Winter programme at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija

Enjoyment is a word that for most of us denotes having fun and pleasure. For Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, enjoyment implies a considerable degree of psychological involvement, which captures the attention of the person engaging in it and one that brings about positive feelings.

All this can happen only by incorporating teaching strategies that involve the setting up of clear goals, the provision of relevant positive feedback and the posing of appropriate challenges to different skills and abilities.

The winter programme activities at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija include horseriding, arts and crafts, pottery, cooking, storytelling, games and park visits. All areas are manned by qualified staff, with volunteers ready to help.

Each disabled child is usually attended to by an individual facilitator, who is present en route to and from Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija using Ir-Razzett's transport. The programmes are held during school hours, and are planned in advance according to the children's physical and mental capabilities.

The role of the professional staff at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija is the key to ensure that all the children are given the teaching they need to fulfil their potential in developing and to become confident and capable adults later on in life.

Working with children according to their stages of understanding and according to their individual needs and interest must be an integral part in developing the children's full potential.

The winter programme started with 407 children from 47 schools, out of which 39 have been allocated Ir-Razzett's transport and four other schools are using transport provided by the local council. Four special schools use transport provided the Education Division.

Due to limited resources, mainly transport and finance, nine schools with 70 children were left out. Ir-Razzett's van has a seating capacity of 18 and three wheelchairs so only a limited number of children from each school can be fitted.

Children come from all over the country. Apart from the provision of transport, there are human resources and equipment limitations which Ir-Razzett's ability to generate funds cannot keep up with.

Through its programmes and services Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija is aiming to implement the concept of serious leisure for all persons with disability. It aims to keep on providing these services for free.

However, there are great financial constraints and support is needed from all those interested in being involved in helping to get its message across.