Vying for the Miss World crown, I stood before the judging panel and my inspiring sisters with my plea towards my aspirations for my project, my purpose and where I want to take it in the future.
I stood before the judging panel and the 111 Miss World contestants from all over the world, presenting a cause which hits right at home. I explained how my campaign ‘Inclusion for All’ in collaboration with the Malta Trust Foundation aims to be a bundle of hope to allow everyone to have the opportunity to thrive, to help those in risk poverty and social exclusion due to disability and impairments.
Serving my purpose I look towards systemic means to minimise the waiting lists for state provided services in device allocation which provides an opportunity to non-verbal children to express themselves at the earliest stages possible.
Our Villabianca centre, which is a centre of music and arts, where each and everyone’s talent is celebrated and cheered through music therapy, is already assisting over 100 children. It is a heartache to receive an application and to not have the means of space to support. It is my responsibility standing here at Miss World, using this amazing Platform in turning this dream from a little island, to reality. To expand a centre that celebrates diversity, inclusivity and music.
Seven years ago, a little boy came into my life. His name is Noah. He is my brother and he was early diagnosed with partial hearing loss and ADHD. I have experienced first hand my family’s struggle when my brother was not belonging in the standard educational system and all the turmoils we had to go through to ensure his right for education. This personal struggle is behind the call for action towards focusing on early intervention. This narrative is not just a story of one family, but of many families around the world suffering in silence. However, silence is not within my advocacy.
Coming to India on a month long adventure late last year, I shared my purpose in a slum community in New Delhi. This continued to make me realise that there is much more to do. I have much more to offer. The great Mahatma Gandhi once said, that in a gentle way, you can shake the world. Today, I invite you reading this journal entry to join my movement, to join in the domino effect, so we can serve our purpose together. Together not just in the beautiful country of India but together for Malta and the world.
This narrative isn’t just about the trial of one family; it’s a magnifying glass on the systematic issues affecting children with special needs in Malta and the innovative steps being taken to address them. My story is a testament to the power that a personal experience can fuel a broader mission. Through this experience our goal is to make an impact. I invite you all to join the movement towards celebrating diversity and ensuring that all children will have the opportunity to thrive. Let’s all be part of a brighter, more inclusive future.
"Ain't it better to light one candle in the dark than not to see at all?" - Julia Morley CBE
