Inspire Foundation welcomed HSBC Malta CEO Geoffrey Fichte and Hudson Group Founder and Chairman Alfie Borg to its LinC Day School Programme in Bulebel to view the newly extended therapeutic playground, made possible through the continued support of the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Hudson Foundation.
Building on the first phase launched last year, the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Hudson Foundation again joined forces to double the size of the facility in response to growing demand. The expansion follows a combined investment of over €50,000 and is already benefiting children attending the Learning in Context (LinC) programme, which supports 45 learners with high and complex support needs, including autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties, and sensory processing challenges.
The expanded playground features additional sensory-regulatory equipment, including trampolines, a roundabout, swing seats, and specialised proprioceptive and vestibular tools aimed at helping children regulate, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and prepare for learning. Inspire’s educators and therapists report improved regulation, stronger readiness to learn after outdoor sessions, enhanced communication and social interaction, and more opportunities for movement-based therapy in a safer, more inclusive environment. With more space, the playground can support more children at the same time, enabling more structured sessions throughout the school day.
Antonello Gauci, CEO of Inspire Foundation, emphasised the impact of the investment, “This playground has enabled us to create a therapeutic space where our learners can regulate, connect, and thrive. The extension has allowed us to address their sensory needs more effectively, every single day, while ensuring they thoroughly enjoy the experience. We are deeply grateful to the HSBC Malta Foundation and the Hudson Foundation for recognising the importance of sensory and therapeutic play in the lives of children with complex needs.”
Geoffrey Fichte, CEO at HSBC Malta, highlighted the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to inclusion, commenting “Seeing the children benefit from this space first-hand reinforces why this project matters. The playground is giving learners the tools they need to feel calm, confident, and ready to engage. Supporting Inspire Foundation aligns with our mission to promote education, wellbeing, and equal opportunities for all children.”
Alfie Borg, Founder and Chairman of Hudson Group, reflected on the Foundation’s focus on meaningful community impact stating, “The transformation here is remarkable. This extension is an investment in the wellbeing and future of these children. We are proud to support Inspire Foundation in creating environments where every child can experience joy, regulation, and growth through play.” Since launching in 2019, the LinC programme has tripled in size from 15 learners to 45. The extended playground will help Inspire continue delivering holistic support that integrates learning with sensory and motor development, demonstrating how investment in therapeutic environments can improve outcomes for children with diverse needs.
