The Ronald McDonald House Charities Malta (RHMC Malta) has officially inaugurated its Learning Centre in Qawra.

The Learning Centre will host a range of services and programmes for children and teens with learning or social challenges, and their families. Working closely with several NGOs, such as ADHD Malta and the Autism Parents Association (APA) Malta, the RMHC Learning Centre will work to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable children or those in need of educational support. 

The 360-square metre centre features training rooms and activity areas, including a fully equipped teaching kitchen. The centre was inaugurated by Martin Xuereb, RMHC Malta Chairman (pictured below). 

“We are delighted to open the doors to RMHC Malta’s first project,” Mr Xuereb said. “With the support of numerous benefactors from a range of sectors in Malta and overseas, and of course McDonald’s and its customers, considerable investment has been directed to developing this purpose-built facility, equipped with innovative resources and equipment. It has been designed to provide a safe, learning and therapeutic environment for children. We now look forward to welcoming our first young clients with our friends at ADHD and APA.”

Three programmes will be offered at the RMHC Learning Centre from July. ‘Social Smarts for children with ADHD’ is a 15-hour programme for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, designed to provide them with strategies for improved behaviour in social interaction. The programme also involves the children’s parents and supports them to manage the symptoms of ADHD.

‘Parent Training Course for Raising Kids with ADHD’ provides parents or carers with support to strengthen skills and strategies for parenting a child with ADHD. Parenting support covers a range of issues including behavioural strategies, understanding how ADHD affects child development, and problem-solving skills.

A third programme, ‘Social Integration Programme for Teens’ is aimed at school-leavers with autism and seeks to address the challenges they face in social interaction.

RMHC Malta is part of the Ronald McDonald House Charities global network which delivers programmes and services in more than 64 countries and regions, benefitting the lives of more than 5.5 million children and their families around the world every year.

Around the world, the Ronald McDonald House Charities has enjoyed the support of the McDonald’s system – owners, operators, suppliers, employees and customers – since it was established in 1974. RMHC Malta’s leading benefactor is Premier Restaurants Malta, the operator of nine McDonald’s restaurants in the Maltese Islands.

Donations can be made at RMHC Malta boxes at McDonald’s. For further information visit www.rmhc-malta.com

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About Ronald McDonald House Charities

The Ronald McDonald House Charities Malta Chapter creates, funds and supports programmes to directly improve the health and wellbeing of children. RMHC Malta operates a purpose-built Learning Centre in Qawra to serve children challenged by poverty, disability and learning difficulties. On its own and in partnership with other organisations, RMHC Malta offers educational and therapeutic programmes to assist children and young people gain the core skills and competences necessary for adulthood.

RMHC Malta depends on corporate benefactors to fulfil its mission. The Learning Centre has been opened thanks to the generosity of Patrick Calleja Architects, BCE Serv, Schloffer, Elektra, Cutrico, Bridgepoint, Banju Boutique, Satariano, Key Contractors, Onepercent, Hal Mann Vella, Vodafone Malta Foundation, Grand Interiors, Vivendo, H&K, Franke, Deloitte, RSM, Bupa, Go, Signworld, C&H Bartoli, JP Advertising, Burmarrad Group, Malta International Airport, The Point Shopping Complex, Servizzi Malta, Bad Boy Cleaners and Green Skips. RMHC Malta is particularly grateful to McDonald’s customers in Malta for dropping their change in the RMHC boxes in restaurants around the islands.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities is an international non-profit network with a mission to keep families with sick children close to each other and to the care and resources they need (www.rmhc.org). McDonald’s has been the RMHC’s Mission Partner since the first Ronald McDonald House was built in Philadelphia in 1974. RMHC delivers programmes and services in more than 64 countries and regions and impacts the lives of more than 5.5 million children and their families around the world every year.