In an inspiring demonstration of compassion and commitment to the welfare of animals, St. Benedict College Pietru Pawl Saydon Secondary School in Kirkop recently organized a series of activities to raise awareness about animal welfare and support local shelters. Through a well-organized series of events, the students and staff not only collected funds but also amassed large donations of pet food, all of which will help make a difference for animals in need.
During the week, students attended a series of talks and activities to learn more about animal welfare. One of the notable sessions was a presentation by MSPCA, which covered the responsibilities and lifelong commitment of adopting a pet. The speakers emphasized the importance of family readiness for adoption, making students aware of the dedication required in giving a stray animal a loving home. Following the talk, the students enthusiastically participated in a quiz organized by MSPCA, which added an interactive element to their learning experience.
We also welcomed the customs’ dogs section. During the demonstration the officers showed the students how they train their dogs to sniff large amount of money exceeding the amount of €10 000. A demonstration of how the dogs also sniff drugs and undeclared cigarettes at the airport and at the sea terminal was also done. The officers also brought with them a puppy that they are training at the moment and explained how they train dogs from a young age. Students were curious what happens of the dogs when they retire and officers explained that usually the officer take the dog to live the last years at his own house.
Another talk was that by Darryl Grima, the TV presenter of Il-Vegan on PBS. He spoke at length about the ethical implications of animal testing, sparking thought-provoking conversations and challenging students to consider the impact of such practices. This event broadened their perspective on the ways animals are affected by various industries and reinforced the importance of ethical treatment.
Another crowd-pleaser was the K9 demonstration by the Correctional Facility Officers of Kordin, where skilled dogs showcased their talents in obedience and agility. The performance highlighted the dedication and training that go into preparing service dogs and gave students insight into the valuable roles these animals play in society.
During the same week, fundraising was done in a fun way as the school organized an ice cream sale to raise funds for stray animals. The overwhelming support from students led to the event’s success. Another much-anticipated event was Funky Top Day. Students wore festive tops, from football jerseys to colorful T-shirts, to express their individuality while supporting a great cause.
Throughout the week, students engaged in a friendly House competition to collect pet food for local shelters. With nearly 500 kg of pet food collected, each House proudly contributed to the cause, with a tally that emphasized the incredible effort of every student involved.
The week was rounded off with the Student Council proudly presenting a cheque of €1,125 to Fabio Spiteri, the founder of Project 100. This initiative aims to collect €100,000 to support various animal shelters across Malta. Alongside the monetary contribution, the school community gathered a van-load of dog food, which was donated to the Association for Abandoned Animals, all thanks to generous donations from students and their families.
Special mention goes to classes 11.2 and 11.5, who, under the guidance of their teacher, worked on an educational project on the adoption process. The students wrote essays about what it means to adopt a pet responsibly and the life-long commitment involved. As part of this initiative, they raised €55 to support Project 100, setting an example for their peers and showing their dedication to animal welfare.
The events at St. Benedict College Pietru Pawl Saydon Secondary School Kirkop have shown what a dedicated community can achieve. Through their combined efforts, the students and staff have raised substantial funds, collected supplies, and gained a deeper understanding of the significance of animal welfare. Each initiative not only supported animals in need but also fostered compassion and responsibility among students, ensuring they continue to carry these values forward.
