President of Malta George Vella said that while it is a noble gesture for a person to support others, when this support is spread over several months or years, it becomes a strong commitment in favour of full inclusion and, over time, it translates into greater wealth for society as a whole.
Addressing the annual John XXIII Award for Kindness ceremony, the President remarked that, in today’s fast-paced world and with the greater sense of individualism that has entered our social fabric, it has become more difficult to find people who choose to be different and to fully embrace the principles of empathy and altruism.
Every year, the John XXIII Award for Kindness pays tribute to a person who, despite being of a young age, already has a big heart and behaves in an exemplary manner. This year’s winner is Kaya Falzon, a 13-year-old student who offers unwavering support to Anthea Camilleri, a fellow student of the same age in the second year of secondary school at Our Lady Immaculate of Ħamrun. The award ceremony was organised under the auspices of the President by the Peace Lab at San Anton Palace.
After presenting her with the medal, the President congratulated Kaya Falzon and said that, through her great sense of altruism and humility, she is serving as a bridge between the challenges associated with schoolwork and Anthea’s abilities so that she can also be fully involved in the school life and enjoy the fruits of learning. He said that “Kaya’s help, not only to Anthea but also to other children who find it difficult to keep up with school commitments, is a simple gesture but one that requires dedication, patience, and love towards others. Above all, the person must be willing to reduce her free time and dedicate it to the benefit of others.” He also acknowledged the founder of the Peace Lab, Fr Dionysius Mintoff, for his never-ending social and humanitarian work and for his commitment to reward those who, in one way or another, provide a shoulder for others to lean on. “On behalf of the Maltese people, I would like to give you my heartfelt thanks, Fr Mintoff, not only for this but also for the way in which, over many years, you have embraced and given all the help to irregular immigrants who found themselves among us. The energy and dedication with which you continue to work in favour of the underprivileged and the marginalised is an inspiration for us all,” said the President.
Photo (OPR)
