The HSBC Foundation recently donated €15,000 worth of equipment to the gym at the special unit of Sannat school. The donation was presented to the school's headmaster Saviour Portelli by Jay Green, wife of HSBC Group chairman Stephen Green, who was on a three-day official visit to Malta.

There are some 20 children with disability at the special unit. Another 30 children and youths, between the ages of three and 25, come from other schools in Gozo to receive special care from the specialised staff at the unit.

The equipment donated includes a tilting table which helps children carry out exercises, a bobath plinth treatment table for physio and occupational therapy sessions and an interactive whiteboard and projector for students with difficulties using a pen.

Since its inception the foundation pledged around €2 million in donations and assistance in programmes to help children.

Ms Green, who was accompanied by HSBC Foundation chairman Kate Gonzi, said: "As a mother, I know how precious every day of learning, every new discovery, and every exciting experience, is in a child's development. That is why I am especially pleased to present, on behalf of HSBC, this gym equipment which will contribute to the physical development - and the wider wellbeing - of the 50 students who come to the unit to receive special care.

"The reason the HSBC Group focuses mainly on education is because HSBC believes knowledge is fundamental to building and developing strong communities. And there is no better way to support the future than by supporting our children."

On thanking HSBC for its ongoing support to develop the school facilities to suit the special needs of children at the unit, Mr Portelli said this kind of investment would not be possible without the intervention of private enterprise.

"HSBC's collaboration goes back many years and they have worked with us to support children in need," he said.