The first year anniversary of the President’s Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society was celebrated today at the President’s Palace in Sant Anton.

In an off-the-cuff speech, President of the Republic Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca told guests present that everyone should be tolerant towards each other “because we are all different from each other”. She also emphasised that nobody should be excluded from society whatever the reason.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that a positive aspect is that the people out there view the presidency as a unifying force in this country and have great respect for it.

Turning to the foundation, she said that it was no easy task to set up the foundation but today, thanks to a group of people who go that extra mile, the foundation is up and running implementing various projects aimed at instilling inclusiveness.

One of the projects facilitated by the foundation is the President’s Secret Garden, the aim of which is to create an open and safe space for children whereby activities promoting healthful and empowering relationship-building are held. The foundation recognises the intrinsic link between access to green spaces and wellbeing.

The foundation’s director general Ruth Farrugia said that the consultative fora within the foundation set out to provide people with safe and respectful spaces in which to share their experiences and speak their truths.

“The response we have received has taken us all by surprise,” she said.

“During 42 fora sessions, we met with over 1,000 wonderful people from all walks of life, all ages and abilities, genders, cultures, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and more,” she continued.

Following the President’s speech, the new offices of the foundation were inaugurated at the palace.

Among those present for the inauguration were former prime minister Lawrence Gonzi, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, PN whip David Agius, PN MPs Robert Cutajar, Francis Zammit Dimech and Kristy Debono along with a number of ambassadors.

Photos: Jonathan Borg