Generosity and kindness are traits which are often associated with the Maltese, and these boys’ friendship is a true testament to that! Denilson Long, a thirteen-year-old local student, was awarded the 2019 Pope John XXIII prize for kindness, organised by the Peace Lab.

Denilson attends Bormla’s Middle School and was awarded the prize for a special reason. The thirteen-year-old was commended for his special friendship with fellow schoolmate and friend, Kaydon Magro. Denilson finds the time to lend a helping hand to Kaydon, who is visually impaired, and make his life a little easier, despite having ADHD himself.

Denilson helps Kaydon out in the classroom, who finds it difficult to read what’s written on the interactive whiteboard due to his visual impairment. And after spending so much time together, the boys are inseparable! Despite his love for sports and football in particular, Denilson misses out on P.E. to play pool with Kaydon instead, to make sure he’s not alone. They’re truly an inspirational pair!

The award was presented by His Excellency the President of Malta George Vella at San Anton Palace, in front of members of the Peace Lab, parents, and school teachers. The President congratulated the boys and commended Denilson and other students like him for being “a shoulder for their friends” to lean on, without expecting anything in return.