News & Articles
SHAREMALTA REPORT - 2nd June 08
ShareMalta has had a very busy year with emphasis on animal welfare education and research, in order to develop the Young Citizens’ Pilot Cat Neutering Project in Mdina and Rabat, commenced almost 2 years ago.
AIM: The aim is to develop community awareness to find humane methods of solving the stray cat problem in Malta and to raise funds for our charity via the EU and Maltese government, with whom we are now working closely.
Throughout the year and as part of the project, ShareMalta has done an excellent job assisting feeders from the Rabat area in the catching, neutering and caring of cats and kittens at our temporary rehabilitation centre.
NEW HOMES Many lucky cats have found good homes in Malta, England, Germany and Switzerland mainly due to Joan’s endeavours. Our special thanks to Lorna, Joan and the many other kind volunteers for their hard work throughout the year (doing twice daily visits on a rota) plus vet runs. The team works to high standards with the care, rehabilitation and the effort to find good homes, which are all visited prior to homing.
July/August 2007: Joan and I worked very hard touring primary Summer Schools in the full heat of the summer, representing the Ministry of Education in both Malta and Gozo. Our visits to schools continue, as and when we identify a need, or receive a request. We find the presentations holds students’ interest best of all when we have the help of a translator, use bright visual aids, take with us a friendly animal, do roleplay and finally give several small prizes for correct answers.
October 2007: Animal Awareness Day was held at the Sports Stadium for performing schoolchildren with planned visits by Ministers and media. Joan organized not one but two very impressive educational stands exhibiting work done by both ShareMalta and Noah’s Ark.
November 2007: Brenda and Joan were interviewed by the Times of Malta who later printed an article to promote our work with our own rescue stories and images of kittens needing good homes.
November 2007: Brenda and Joan had an interview with Mr. Pullicino who asked us for ShareMalta’s written recommendations on animal welfare education in Malta. The Minister agreed to offer any help we needed to make cat cafes’ and in turn asked us for help designing resources commending our work for the community. Several days later he invited us to a meeting with the National Neutering Committee. Here we met Dr. Gruppetto who asked ShareMalta for a written proposal on the National Neutering Programme for Malta.
November/December 2007. During several TV interviews during the year, Brenda met Rita Pace who wrote a song for ShareMalta recorded and sung by Klinsmann, Renato and Rita entitled ‘Not just for Christmas time’. It was also made into a short video, launched on TV and at a junior talent show sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe’ at Bay Street. Copies are available for next Xmas.
January 2008: The WSPCA U.K. acknowledged a letter we wrote requesting help and during a visit to Malta, spent some time with us and other organizations. We were subsequently invited to apply to become a member commending us on our educational work. The benefit is the WSPCA offer support, resources and training.
January, 2008: The Cat Neutering Project is finally launched after visiting several schools giving presentations, distributing leaflets and asking for community help. We received an offer of help with the survey from Mtarfa Boys’ School; Mr. Carmel Micallef (Headmaster) together with a group of students who would use the research as evidence for school work. The school have also agreed to make 6 cat cafes’. Mr. Pollucino agreed to fund but needs an estimate of costs.
April 2008: The Mayors of Rabat and Mdina agree to help us to set up recovery rooms and cat cafes’. A formal meeting is arranged between the Mayor and ShareMalta team, which later appears in Times of Malta to officially mark the launch of Cat Cafes and the Young Citizens’ Cat Neutering Pilot Project.
May 2008: Plans are under way to clean out shelter, fit wrought iron door and connect electricity and water before we can create ‘Cats of Mdina’ which we fully expect to become a tourist attraction as in Rome. Meanwhile Mr. Micallef reports that the survey is due to be completed by end of term and research evidence submitted to enable ShareMalta to apply for EU Animal Welfare educational funding.
June 2008: Simon Micallef has been asked to do a demo TV show today to talk about his involvement in Cat Cafes’ and how young people can help. He is going on TV with his own cat to talk to kids.
Ann Marie who has kindly done our bookkeeping since the charity began, now wishes to step down, due to pressure of work. Joan Baker our Vice President and myself, would like to thank Ann Marie and indeed all of you, for your help and support both now and in the future. Everyone’s help counts!
Brenda Swift (President)
