International Theatre Studio provides life-changing education

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 offers a variety of services including early intervention programs for 300 children between ages 0 and 6, a school that caters to individuals aged up to 21, four adult day centers, and an occupational therapy center. 

ASPANDEM offers a course on life skills that empowers older and younger 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.

Lark in the Park this year was a special production written, directed and produced entirely 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 charity events have a lasting impact on the community. This year’s donation will help ASPANDEM achieve its mission of encouraging independence and inclusion amongst its beneficiaries.