The President said that although it seems that we are living in dull times, there were lights of hope around us that need to be given prominence.

Lyanne was selected from a group of nominees for the help she gives to her friend Maria, who suffers from cerebral palsy. Maria, who is a fellow student at the Carlo Diacono girls lyceum in Zejtun, uses a wheelchair and cannot talk or write.

Lyanne helps Maria on a daily basis, keeping her company and sharing jokes. She also does her best to help her during class by writing notes and helping her understand the lessons.

Answering questions from the press, Lyanne said that the help she gives her friend is not hard work. “There is time for everything”, she said, encouraging others to make similar gestures.

The President said that we need to do our best to be of service to people in need. He said that there was a need for more solidarity and voluntary work. Using Lyanne as an example of solidarity, he said we are living in contradictory times, and while there is widespread talk of human rights there is equally a trend towards individualism and exclusive material concern.”