Impressed is an understatement. I visited Arka Foundation’s Respite Centre in Ghajnsielem, Gozo twice in a matter of a few days and I have to say that I was amazed by the ultra modern technology, the dedication and the work carried out on a 24-hour basis by the personnel at the foundation.

Back in 1995, Arka Foundation rightly felt that the island of Gozo was crying out for a respite centre for persons with disabilities and their families. A mean feat it was not but Mgr Manuel Curmi is not a man who shies away from challenges and he very ably led his team to achieve what we have today. A state of the art respite centre which is professionally and efficiently run, and this despite the fact that many of those offering their services do so on a voluntary basis.

The centre was officially opened in 2000 and is continuously developing to increase its capacity and to meet the ever changing needs of both its clients and society. Arka Foundation strives to keep in touch with the ever advancing technology and being able to offer its services with the aid of the latest equipment and tools is very high on its agenda.

The Arka Foundation is a voluntary, non-profit making and non-governmental organisation. It aims at fostering a positive attitude towards disabled persons and enriching their quality of life. The foundation promotes community integration and access by loaning out special aids and equipment. It works to create and strengthen links between the persons making use of its facilities and the community. It also facilitates the work of support groups with persons with disabilities.

One concept that has the potential of being strengthened and applied on a wider basis is Arka’s endeavour to promote community integration and strengthening the links between its patrons and the community.

Arka is already doing its best in this very important area. Among its plethora of services, the foundation provides persons with special needs of all ages with the possibility of short and long stays. It also hosts Maltese and foreign groups who choose Gozo as their holiday destination. The various facilities available and round the clock care make Arka’s Respite Centre the ideal accommodation which in turn certainly renders the holiday more enjoyable.

We have to do our part as well. Most of Malta and Gozo’s local councils are twinned with other localities in Europe and beyond. These twining agreements often comprise exchange visits between the communities. I think it is high time that local councils and their twining partners start looking into the possibility of bringing groups of persons with disabilities over to Gozo. The facilities are there and it would be a pity if we do not maximise the potential that is on offer thanks to Arka Foundation.

The gains from these visits are numerous. First and foremost the concept is in line with Arka Foundation’s aim to strengthen the links between persons with special needs and the community.

Those who visit would not only have the opportunity to make use of the respite centre’s therapeutic facilities but, thanks to the Foundation’s dedicated personnel, will also have the opportunity to visit places of interest in Malta and Gozo and enjoy a healthy and educational break.

There are more positive implications.

Arka Foundation is a non-profit making organisation but the finances needed to run the centre are huge. Organising group visits would go a long way towards helping the Foundation meet its financial obligations. Apart from this, local councils would not only be honouring their social responsibilities but will also be opening up a new niche for tourism in Gozo.

Despite describing the efficient running of the centre as a daily miracle, Mgr Curmi and his team do not intend to rest on their laurels and have various projects in the pipeline. Among these are new underground garages, a special playing field for persons with special needs, energy saving measures, and significant investment in specialised IT equipment.

Arka Foundation is working very hard to raise funds for these projects. A fund raising marathon at the respite centre in Ghajnsielem was the new President of Malta George Abela’s first official visit. It was a marathon that again brought to light the generosity of the Maltese and the Gozitans.

But Arka Foundation should not only depend on charity. I urge Local Councils to take a leaf out of the new President’s book, be inspired by the thousands who donated during the marathon, and help Arka by marketing its facilities and encouraging groups from twinned localities to visit Gozo and enjoy the sterling care and support that is offered by the devoted and enthusiastic people who run the centre.

Dr Chris Said is Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister