Bullying is no go, Ira Losco insists

Bullying was one of the things that annoyed Ira Losco the most as a teenager, so her live concert next month pushes the message that such behaviour is unacceptable.

The concert, Music 4 Life, on May 6 at Ta’ Qali’s MFCC, has been the singer’s dream project since she embarked on her anti-bullying school campaign in 2002.

“When you’re an adolescent, everyone wants to form part of the It group, and even if you yourself are not subject to bullying, you’re exposed to some sort of bullying going on around you,” she said.

When the young Maltese singer returned from the Eurovision Song Contest in Estonia, she was approached by several schools to meet schoolchildren and pass on a positive message.

“It is quite tricky to be a good role model for children, so I spent some time thinking about those issues that troubled me as a youngster,” she said.

The anti-bullying campaign targets both bullying victims and instigators. Students, she said, had so far been very receptive.

“The concert might draw bullies’ attention if they are music lovers while music, a universal language, might be some sort of escapism for the victims.

“Personally, music has helped me a lot in my life. I always found comfort in music when I passed through hard times and I hope it will help other kids as well,” an energetic Ms Losco said.

At the one-hour long Music 4 Life concert, students will have the opportunity to see what goes on before a live performance. Form 2 and 3 students have been invited to join in the initiative as it was logistically impossible to invite children of all ages for the event.

“I also wanted to outline the importance of solidarity with the ones in need, in this case, children diagnosed with cancer,” she said.

Most of the concert’s expenses have been covered by sponsors and all donations from the non-profitable event will go directly to Puttinu Cares.

“This is not a money-making venture. We’re not trying to make money out of kids but the sponsors came on board for a genuine positive incentive,” Ms Losco insisted.

Participation is free, however, children are being urged to put some money aside for Puttinu Cares. “It is important that today’s children realise that they, and not their parents, have to help children of their same age,” she added.