Ħamrun Ħanin delivers on commitment to offer multi-sensory room in community

Ħamrun Ħanin has taken a significant step in delivering on its commitment to the community by formalising an agreement to establish a fully equipped multi-sensory room for young people on the autism spectrum and their families.

The agreement, signed with the Autism Parents Association and SGPC Guardian Angel Secondary School, sets out the collaboration that brings this long-term project to fruition. Under the arrangement, SGPC Guardian Angel Secondary School provides the physical space, while Ħamrun Ħanin has contributed the €12,000 raised through its extensive fundraising campaign to carry out the necessary works and acquire specialised sensory equipment.

The Autism Parents Association (APA) is providing professional guidance on planning, design, and best practices to ensure the room meets the needs of youths with autism.

The project follows an 18-month process that began around World Autism Awareness Day of last year. A highlight of the initiative was the auction of a specially designed jersey by nine-year-old Jacob Fava, a child with autism, which was worn by Hamrun Spartans FC during an FA Trophy match. The campaign aimed to provide a dedicated space that supports comfort, regulation and engagement for children on the autism spectrum. After the required funds were raised through various initiatives, identifying the location for the multisensory room proved to be one of the major challenges in the process.

Ian Debattista, chairman of Ħamrun Ħanin, said: “We are delighted that we can finally honour our commitment to provide a multisensory room to our community. This was one of the major initiatives of our VO since its establishment and no easy feat to accomplish. I am grateful for the support of our partner organisations, the SGPC Guardian Angel Secondary School and APA, for backing us in this journey. It is a tangible outcome of our commitment to creating lasting social impact.”

Valerie Brincat, spokesperson for the Autism Parents Association, added: “Access to a calm and supportive sensory environment is essential for children on the autism spectrum. This room offers a safe space where they can feel secure, regulate their emotions, and engage more fully in learning. We are thrilled to see this initiative move from promise to reality for local families.”

Elizabeth Pisani, Head of School, notes that “this partnership highlights the transformative power of community collaboration in education. By working together, we are creating a multi-sensory space designed to enrich learning experiences while placing inclusion and student well-being at the forefront of our priorities.  The school looks forward to continuing its work of providing innovative resources that empower every learner to reach their full potential.”