Maltese Students Launch Dr Sunshine Comfort Kits To Support Children In Hospital
A team of Sixth Form students from St Aloysius College and Junior College officially launched Dr Sunshine, a JA Mini-Company initiative, today on World Children’s Day.
The project aims to bring comfort, hope and warmth to children during hospital stays through carefully curated Comfort Kits, designed to brighten long and challenging days. The initiative marks the beginning of a nationwide effort to engage schools, families, and communities in supporting young patients.
The launch coincides with media outreach and a live interview later today on “Illum ma’ Steph” at 5pm, where the student team will share their vision, the inspiration behind Dr Sunshine, and the impact they hope to create.
The project was inspired by Managing Director Yasmine Shawish’s own hospital experience. During a stay, she noticed a young boy named Gianni sitting alone, lacking any items to keep him occupied. Shawish collected some of her own belongings and offered them to him, lifting his spirits and planting the seed for Dr Sunshine.
Each kit is thoughtfully designed to support children emotionally and mentally. Items include a soft blanket, reading books, colouring books and pencils, and puzzle books to provide warmth, reassurance, and engaging distractions. Every item is carefully selected to make hospital stays feel less daunting and more hopeful.
As part of its outreach, Dr Sunshine has launched a Reverse Advent Calendar, encouraging schools across Malta and Gozo to contribute to the pre-purchase of Comfort Kits, which are later distributed to hospitalised children. The initiative will also extend to corporate sponsorships, allowing companies to fund kits in bundles to support even more young patients.
The kits aim to reduce anxiety, foster creativity, and bring a sense of normality to children in hospital. Familiar textures, creative tools, and reading material provide emotional support, helping children feel remembered and cared for during vulnerable times.
Dr Sunshine is led by a team of students: Yasmine Shawish (Managing Director), Elisabeth Schembri (Accounts), Amy Vukovic (Marketing), Giuseppe Ciliberti (Quality), and Gabriel Borg (Secretary). Through the JA Mini-Company programme, they combine entrepreneurial skills with a mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of hospitalised children.
Shawish said, “Creating the Dr Sunshine Comfort Kits is a meaningful journey for all of us, combining business interests with a genuine wish to help children feel comforted, supported, and less alone.”
Link teacher Keith Sammut added, “Dr Sunshine brings that little comfort in a frustrating time. Knowing someone cares brings warmth to my heart.”
The public is invited to support Dr Sunshine by following the team on social media, sharing their message, and sponsoring Comfort Kits to help brighten a child’s hospital stay.
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