During a visit to Mater Dei Hospital, Dr Lydia Abela accompanied a group of young entrepreneurs who began carrying out an original project intended to bring comfort, hope and solace to children undergoing medical treatment in the hospital.
The Dr Sunshine social initiative, under a program led by the JA Malta foundation, is based on the idea of distributing products such as reading books, coloring books and blankets that serve as a positive distraction for hospitalized children. This idea arose from the personal experience of the young Yasmine Shawish, who when she was 8 years old, had spent a period in the hospital and met a little patient who felt lonely and sad. She had decided to share her toys with him and there she saw what a difference a simple gesture could make.
With this inspiration, Yasmine joined with students from St. Aloysius College and the Junior College to create this compassionate project that has now begun to be implemented at the hospital with the aim of brightening the journey of hospitalized children.
While contributing to the distribution of Dr. Sunshine’s comfort kits, Dr. Lydia Abela praised the thinking behind this initiative that helps children feel more comfortable, while encouraging their tranquility, creativity and imagination. “These young people have managed to combine entrepreneurial thinking with a sense of social solidarity, and which is now being translated into concrete action and a positive impact in the lives of these patients and their families”, said the Prime Minister’s wife.
The products in the comfort kits were selected after a research exercise to scientifically establish what can improve that difficult moment for young patients. While recalling that this initiative led to Yasmine Shawish winning the Shape the Future award last March during the MARA evening, Dr Abela congratulated the entire Dr Sunshine team for the generosity they are showing in doing good to others. During this visit, Dr Abela also had the opportunity to speak to hospitalized children and their relatives, where she delivered a message of courage. She thanked the professionals and employees of the hospital for their valuable work and continuous commitment in the care of patients.
Photos: OPM
