There are many personalities who are renowned because they have contributed substantially to the world. Thankfully, many of them have improved it through their contribution. However, there are people who are less renowned but who too have contributed in great measure to make our world a better place.

Francesca Mifsud Bonnici, who had a disability, is one of them.

With her unique mode of communication, Francesca sent us all a message that we are different and because we are different our society cannot treat us all as if we were the same. One measure does not fit all. Francesca challenged our ideas and preconceptions, and we had to start examining how the services we were offering can be made more individualised, more personalised. We did not always succeed, and in her unique way she protested and we had to try again. Maybe we have not always understood her, maybe we did not take enough notice. Whatever the reason was, she always made us try again.

Because of her persistence, and with the great support of her family, she succeeded in making us create services that were not there. The most important service developed because of Francesca is the respite care service offered from Dar il-Kaptan, a service from which many disabled people and their families have benefited and are still benefiting. Dar il-Kaptan offers an individualised service helping families to support their disabled family members. Francesca continued to support this cause indirectly even after her death as her family chose this organisation to be the beneficiary of those who wanted to show solidarity with her family.

We need to continue to listen to Francesca’s message. Every person is unique and need the full support of our society.

Alfred Bezzina

Vice-Chairperson

Foundation for Respite Care Services