During February, we (Doreen and Marie-Claire), delivered a set of lessons covering the topic ‘Celebrating Diversity’. Prior to the delivery of these lessons, we made the necessary arrangements so that our Year 3 and Year 4 students will benefit from a diversity experience. After contacting KNPD (Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Diżabilita’), Mr Christian Camilleri, who has physical disabilities and is wheelchair bound, offered to come to Siġġiewi primary school on the 18th of March 2015. He delivered two talks, one for the Year 3 students and one for the Year 4 students.
Year 3 students Year 4 students
Mr Christian Camilleri introduced himself to the students and went on to tell students about his childhood. He told them about how he would play with his classmates during breaks, how his parents supported him constantly and most important how he was not treated differently from other children. At this point, he asked students whether they know someone who has a disability and what do they do when they are around such people. Students mentioned family members, relatives and even other students with disabilities and most said that they treat people with disabilities as if they had no disability at all!
Mr Christian Camilleri went on to mention his hobbies, which include watching films, following his favourite football team Juventus and playing playstation games. He asked students whether they enjoy playing playstation games as much as he does! He asked for the names of the games they liked most and they mentioned Fifa 15, Minecraft and Lego Avengers. Throughout both sessions, Mr Christian Camilleri invited students to ask him questions. Typical questions students asked him were: what is his favourite food, who is his favourite football player and whether he is happy despite his disability. He happily answered all of the students’ questions!
Christian even took time to show students how his electric wheelchair works!
At the end of both sessions, students gathered around Mr Camilleri and chatted in a friendly way. We are sure that students became more aware that we all must share our similarities and celebrate our differences!
St Ignatius College, Patri Ġużè Delia, Siġġiewi Primary 