Stop child abuse

Thousands of booklets were recently donated by Appogg to the Education Division to be distributed to Year 6 pupils. These booklets describe the different types of child abuse and explain what one can do to seek help.

The information is passed on through simple language and appropriate cartoons for children to understand the content easily. As part of an awareness campaign which the agency has just embarked on, this booklet will serve as a catalyst so that children can become more conscious of this sensitive topic.

During a presentation at the Anthony Valletta Birkirkara Primary School, Joe Gerada, CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said children had the right for protection and that this booklet, produced by Appogg staff and marketing team, was a practical tool to inform children of their rights as well as explain to them simply what abuse was and what they can do about it.

He also thanked the director-general of the Education Division, Dr Cecilia Borg, for her collaboration on this project and for distributing these booklets to the pupils.

Mr Gerada pointed out that more teachers and heads of schools are coming forward reporting cases which they consider needing attention and together with Appogg social workers make the appropriate interventions. He said the agency sought to strengthen its network with significant organisations, such as the Education Division, in order to increase children's protection.

Marianne Gauci, acting operations director of Appogg, said that more than 800 new child abuse cases were referred to them in 2005.

Protecting children is hard and tough, as social workers would have to work against a lot of issues. However, social workers are persistent people, trained to follow through each case they deal with until they are satisfied that the child is safe. She also urged children to call the agency Supportline 179 if and when they need help and advice.

Dr Borg thanked Appogg for this initiative and acknowledged the excellent work between the Education Division and the agency and other agencies within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.

She said these booklets would be distributed to all Year 6 students in all schools and that she looked forward to more such useful information. In attendance were also Alfred Mallia, director Operations within the Education Division, and the school principal, Ms Magro.

Those interested in obtaining a free copy of the booklet can contact the marketing team of the Foundation for Social Services on 2388-5000, or download a soft copy from www.appogg.gov.mt from the section entitled "Children's Rights" in the main page.