Malta's Prime Minister pays a visit to the Dreams of Horses equine sanctuary.

Unleashing Community Change: Malta's Prime Minister Visits Dreams of Horses Farm

Last week, the Dreams of Horses farm in Xaghra, Gozo, welcomed Malta's Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Abela, and other esteemed dignitaries like Minister of Gozo, Clint Camilleri, and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights, Anton Refalo. This historic visit underscores the ever-growing acknowledgement of Dreams of Horses' groundbreaking work in animal-assisted therapeutic programs. These innovative initiatives strive to uplift the community by focusing on improving emotional and mental well-being through interactions with horses.

The Prime Minister's visit was a direct result of a promise made during the kickoff of SiGMA Group's offices in Malta last month. It was during this event that the SiGMA Foundation first introduced Dreams of Horses' ambitions to the Prime Minister. True to his word, Dr. Abela honored his commitment and visited the farm, accompanied by Abigail Cremona, who manages Public Sector Associations at the SiGMA Foundation.

Rehabilitation through Horses

A central focus of the visit was witnessing the farm's activities utilizing the Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) method and equinotherapy, fundamental to its mission. These interventions offer significant support to individuals dealing with behavioral issues, disabilities, or those in transition from psychiatric or correctional facilities. By encouraging structured and empathetic interactions with animals, participants learn to develop crucial life skills like emotional control and resilience.

The Dreams of Horses farm runs specialized educational programs tailored for children with behavioral problems and emotional difficulties. These personalized experiences nurture teamwork and communication skills in a warm and welcoming environment. In this inspiring setting, these programs help children rediscover themselves and embrace a fresh perspective on life, promoting personal growth.

SiGMA Foundation's Philanthropic Efforts

In a stride forward, the SiGMA Foundation recently made a substantial €50,000 contribution for the construction of a specific therapeutic block on the farm. This backing enhances the farm's ability to provide structured learning, rehabilitation, and opportunities for self-improvement. This donation embodies the Foundation's unyielding belief in local endeavors that generate genuine social value, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

This growing movement in Malta mirrors a larger commitment to imaginative approaches in mental health and community development. The visit demonstrates how strategic partnerships between the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and businesses can yield substantial and sustained impact.

Community-driven Progress

During the visit, discussions were held on other collaborative projects aimed at fostering socially responsible and inclusive solutions for the community's well-being. Analyses were conducted to explore possibilities for fruitful alliances between civil society organizations and government bodies.

"Victor is an exceptional individual; he's determined not to leave anyone behind," said Keith Marshall, Director of Philanthropy at the SiGMA Foundation. "At some point in life, people may face difficult circumstances, and it's up to us to restore balance. The Dreams of Horses project beautifully encapsulates this sentiment."

This initiative embodies the SiGMA Foundation's broader humanitarian aspirations, which revolve around promoting homegrown initiatives that generate authentic social value, notably in rural and underprivileged areas. By championing animal-assisted holistic therapies within broader healthcare systems, the Foundation advocates for inclusive and empowering support frameworks that promote individuals' overall well-being.

The Prime Minister's visit serves as a timely reminder of what can be accomplished when the public and philanthropic sectors cooperate. His presence symbolizes the government's acknowledgement of grassroots initiatives like Dreams of Horses and sends a clear message about the significance of partnership in addressing intricate social challenges. Eventually, such collaborative efforts could revolutionize lives and bring about tangible improvements.

Further exploring this journey, a recent documentary produced by Lovin Malta highlights the evolution of the SiGMA Foundation, from its roots in Malta to its worldwide humanitarian projects. The documentary presents riveting stories, images, and interviews that unveil the core values that shape the Foundation's endeavors: dignity, inclusivity, and community empowerment.

The Foundation proceeds to endorse projects like Dreams of Horses and many others, as a testament to its broader commitment to fostering lasting and people-centered change. Stay informed or join the SiGMA Foundation's charitable endeavors by visiting their website for more details.

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Malta's Prime Minister Visits Dreams of Horses Farm

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From a therapeutic perspective, equine-assisted interventions stimulate neuroplasticity, meaning the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. This adaptability can help strengthen cognitive functions like learning, memory, and emotional regulation. The close relationship between horses and humans also fosters empathy, trust, and understanding, promoting overall mental, emotional, and social wellness.

By extending equine-assisted therapy into underserved communities, initiatives like Dreams of Horses create healing sanctuaries where participants can rebuild their lives. In turn, these therapeutic programs can play a transformative role in areas plagued by stigma, isolation, and marginalization.

Meanwhile, the value of equine-assisted therapy extends beyond mental health. The unique approach to education and skills development helps tackle millennial and post-pandemic challenges by promoting problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability.

Ultimately, the Prime Minister's visit signifies a greater awareness of the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy and its potential for uplifting communities. Through collaborative efforts, initiatives like Dreams of Horses will continue to empower and inspire individuals, fostering lasting change within Malta and beyond. If you wish to get involved or stay updated on the SiGMA Foundation's charitable endeavors, visit their website.

References:

[1] SiGMA Foundation. (n.d.). Dreams of Horses Farm. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://sigmafoundation.org/impact/dreams-of-horses-farm/[2] The Malta Independent. (2023). Dreams of Horses: The first equine center for therapeutic riding on Gozo. Retrieved February 13, 2023, from https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2023-01-26/lifestyle/wellbeing/dreams-of-horses-the-first-equine-center-for-therapeutic-riding-on-gozo-4846437959/

The Dreams of Horses farm's focus on equine-assisted therapy can improve not only emotional and mental well-being but also overall mental, emotional, and social wellness through stimulating neuroplasticity, fostering empathy, and promoting learning and memory skills.
By endorsing projects like Dreams of Horses, the SiGMA Foundation advances their humanitarian aspirations, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, aiming to promote genuine social value in a variety of domains beyond mental health, such as fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, and cars.
Through strategic partnerships between the public sector, philanthropic organizations, and businesses, community-driven initiatives like Dreams of Horses can create healing sanctuaries that help rebuild lives and generate tangible improvements in underserved communities, even extending their impact beyond mental health.
Ultimately, projects like Dreams of Horses, guided by core values of dignity, inclusivity, and community empowerment, embody a broader commitment to uplifting lifestyles through transformative, holistic therapeutic programs, demonstrating the potential for partnerships to effectuate lasting changes in Malta and beyond.