Truly 'inclusive' evening

Our federation wishes to congratulate the Special Education Section of the Education Division and in particular all the staff and especially the 120 students from the five schools for children with special needs for presenting such a wonderful musical drama entitled Ghalik.

We also wish to join the many parents and guests who were full of praise and admiration to the Section for giving these students the unique opportunity of proving that they have talent. At the end of this performance the audience, which packed the auditorium at the Catholic Institute, spontaneously gave the students a well-deserved, heartfelt standing ovation.

Taking part with these students was a 150-strong choir composed of students from mainstream schools together with the Attard parish choir.

The 30-piece orchestra was conducted by Mark Agius, a music teacher in the Special Needs Section. The whole production was directed by Anthony Galea, who is a very enthusiastic teacher at Dun Manuel Attard School, Wardija.

Baritone Joe Huber, mezzo-soprano Marie Therese Vassallo, tenor Charles Vincenti and bass Adrian Buttigieg, besides contributing to make this event such a wonderful experience, enchanted the audience. It was an evening that was truly 'inclusive' from all aspects.

The federation was also pleased to note that this presentation was honoured with the presence of President de Marco, Education Minister Louis Galea, and Auxiliary Bishop Annetto Depasquale.

The Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disability wishes the Special Education Section similar successes in future, so that these students would be able to look forward to a better quality of life.