| The
'dream' had become a reality. In
early February 1968 Id-Dar Tal-Providenza's first residents arrived
- all were children with diverse impairments. They were all housed
in the newly refurbished Villa Monsignor Gonzi.
1971 saw the start of the building
of a second home designed to accommodate eighty physically and
mentally impaired people. This home, called Villa Papa Giovanni
was inaugurated on the 19th March 1974. The building also houses
the Charity's Habilitation Centre with its team of Ability Promoters,
Physiotherapists, Communication Therapists and a Podiatrist.
Whilst work was in progress
on Villa Papa Giovanni, a second floor was added to Villa Monsignor
Gonzi. It now houses thirty young impaired adults and semi-independent
people being trained for entry into society.
Monsignor Michael
Azzopardi passed away on the 13th May 1987. He was laid to rest
in the grounds of the 'dream' he brought to reality - Id-Dar Tal-Providenza.
On the 1st July
1987, Monsignor Lawrence Gatt, whose earlier career had embraced
the diplomatic service of the Holy See working overseas in Indonesia,
Spain and Zaire and who on his return to Malta was appointed Rector
of the Archbishops Seminary and appointed the new Director of
Id-Dar Tal-Providenza.
On the 11th February 1997 five
of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza's residents moved into a terraced house
called 'Zerniq' in the nearby village of Siggiewi - in other
words 'into the community'. Though they are under twenty-four-hour
supervision, the care supporters are there to supply back up
and advice only. The residents do everything that needs to be
done for themselves.
On the 11th February
1997 five of Id-Dar Tal-Providenza's residents moved into a terraced
house called 'Zerniq' in the nearby village of Siggiewi - in other
words 'into the community'. Though they are under twenty-four-hour
supervision, the care supporters are there to supply back up and
advice only. The residents do everything that needs to be done
for themselves. |
