Two major experiments launched in the late 60s helped to ensure Pope John XXIII would be remembered down the years in Malta. These were the founding of the Pope John XXIII Peace Laboratory in Hal Far, and the launching of the 'Award for Kindness'. The aim of the award is to spread a culture of solidarity while marking the anniversary of Pope John's death.

Father Dionysius Mintoff OFM, who directs the Peace Lab said: "I believe the Award for Kindness has been fundamental down the years towards increasing awareness and social inclusion. And that is why we thought of awarding children, because they are continuously the adults of the future."

The award, a gold medal, was first given out in 1966 to a 10-year-old girl from Qrendi. This year, 42 years down the line, the award was presented to a whole class of eight-year-olds, incidentally from the neighbouring village of Kirkop. The Year 4 students from St Benedict's College shared the responsibility of watching over Felio, a fellow student suffering from Down's Syndrome.

The pre-requisites for eligibility are straightforward - the child nominated must be seven to15 years of age; have performed long-term acts of kindness; not have received any sort of remuneration for the kindness; not have received any other prize in relation to this kindness; and the kindness must have been carried out unobtrusively.

Fr Dionysius commented: "We have only ever had another two other incidences where a whole class was awarded for a joint effort. Usually the award is awarded to a single child. Each year a special committee receives all nominations, some 70 in all. Nominations are made by class teachers and endorsed by the head of school. We also accept nominations from local councils. We examine all nominations and short-listed cases to confirm all claims are true and correct."

The committee's final suggestions are ultimately handed over to the President of Malta who presents the award during an official ceremony held at the Palace and forming part of the President's calendar of events.

Each year's story is unique in Fr Dionysus's memory: "Some stories touch the heart even deeper than the rest. This year's story is extremely moving and awe-inspiring because it is all about inclusion and has allowed the children to appreciate their fellow student's differences without this impinging on the class's development.

"You should see how they have grown to love him and how this has enriched their lives. The children took it in turns to help their friends, according to a pre-established roster, all through the day - picking him up at home, checking the books in his school bag, on through the school day, lunch hour, sports, accompanying him back home and even to catechism classes in the afternoons. Instead of having only one child assigned with the same responsibility, the job was shared by all the class - nobody felt overburdened, nobody felt left out."