Diversity, Humanity and Inclusion project

More than 25 people with disability, together with their support workers, recently presented a sculpture to President George Abela, during a visit he held at the Sapport Fleur De Lys Day Centre for Persons with Disability.

This project, entitled Diversity, Humanity and Inclusion is part of the Premju tal-President għall-Kreattività, embarked on by persons with disability currently attending the Day Services of Aġenzija Sapport within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, who with the support of a team of support workers and staff from the Agency, created the concept and the final project presented to President Abela.

This project gave individuals with disability an opportunity to create and develop a sculpture that represents their own diversity, humanity and inclusion in society. By working both on an individual and group level, they were able to produce an artistic piece that shows their creativity, abilities and talents, and which allowed them to go beyond their own boundaries and therefore learn new skills. The project took about a year to be finalised, and it involved the use of various types of material such as stone, glass, wood, metal, pottery and recycled material – thus showing diversity in the artistic media used and in the skills applied for the completion of the project.

Presenting the sculpture to President Abela, persons with disability who worked on the project, thanked him personally for believing in them and giving them the opportunity to work on such initiative, thus presenting them with the chance to show that when given the space, they are equal members in society who have a lot to contribute. Such project also shows that society has a lot to gain from the full inclusion of persons with disability.

Sina Bugeja, CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, greeted the President and thanked him on behalf of all clients and staff members for allowing such space for equality between members of society and empowering those at most risk of social exclusion to be active participants, for the benefit of all society.

Marcel Pisani, Chief Operations officer of Aġenzija Sapport explained the dynamics used in the creation of the artistic piece, emphasising that it reflects the acceptance and celebration of diversity of persons with disability, thus accepting them as they are without any prejudice.

During his visit to the Day Centre the President had the opportunity to meet with persons with disability at the Fleur de Lys Centre during their day-to-day programme. Also present for this visit was staff from Aġenzija Sapport and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.