordan complains about its weight.
“It’s a very nice feeling when you help someone else,” Samuel says shyly. You get a lot back – lots of love and respect.” Yet the prize for kindness came completely out of the blue for Samuel.
“I never, ever expected it. I am so excited to meet the President, who’ll be presenting the medal to me. When I found out, I ran excitedly to my mother who already knew. She had tears in her eyes.”
Samuel and Jordan’s teacher, Bernardette Bezzina, said she was amazed at how thoughtful Samuel was.
“He is one of a kind because he is always seeking to help others, especially Jordan.
“He is not Jordan’s friend whenever he feels like it, but he is a true friend with endless love.”
The boys’ former teacher, Krista Vella, agreed.
“If we were doing a class activity in groups or pairs, without any hesitation, Samuel would be the first to explain to Jordan what had to be done, and did not mind one bit.
“Samuel spent all his breaks playing with Jordan while all his friends were playing football.
“I would encourage both him and Jordan to play with the rest of the class, but in a humble voice, he would respond that he enjoyed playing with Jordan and that, to him, it did not matter that the rest of the class were playing a separate game.”
Ode to Jordan
To my best friend ever
Who is certainly clever
You know English, Science and Maths
And how I like it when you tell me interesting facts [...]
Sometimes you drive me crazy
When you tell me to hold your bag
Because you just want to be lazy
But when you’re nice to me
You’re the best friend that can ever be!