db Foundation supports autistic children with major donation to Inspire Malta

The db Foundation has made a significant donation to Inspire Malta, aimed at enhancing the learning environments for autistic children enrolled in the STEP Intensive Early Intervention (IEI) and STEP Forward Programmes.

This contribution will fund the installation of ‘attenuation boards’ in two rooms at Inspire’s Bulebel Centre, ensuring a more supportive and calming space for autistic children aged three to six years.

For children on the autism spectrum, excessive noise can be overwhelming, leading to sensory overstimulation, anxiety, and difficulty in focusing. By installing these attenuation boards, the db Foundation is helping to create a more effective and comfortable learning environment, reducing auditory stress and promoting better engagement in educational activities.

“At the db Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, particularly through a learning environment that meets their unique needs. By supporting Inspire Malta to enhance their classrooms for children with autism we hope to make a tangible difference in their daily experiences, helping them feel more comfortable, focused, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are proud to contribute to this important initiative and remain committed to supporting projects that uplift our community,” said db Foundation chairperson Sandra Sladden.

Two key programmes at Inspire will directly benefit from this initiative:

            1. STEP IEI, which assists children under the age of five who have been diagnosed with autism. This structured, day-based intervention enhances children’s abilities, fosters independence, and equips them with foundational life skills.

            2. STEP Forward, which supports children in Year 1, helping them develop social-emotional, communication, and school-readiness skills.

Currently supporting 139 children, these programmes are set to expand, with plans to accommodate 230 children by the end of this year.

Antonello Gauci, CEO of Inspire Malta, highlighted the impact of this support, saying “This generous donation from the db Foundation allows us to enhance our facilities, better address sensory challenges, and improve the learning experience for our young learners. We are grateful for the db Group’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community and for partnering with Inspire in its mission to transform lives together.’’

Established in 2019, the db Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the db Group, committed to driving impactful change across the social, environmental, educational, and health sectors.

By partnering with organisations like Inspire Malta, the foundation continues to uplift communities and champion inclusivity for persons with disabilities.

The foundation’s board is chaired by Sandra Sladden with Luke Azzopardi, Gianluca Bezzina, and Alan Debono as members.