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The SiGMA Foundation was honoured to host Malta¡¯s Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela, during a recent visit to the Dreams of Horses farm in Xag?ra Gozo. Accompanied by Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo, the Prime Minister¡¯s presence reinforced the growing national recognition of the farm¡¯s pioneering work in therapeutic animal assisted programmes driving community-led change.
This visit stemmed from a personal pledge made by Dr Abela during the inauguration of the SiGMA Group¡¯s new headquarters in Malta last month. It was there that the SiGMA Foundation first introduced the Dreams of Horses project to the Prime Minister. True to his word, Dr Abela followed up on that commitment by travelling to meet Victor Muscat, the farm¡¯s founder and visionary leader, joined by SiGMA Foundation¡¯s Abigail Cremona, Head of Public Partnerships.
Healing through horses
Central to the visit was a shared appreciation for the farm¡¯s use of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Animal Assisted Therapy, both core elements of its mission. These interventions provide meaningful support for individuals facing behavioural challenges, living with disabilities or transitioning from psychiatric care or correctional environments. By fostering structured, empathetic interactions with animals, participants build critical life skills including emotional regulation and resilience.
The Dreams of Horses farm provides specialised educational programmes designed for children facing behavioural and emotional challenges. These tailored experiences emphasise team building and the development of communication skills. Set within the farm¡¯s unique and nurturing environment, the programmes offer children a renewed outlook, encouraging personal growth and helping them see their lives from a different perspective.
The SiGMA Foundation has played a key role in advancing this vision. Its recent donation of €50,000 is funding the development of a dedicated therapy block on the farm, enhancing its capacity to deliver structured learning, rehabilitation and personal growth opportunities. This contribution reflects the Foundation¡¯s long standing belief in community-led change and the power of human, animal connection to support mental and emotional well-being.?
This growing momentum in Malta reflects an increasing commitment to innovative approaches in mental health and community development. By championing projects that integrate therapeutic care with community empowerment, the visit highlights how strategic partnerships between the public sector, philanthropic organisations and businesses can drive meaningful, sustainable impact.
Driving community-led change
The visit also signalled a broader momentum in collaborative, grassroots driven change. It underscored how partnerships between civil society organisations and government can deliver meaningful, inclusive solutions for community well-being.
¡°Victor is a special guy; he is adamant to leave no one behind,¡± said Keith Marshall, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the SiGMA Foundation. ¡°People get a really bad run at the tables of life sometimes and it¡¯s up to us to reinstate the balance of play. This project at Dreams of Horses punctuates this ethos perfectly.¡±
This initiative is a testament to the SiGMA Foundation¡¯s broader philanthropic goals, championing local efforts that yield genuine social value, especially in rural and underserved areas. By helping integrate holistic, animal assisted therapies into broader care systems, the Foundation is promoting inclusive and empowering models of support.
A step toward broader impact
Dr Abela¡¯s visit serves as a timely reminder of what is possible when public and philanthropic sectors unite. His presence represents government recognition of grassroots initiatives like Dreams of Horses and sends a powerful message about the importance of collaborative action in addressing complex social challenges. Dr Abela¡¯s engagement reinforces the idea that fostering inclusive well-being is a shared responsibility, creating a positive example for other leaders to follow. Together, these efforts are already producing tangible, life-changing results on the ground.
This moment, along with the broader story of the Foundation¡¯s mission and growth, is featured in a recent documentary produced by Lovin Malta. The documentary offers a compelling behind the scenes look at the SiGMA Foundation¡¯s evolution from its grassroots beginnings in Malta to its growing global reach. Through a series of heartfelt stories, footage and interviews, the documentary highlights the core values that define the Foundation¡¯s work through dignity, inclusion and community empowerment.
As the Foundation continues to support transformative projects like Dreams of Horses and many others, its journey reflects a wider commitment to creating lasting, people focused change. Stay up to date with the Foundation¡¯s journey or get involved in any of its upcoming projects, visit the SiGMA Foundation website for more information.
