The Service Dogs Malta Foundation has secured EU Funding to enable it to participate in specialist training abroad.

Minister for European Funds and Electoral Programme Implementation Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, together with the Chief Executive of European Services in Malta (SEM) Rodrick Zerafa, met with the members, trainers and volunteers of the Service Dogs Malta Foundation, who are carrying out exceptional work to help persons with disabilities live more independent and dignified lives.

Through the support of SEM, the Foundation was one of the beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme, with EU funds being used to strengthen the training and services offered by the Foundation.

It was explained that through two mobility projects in Hungary, in schools and hospitals, the Foundation will be accrediting its services by introducing innovative methods, improving international collaboration, and ensuring that the Foundation remains up to date with the latest technical methods in the field.

Thanks to this investment, Service Dogs Malta Foundation will be able to train trainers, puppy raisers, and volunteers in modern methods, while strengthening collaboration with medical and social institutions. All this so that more people with conditions such as autism, hearing or mobility problems, and diabetes, can benefit from professional and specialised support.

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi praised the Foundation’s work and thanked the volunteers and trainers for their commitment. “Although the amount of funding in this case may seem small, for organisations like Service Dogs Malta it means a lot – because it allows them to continue offering a quality service and making a difference in the lives of those who really need it.”

The Minister continued by saying that this should also serve as an example and encouragement for other NGOs and voluntary organisations to approach SEM and see if there are funding opportunities that can strengthen their operations.

SEM CEO Rodrick Zerafa said “the training provided to the Service Dogs Malta Foundation under the Erasmus+ programme not only allowed members to learn from successful practices abroad, but also to use what they learned to strengthen their services in our country.”

Service Dogs Malta Foundation founder Joseph Stafrace expressed his appreciation and explained how the grant of these funds will be of great help to this foundation. He praised the support of SEM, who were of great assistance in the application process to obtain these funds.

The Service Dogs Malta Foundation was established in 2013 with the aim of giving the opportunity to persons with disabilities to have professionally trained service dogs to help them live a more independent life.

Photo: DOI

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