International Theatre Studio supports life-changing training

The International Theatre Studio (ITS) presented a cheque for €1850 to ASPANDEM, the principle association supporting intellectually disabled individuals in Marbella, at a heartwarming gathering at La Tienda ASPANDEM Baratillo Benéfico in San Pedro. 

The funds were raised through ITS’s annual charity event, Lark in the Park, held this year at the stunning Benahavís amphitheatre with support from the Benahavís council.

ASPANDEM, the largest organisation of its kind in the Malaga province, supports approximately 900 intellectually disabled individuals across its facilities in Marbella, San Pedro, and Nueva Andalucía. The association provides a wide range of services, including early intervention for 300 children aged 0 to 6, a school for individuals up to 21 years old, four adult day centres, and an occupational therapy centre. 

Among ASPANDEM’s current initiatives is a life skills course designed to empower young and older adults with intellectual disabilities. The programme teaches essential everyday skills such as managing money, paying bills, and reading bus timetables – tasks many of us take for granted but which can significantly improve independence and workplace readiness for those with intellectual disabilities.

This year’s Lark in the Park was a special production, entirely written, directed, and produced by ITS members. The event’s fundraising success was boosted by a raffle organised by Margaret, a dedicated volunteer at ASPANDEM’s charity shop, who managed to raise €500 just from raffle tickets, adding to the takings from the tickets, bringing the total up to €1850 to go towards the lifeskill course. 

ITS’s annual charity events continue to make a significant impact in the community, and this year’s contribution will further ASPANDEM’s mission to encourage independence and inclusion for its beneficiaries.