News • 1 June 2003

Multi-sensory experience to be introduced at Razzett tal-Hbiberija

Clients at the Razzett tal-Hbiberija (Park of Friendship) are set to benefit from a new service later this year following the erection of a multi-sensory room (MSR), that will offer both a stimulating and a relaxed experience.

True to its name, the MSR allows clients to experience different senses, namely sight, hearing, smell and touch, concentrated in a single intense environment.

Much in line with the philosophy that has fuelled the Razzett tal-Hbiberija, the MSR will be open to both abled and disabled persons. They will be able to experience a cocktail of light, colour, different textured walls, music and even aromas.

For disabled people the MSR is of particular importance because it helps people to become more aware of the different senses and environments that surround us in daily life. And the interactivity that comes with the multi-sensory experience helps the disabled person integrate further with the stimulating environment.

The MSR has been in the pipeline for almost two years and the construction work that started this week is expected to be complete by the end of summer. The MSR is expected to be operational by year’s end.

Funds raised during a Voices concert, the Xarabank shows that featured hypnotist Alan Baites last year and the Istrina charity telethon helped Razzett Tal-Hbiberija invest in the MSR. It will be an addition to the various facilities and services offered at the Razzett.

The services offered are free for disabled persons while able-bodied persons pay a fee, which helps to sustain the running of the complex.

The Razzett Tal-Hbiberija was founded in 1989 and from a little farmhouse on the outskirts of Marsaskala it has slowly developed into a complex sprawling over 4-acres. It also comprises Malta’s only mini-zoo.

The complex enjoys 15,000 visits a year from disabled people and offers educational, leisure and healthcare programmes. The complex has a staff compliment of professional, freelance full time and part time employees, as well as a good number of volunteers.

The complex also receives numerous visits from school children that make use of the different services offered. The experience also helps schoolchildren interact with disabled persons.

It is estimated that the Razzett gives around Lm120,000 worth of free services. The philanthropic organisation gets no funding from government accept Lm5,000 that have to be applied for on a yearly basis.