Ronald McDonald House Malta helping parents feel more confident in supporting their child’s development

This is the need that Ronald McDonald House Malta is addressing through its new Parent Empowerment Programme, a practical initiative designed to support families of young children who may require additional guidance during important stages of development.

The programme focuses on giving parents the tools, reassurance and professional guidance they need to better understand their child’s needs and support their progress in everyday situations. Rather than looking at support as something that happens only during specialist sessions, the programme recognises the important role that parents and caregivers play at home, at school, and in the child’s wider environment.

Through the Parent Empowerment Programme, families receive guidance in areas such as communication, emotional regulation, behaviour, early development and daily routines. The aim is to help parents feel more equipped to respond to challenges in practical ways, while also strengthening the child’s confidence, independence and wellbeing.

The initiative forms part of Ronald McDonald House Malta’s wider mission to stand beside children and their families when health or developmental needs make life more challenging. Through practical programmes and community partnerships, the organisation works to remove barriers, strengthen family support, and promote children’s wellbeing so they can continue to grow with confidence.

The programme is being delivered through the Ronald McDonald House Malta Learning Centre in Qawra, which opened in 2019 as a fully accessible space offering specialist learning, therapeutic and developmental support. The centre works in collaboration with professionals, NGOs and volunteers to provide services that respond to the needs of children, young people and their families across Malta and Gozo.

Recognised as an autism-friendly space, the Learning Centre has continued to grow over the years. In 2025, it expanded with the addition of a dedicated Motor Sensory Room, giving children with movement and sensory needs a calm and supportive environment where they can explore, learn and develop essential everyday skills. The centre also includes consultation rooms, a multi-purpose activity area, a learning kitchen and training facilities.

Martin Xuereb, Chairperson of Ronald McDonald House Malta, said the new programme reflects the organisation’s focus on meaningful, practical support for families.

“Parents often carry a great deal of responsibility when a child is facing developmental or behavioural challenges. Through this programme, we want to help families feel less alone and more confident in understanding and supporting their child’s needs,” he said.

“The Parent Empowerment Programme is built around practical guidance that can be applied in everyday life. It is not only about supporting the child during a session, but about helping families create more supportive routines and environments beyond the Learning Centre,” Mr Xuereb added.

In 2025 alone, Ronald McDonald House Malta supported 1,810 children and young people, delivering more than 2,177 hours of support through 640 sessions. The organisation also worked alongside 26 NGOs and entities, while engaging 1,377 professionals and volunteers in its programmes.

Earlier this year, the organisation introduced a refreshed identity and began operating as Ronald McDonald House Malta. While its name and visual identity have evolved, its purpose remains centred on keeping families close and supported when it matters most.

Through its Learning Centre, specialist programmes and community partnerships, Ronald McDonald House Malta continues to provide practical support for children and families across Malta and Gozo, helping them access the guidance, care and confidence they need.

For more information, visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.mt