Ministry launches child-centred activities

Work on the new law on fostering is complete and now has to go to Cabinet, said Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday.

In line with the aim to better protect children - the theme chosen by the ministry to celebrate World Children's Day this year - the ministry has an Added Support Scheme for foster carers of children with difficult behaviour, disability or under a care order.

The ministry is also taking part in the international EuroChild conference, while the Appogg agency is launching an interactive CD as apart of its primary prevention programme, Babes.

Among the events lined up to celebrate World Children's Day, an extraordinary session is being held in Parliament on November 23, where children are going to talk about better protection.

"We believe that the children are our future, but we also need to strengthen their present so that they can enjoy their childhood, which can be achieved through strengthening legislation, policies and services and building new ones," said Ms Cristina.

She yesterday launched a three-week programme of activities aimed at children and their protection.

A group of children, aged between five and 15, visited her in her offices in Valletta, where they could chat and ask her questions.

Ms Cristina also presented a leaflet that can be turned into a kite, which is being distributed to all households. The kite, she said, was a symbol of the heights to be reached as regards the better protection of children.

Everyone who makes the kite, following the instructions, is urged to join in a family activity on November 19 at the picnic area in Ta' Qali between 1 and 4 p.m., where the kites will be flown.

They can also be brought over to the ministry between November 19 and December 13 to form part of an exhibition in its courtyard that opens before Christmas.