Service Dogs Malta Foundation Secures EU Funding For Specialised Training Abroad

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

With the support of SEM, the Foundation has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme, receiving European funding aimed at strengthening its training and the services it provides. Through two mobility projects in Hungary, involving visits to schools and hospitals, the Foundation will be able to further accredit its services by introducing innovative methods, enhancing international collaboration, and staying up to date with the latest technical practices in the field.

Thanks to this investment, the Service Dogs Malta Foundation will be able to provide advanced training to its trainers, puppy raisers and volunteers, while also strengthening cooperation with medical and social institutions. This will allow more people with conditions such as autism, hearing or mobility difficulties, and diabetes to benefit from professional and specialised support.

Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi added, “It is truly rewarding to see how European funds are reaching people directly. Although in this case the amount of funding may seem modest, for organisations like Service Dogs Malta it means a great deal because it allows them to continue providing quality services and to make a real difference in the lives of those who most need it.”

The Minister added that this initiative should also serve as an example and a source of encouragement for other NGOs and voluntary organisations to approach SEM and explore funding opportunities that could help strengthen their operations.

SEM Chief Executive Rodrick Zerafa said, “The training provided to the Service Dogs Malta Foundation through the Erasmus+ programme not only enabled members to learn from successful practices abroad, but also to apply that knowledge to enhance their services here in Malta.”

The Foundation’s founder, Joseph Stafrace, expressed his gratitude and emphasised that this funding will be a major boost for the organisation. He also thanked SEM for their guidance and support throughout the application process.

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