Over 500 children participate in Sedqa's summer programmes

Aġenzija Sedqa recently held a certificate-giving ceremony for over 500 primary schoolchildren who this summer attended and participated in Sedqa's programmes held by the agency's Prevention Services as part of SkolaSajf 2008, in collaboration with the Education Department.

Commenting on this event, Foundation for Social Welfare Service CEO Joe Gerada thanked the teachers and Sedqa staff for joining forces during summer to educate children against harmful substances. Mr Gerada reiterated that Sedqa will continue to object to the marketing of drinks that carry names that have connotations to illegal drugs, and that it is shameful for those involved in such activity.

George Borg, director of the Student Services Division within the Education Department, was also present for the event.

This is the eighth consecutive year that Sedqa is participating in SkolaSajf. The programme was delivered in eight schools between July and September, and consisted of six three-hour sessions. These schools were those of Birkirkara, Siġġiewi, Żebbuġ, Rabat, Naxxar, Mosta, Attard, and Sta Venera. Topics tackled included family, school, friends and internet addiction.

The programmes were delivered by four of the agency's Prevention Primary School Team which delivers educational prevention programmes in various schools throughout the year. Sedqa facilitators receive specialised training and reach out to Year 3, Year 5 and Year 6 students in all primary schools, as well as thousands of parents each year. Such programmes are delivered simultaneously to other courses aimed towards parents, who together with educators, serve as role models to the children.

For more information on Sedqa's prevention programmes, contact the Prevention Team on 2388 5110 or visit the agency's website www.sedqa.gov.mt. Aġenzija Sedqa is part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services which also incorporates Aġenzija Appoġġ (www.appogg.gov.mt) and Aġenzija Sapport (www.sapport.gov.mt).