Austin Gatt, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications has inaugurated a center for Computer Studies at the Down Syndrome Association Headquarters, in Valletta. He was accompanied by Philip Micallef, the Chairman of the Maltese Communications Authority. The inauguration of the center was held on the occasion of World's Telecommunications Day.

Minister Gatt said tha the Government is working so that the national policy about information technology and communication continues to reach the community by means of centers for computer studies. Eleven centers have opened in the community and the aim is that another 20 centers open.

The Government by means of the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications and several sponsors, have invested in seven new computers for this center. At the moment 8 youths with Down Syndrome who are doing a transitional course from secondary school to employment training are following computer courses in this center.

Minister Gatt said that the learning centers in the community are reaching a different strata in society and this center is aimed at youth and adults with Down Syndrome. He said that there are many learning programmes and training for people with special needs and these are held in collaboration to the National Special Needs Commission.

Marthese Mugliett, the Chairperson of the Down Syndrome Association said that it is not easy for people with this condition to learn the computer like other children and therefore the learning center at the Association's headquarters is a priceless way of how they can learn and train. She also announced that the Government's investment in this center is a sign of how much the Government is investing in our children.

Philip Micallef said that the Maltese Communications Authority was given the role of promoting the training of information technology in the community.

He said that the Authority will be taking several initiatives so that no one will remain disadvantaged when it comes to a better life and work opportunity. Philip Micallef said that for people with special needs, the computer is another way of changing difficulties into opportunity.