Vodafone Foundation renews commitment to Dar il-Kaptan

The new equipment and props in the playing area are intended to increase the particiation and social involvement of residents, where play doubles up as a form of therapy and together with other forms of support enhances the development of skills for life.  The Home’s outside recreational area now boasts a swing especially made to take wheelchairs, basketball tubes, an hourglass panel and a xyclophone panel.  Dar il-Kaptan’s outside play area now can be used by wheelchair bound persons – making it one of a kind.

“We are always striving to improve our services,” said Jennifer Sant, Chairperson at Dar il-Kaptan.  “Dar il-Kaptan delivers respite and day services to more than 220 families. The large number of persons we host means our play area needed to be extended and upgraded so that more people with disabilities can enjoy some physical and mental rest from everyday life.  We are very grateful for the support given to us by the Vodafone Malta Foundation”.

 “One of the Foundation’s objectives is to improve the quality of life of persons affected by mental and physicalproblems,” said Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, Chairperson at Vodafone Malta Foundation. “We recognise the indispensable service that Dar il-Kaptan extends to people with disabilities and their families and we are hopeful that with our help, this project will offer them precious moments of respite.”

Dar il-Kaptan, a “home away from home”aims to give a service similar to the one provided at home.  Established in 1991 the home offers weekly and daily respite services to over 220 families of persons with disabilities, providing them with some rest from the pressures and stress that comes with  caring for persons with challenging needs. 

The home caters for persons with all types of disability.  The services offered are residential.  These include rest periods to families and a day programme focused on activities of daily living, social skills, leisure and recreational activities like handicrafts and light gardening. 

Besides the government’s annual grant, Dar il-Kaptan has to raise around €180,000 every year to cover all costs. Around 38 per centof clients have their charges waived because they fall below the minimum earnings criteria.