Young wheelchair-user Damien Ebejer was this morning presented with a tablet, the money for which was donated by some 400 prisoners at the Corradino Correctional Facility.

The tablet was presented to 11-year-old Damien, who is gradually losing his fingers and toes, during mass at the prison’s chapel.

A relationship between Damien and the prisoners was sown three years ago when he visited the prisons. Some prisoners kept in contact with him, writing him letters and sending him cards.

In a letter written by the prisoners who donated money for the tablet, they told Damien that people like him filled them with courage.

“Your presence is always in our heart. Thank you for visiting us and we wish you a successful recovery.”

Home Affairs Minister Manwel Mallia said that through their gesture of solidarity, prisoners were sending a message to society.

“From the little you have you have given a lot. There are many outside who have a lot but give nothing,” he said as he donated another €150 on behalf of his secretariat's staff to young Damien.

He said that a commission has been set up to draw up a report for the setting up of a professional unit to offer courses to prisoners.

Prisons director Emanuel Camilleri presented prisons chaplain Fr Franco Fenech with €2,000 to be used for socio-religious activities. The money was collected during fund raising activities during the Holy Week.