Since Malta's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children, and the enactment of the Commissioner for Children Act in 2003, there has been a substantial increase in awareness about the fundamental rights of children.
"Children are now more aware of their basic rights, which include the right to a family, to education and health, and the right to a healthy environment.
"They are also aware of their obligations, especially their duties at home. However, we still need to reach out to more children, parents and teachers," Commissioner for Children, Carmen Zammit, said.
As part of its outreach, the Office of the Commissioner for Children is organising the fourth Rights 4U programme on July 11-13, which is aimed at gathering children aged 13 to 15 in an inclusive, friendly setting. Anna Grech, a youth worker, and Malcolm Micallef, an Mcast lecturer with a background in social work, who are coordinating the live-in, will organise informal sessions and fun activities centred around children's rights. The practical sessions and workshops will be delivered by qualified and experienced professionals.
Ms Zammit said: "The activities will include workshops for smaller groups of children, interviewing adults in public places about children's rights, preparing a PowerPoint presentation of the results of the survey, as well as other fun activities such as a barbecue.
"Most importantly, the children will learn about their fundamental rights and their obligations in a way that is appropriate to their age."
"More than simply teaching children about their rights, as enshrined in the UN Convention, it is also important that the message reaches children in a correct way. Very often, in the eyes of children, their rights resonate much more than their obligations. In reality, while children's rights are fundamental, these rights are also accompanied by duties and obligations, which come especially into play on a day-to-day basis."
Regarding the EU survey published in The Times earlier this week, which revealed that, according to Maltese 15-18-year-olds, the spread of drugs is Malta's most pressing problem, the Children's Commissioner said that children have a right to be protected in every possible way.
"There are many NGOs and agencies that are working to help children and youth face this deadly problem. It is also a fact that schools are also helping children look for help, as teachers are sometimes in a good position to identify problems which are hidden below the surface.
"However, the first source of help should be found within the family.
"It is crucial for parents to foster a healthy, open relationship with their child, especially when the child is still very young. Parents must identify themselves as the persons whom the children can talk most openly with. Very often, unfortunately, work and professional commitments take the parents away from home, and leave them with little time in which they can talk to their children," she said.
In fact, although children are the primary targets for education on children's rights, educators and parents should equally learn about what they are responsible for.
Young people who attended the Rights 4U Programme in 2006 and 2007 gave positive feedback:
•"When I read about the course for the very first time, it seemed to be very interesting, so my friends and I decided to take the opportunity and apply.
"I had never attended a live-in course before, so it was my first experience. On the first day, everyone seemed to be shy, but after we introduced ourselves, we all felt more confident. On our second day we were honoured with the presence of Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, as well as Miriam Portelli and Dr Marthese Portelli. Together we discussed the importance of children's rights, the extent to which they are observed, and the awareness of such rights in Malta.
"Before I attended this course, I did not know how vast and delicate this subject was. It made me realise that everyone is on the same level, and that each one of us should have equal opportunities."
Antonella Portelli, 15 years old
• "When I attended the Rights 4U course, I really enjoyed it. The course was spread over three days. Sonia Camilleri, who was then the Commissioner for Children, delivered a talk and the introductory session was conducted by Simone Ek from Save the Children, Sweden. An activity was organised whereby we got to know each other better. It proved quite a task at first to learn all the names! We also spent some relaxing time together watching Freaky Friday during the DVD night.
"Usually, in the mornings we attended Mass, and afterwards we proceeded to follow our eventful programme for the day. We usually worked in teams, and one of the activities was to carry out a survey with regards to children's rights awareness. My team-mate was a girl called Shanna. After the survey, we delivered a short presentation of our findings.
"I remember that day finished off with a barbecue during which the youth council members shared their experiences. On the final day, the elections for the new youth council members were held. It took longer than expected but finally four were elected.
"This memorable experience was held at Mount St Joseph. Those three days were awesome!"
François Zammit, 15 years old
• "I look upon the Rights 4U live-ins as interesting events in which you can learn new things and voice your thoughts by participating in a mature and positive manner. Above all you make new friends.
"I had the opportunity to attend two live-ins. During the first one, in 2005, I was somewhat shy, and as a result, I did not talk much and mingle with the other youths. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience just the same, as the live-in programme was planned so as to include different and interesting activities that appealed to youths.
"Since I was elected on the Office of the Commissioner's Council for Children in 2006, I also attended the 2007 live-in which was held in Gozo. "I hope that these live-ins will continue to be held, so that the voice of the youth can be heard and that youths can benefit from the positive experience."
Mahmoud El Bakry, 16 years old
• "The course was aimed at enlightening adolescents about their rights as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The programme was a combination of a number of factors which led to my positive judgement of the course. Firstly, there was the professional way in which it was conducted, especially by the youth workers and personnel. The second aspect was that the participants managed to get to know each other enough to select four young people to serve on the Council for Children over a weekend, and the fact that such a decision was taken in such a short time reflects the good planning.
"The various activities carried out during the weekend were, I think, very beneficial to teamwork, especially the survey carried out at different beaches around Malta. Moreover, the debates provided a chance for the participants to put forward their views on the topics under discussion. I sincerely hope that many other adolescents can benefit from getting to know about their rights."
Ramon Bonett Sladden, 16 years old
The Office of the Commissioner for Children is receiving applications from children and young people aged 13-15 for the 2008 Rights 4U Programme, which will be held in Rabat, Malta. For applications, e-mail the Commissioner for Children on carmen.zammit@gov.mt or rights4u@gmail.com. The applications deadline has been extended until June 13.