More than 8,000 students have benefitted from permanent counselling in their schools through the Blossom Project, which is now set to extend its psycho-social support to three new colleges, providing a vital lifeline to even more schoolchildren in need.

Conceived by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, chair of The Malta Trust Foundation, the Blossom Project will now be offering its services to students in St Theresa College Birkirkara Primary, St Thomas More Tarxien Primary, and St Claire’s College Pembroke Secondary.

First set up in St Paul’s Bay Primary in 2016, this project has since expanded to support students in 12 schools, thanks to the generous backing of the business community and government, that fund the salaries of the Blossom team, including counsellors, psychotherapists, family therapists, and clinical and counselling psychologists.

Ms Coleiro Preca said: “When we first started discussing the idea of introducing counselling services in schools back in 2015, I could have never imagined how far this initiative would grow. What began as a small, hopeful project has since evolved into a highly sought-after service, with schools and educational entities reaching out to request its implementation.”

As The Malta Trust Foundation marks its 10th anniversary, Ms Coleiro Preca said she was extremely proud to see Blossom enter a new phase of growth through a Public Social Partnership with the government, which will enable the foundation to further expand its services. 

However, speaking at a press conference today at St Claire’s College to announce the project’s extension, Ms Coleiro Preca stressed that the project’s growth hinges on securing sustainable funding, and urged private entities to step forward and invest to ensure no child lacked the essential care and guidance for their wellbeing.

“This is not just an investment in individual lives, it is a long-term investment in the wellbeing and resilience of our society as a whole… Blossom is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to children’s wellbeing.

“I firmly believe that investing in children is fundamental to building a healthy, safe, and sustainable society. Early intervention plays a crucial role in achieving this vision, particularly in supporting the mental wellbeing of our youngest generations. Mental health is not a peripheral issue. It is central to the holistic development of every child. 

“This is why l consider the Blossom Project to be one of The Malta Trust Foundation’s most impactful and essential initiatives. By addressing mental health challenges early, we are not only supporting individual children but also laying the groundwork for stronger, more resilient communities,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.

Her vision is to continue expanding this vital initiative, ensuring that every child had timely access to the support they needed, when they needed it most. 

Blossom Project coordinator Isabelle Anastasi, who has been part of Blossom Project since 2020, said having a resident therapist in each school helped ensure no student felt alone. 

“Loneliness is a huge challenge, especially for children. We hope our presence will help them realise that someone sees them and is there to listen to their story,” she said.

Ms Anastasi noted that the team encountered various challenges, including uncooperative caregivers, cases of abuse, and a system that could hinder rather than help. Additionally, long waiting lists for referrals to institutions lacking necessary resources posed further difficulties.

But in spite of the challenges, there have been numerous rewards, even if the results of counselling are not always immediate. 

“Counselling is a process, and its effects may take years to materialise. But, making a child smile through their tears is an irreplaceable feeling. Having a child run to hug you in gratitude is truly amazing. And knowing that on a daily basis you might be giving a child hope for a different future is a blessing,” Ms Anastasi added.