A Form 4 student who goes out of his way to help students with a disability integrate in school activities and take part in sports events was today presented with the Pope John XXIII Prize for Kindness by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Andrea Gerada, who attends St Margaret College in Cospicua, has for a number of years been a point of reference to a group of his peers with various disabilities.

His head teacher, who nominated him for the annual award, described Andrea as active in sports and hardworking in his studies, as well as respectful to both parents and teachers.

Visibly emotional after receiving the award, Andrea told the Times of Malta he enjoyed spending time with his fellow students during lessons and saw them as no different to his other friends.

“It can sometimes be difficult for them to integrate, but there’s no reason why they should have to hang back and not take part in sports and other activities like anyone else,” he said.

Presenting the award, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said Andrea was a role model for his peers and for adults. She stressed the importance of schools serving as centres for teaching the values of peace and inclusion, from which all of society could benefit.

The Pope John XXIII Prize is organised by the Peace Lab in Ħal Far. During this morning’s ceremony at the President’s Palace in Valletta, the organisation also marked the culmination of its Education for Peace programme.

For the past year, students at the Verdala International School have met with refugees at the Peace Lab on a weekly basis, building relationships and exchanging cultural understanding.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, home affairs minister Carmelo Abela and education minister Evarist Bartolo were also present for the ceremony.