As part of the continual professional development of the college’s multidisciplinary team – guidance teachers and members of the psychosocial team – the College Meeting held on the 18th of April 2016 took place at San Blas Rehab Centre l/o Haż Żebbuġ. During this meeting the psychologist in charge of San Blas, Dr Anthony Gatt, gave an explanation of how San Blas operates. We were given the chance to meet with a number the residents who welcomed us heartily. Mr Alex Attard, as head of the drug rehabilitation services, gave us an overview of the wide scope of services that Caritas offers in and to the community.
This experience gave us the chance to reflect on the baggage these residents had to start and prolong their drug misuse. They also explained how difficult it is for them to live a drug-free life; and one can see their effort to do so, especially those who feel the need to return to San Blas for further assistance. These are people who also have a heart but sometimes when it is severely and continually broken they learn to believe that they are unworthy and Caritas personnel tries its best to heal their pain and give support and restore their hope and self-worthiness. We can use this experience to instill a positive feeling in the students we educate to help them perceive life’s difficulties as challenges and learning experiences that helps them grow.
The multidisciplinary team members reached for their pockets and in a couple of minutes donated the total of €83 for San Blas, Caritas who thanked all who donated in an official letter. To view the array of services that Caritas provides one can visit the Caritas website on www.caritasmalta.org. Finally we would like to formally thank Mr Alex Attard for organising this visit. Last but not least we would like to thank the College Principal Mr Patrick Decelis for believing in this event and gave us full support.
