20 children, together with their parents, successfully completed the first edition of the ‘Water Safety for Autistic Kids and Parental Skills Programme’. At the end of the programme, participants were awarded a certificate in recognition of their commitment during the sessions.
Present for the presentation of these certificates was the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia.
This initiative built on the experience of the ‘Just Keep Swimming’ programme and was aimed at children with autism aged between 3 and 5. The first group was made up of the first 20 applicants, who were given ten sessions tailored to their needs.
The program focused on essential water safety skills, using methods adapted to the sensory, communication and learning needs of each child. Direct parental participation was a central element so that the skills acquired could be further reinforced at home.
The importance of such initiatives is also supported by studies from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, which indicate that children with autism are approximately 160 times more likely to die by drowning than other children.
Minister Julia Farrugia explained that, “Today we are seeing the concrete result of targeted investment in children and their families. Through Government financial assistance, we have made this specialized training accessible free of charge, so that cost is not a barrier to participation. Water safety is an important skill for every child. Through early intervention and appropriate training, we are helping these children strengthen their confidence, autonomy and skills, while giving parents practical tools that they can continue to use in their daily lives.”
Minister Farrugia explained that this programme is aligned with the Malta 2050 Vision, which places people at the centre of public policy and promotes a more inclusive, just and healthy society.
“Inclusion does not just mean creating services, but ensuring that they are accessible, tailored to the needs of the person and lead to a real improvement in the quality of life. The success of this first group gives us courage to continue investing in initiatives that make a concrete difference in the lives of children and their families. After this pilot phase, the Government will be working to expand the programme nationally to all schools, fulfilling another promise in the electoral manifesto. Thus, more children with autism will be able to benefit from appropriate training that strengthens their safety, autonomy and well-being,” concluded Minister Julia Farrugia.
This project also contributes to the reduction of social inequalities, to the strengthening of the security and autonomy of children with disabilities, as well as to the active participation of parents in the development process of their children.
Photos: MIV
