Blossom project brings counselling to Gozo schools
11 OCTOBER 2025
The pilot project Blossom, which will provide counselling services in schools across Gozo, has been launched by the Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, together with the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi.
The project is the result of an agreement between The Malta Trust Foundation and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, signed by the Foundation’s founder and chairperson, former President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mario Borg.
The Blossom project introduces a structured and reliable support service that addresses stigma around mental health while offering assistance for students’ wellbeing over the long term. It also focuses on key transition periods, including the move from primary to secondary education, secondary to post-secondary, and into tertiary education.
Minister Clint Camilleri said the government is committed to investing in initiatives that improve people’s quality of life, adding that this project marks a new step in strengthening mental health services in Gozo. He recalled that a few years ago the government had opened Dar il-Kantuniera to provide community mental health services and that Blossom builds on that effort with school-based, free, and accessible counselling services.
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi noted that European funds are being used not only for infrastructure but also to improve people’s wellbeing. He said such projects represent investment in the country’s future and are being supported through several EU funding programmes, including the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, Erasmus+, and the European Solidarity Corps.
Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, chairperson of The Malta Trust Foundation, said the partnership will help ensure that more Gozitan children and young people receive the support they need. She encouraged psychosocial professionals in Gozo to contribute to these services for students.
Camilleri thanked The Malta Trust Foundation, educational authorities, schools, and all professionals involved, as well as ministry staff who worked on the project.
Beyond its therapeutic goals, Blossom will also promote professional collaboration and development through team-building activities, conferences, and supervision sessions to ensure that support services remain consistent and of the highest standard.