From a dilapidated building, Villa Bianca in Birkirkara will be converted into a music centre for children with disabilities and autism. This centre will be the first of its kind in Malta.

Minister for Social Accommodation Roderick Galdes, together with President Emeritus and Chairperson of the Malta Trust Foundation Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Housing Authority CEO Leonid McKay, were present for the signing of the agreement for restoration works at Villa Bianca in Birkirkara.

According to this agreement, the government will provide, through the Housing Authority, presented the Malta Trust Foundation, led by President Emeritus Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, the sum of €58,543, which will help in carrying out the necessary restoration.

This project will cost The Malta Trust Foundation a total sum of €100,487 and an investment of €250,000 in children with different abilities each year.

The villa was donated by Maurice and Francina Abela to the Malta Trust Foundation for the benefit of children and young people with disabilities and by means of the funds allocated by the scheme for persons with disabilities as operated by the Housing Authority and is now undergoing works to offer a suitable environment to these children and young people.

Minister Galdes explained that the villa will be transformed into an environment that meets the needs of these children with different abilities. Instead of just doing the repairs and maintenance, the Government is helping out in providing help in what is appropriate for persons who will be using the building. This is happening in on other projects as well with other NGOs.

He commended Malta Trust Foundation's work and said that this agreement is also being offered to a number of other NGOs such as The Down Syndrome Association, The Autism Parents Association, and ADVICE.

President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Chairperson of the Malta Trust Foundation, stressed that, this project that will fill the gap in the field of music and performing arts for those children with diverse needs who to date have not had an opportunity to develop these skills.