Children who only eat pasta and bread
Many families need help to cope with cost of living, says Caritas worker
“It is common for parents to send their children to school in a good state at the cost of sacrificing everything else.”
Charles Miceli has hands-on experience of children who only eat pasta and bread at home because their parents cannot afford otherwise.
He regularly meets parents who skip paying the electricity bill to buy food for their children. They are people who queue for EU food handouts outside parish offices.
So when the numbers mill at the National Statistics Office churns out the news that almost 64,000 people are at risk of poverty, Mr Miceli is not impressed.
“Poverty is something I feel every day,” said the Caritas worker and founder of a Facebook awareness campaign called Alliance Against Poverty.
15.4
percentage of people at risk of poverty, according to the NSO
He insisted the poor tried to hide their condition and it was common for parents to send their children to school in a good state at the cost of sacrificing everything else.
“Some will even give their children fruit to take to school even though all they can afford to eat at home is a plain plate of pasta every day,” he said.
The NSO recorded a marginal increase in the number of people at risk of poverty last year when compared with the previous one. There were 15.4 per cent of people at risk of poverty, including almost 17,000 children.
The figures also showed 18 per cent of families could not afford to keep their homes adequately warm in winter and almost 10 per cent could not afford a meal containing meat, chicken and fish every second day. Mr Miceli said the figures are alarming. “While it is OK to speak of children’s rights when we have children going to school hungry,” he insists.
The causes of poverty are many but Mr Miceli cautioned against tarring everyone with the same brush of disdain and prejudice.
“It is very easy to blame the victims of poverty and accuse them of not knowing how to manage their family budget. While budgeting well is important, a €10 note will remain a €10 note, no matter which way you look at it,” he says.
There are many families who cannot cope with the higher cost of living and they have to be helped, Mr Miceli said.
His reflection is supported by a survey commissioned by The Sunday Times last month that found the cost of living and high utility bills among the top three concerns for respondents.
“The solution we give them is the EU food aid in the form of pasta and biscuits but they cannot simply live on handouts like these,” he says.
Economist Karm Farrugia, who formed part of a team of researchers appointed by Caritas to study poverty, is not shocked by the NSO findings.
“They are in harmony with the market research we did for Caritas that underpinned our proposal to increase the minimum wage,” he says.
The Caritas study published in March – A Minimum Budget for a Decent Living – concluded that the minimum wage had to increase to €180 per week from €158.
Mr Farrugia says that social services are inclined to cater for those well below the poverty line but do little for those who are borderline.
But Mr Miceli insisted the Government has found money for many pro-jects of little use. “Is it possible we cannot find money to help the poor?”
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92 Comments
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Giov DeMartino
Nov 27th 2012, 20:55
Two cars for every 3 persons; thousands take a holiday abroad at least once a year; all places of entertainment fully booked; eating out at least once a week, smoking, regular visits to the hairdresser/beuitician/nutritionist/coffee mornings; millions of euro are contributed towards all sort of worthy/unworthy causes; mobiles in the hands of toddlers; expensive electronic games; time up.
Michael Grech
Nov 27th 2012, 15:42
Four Square with Mr Miceli. Unfortunately, the tendency of blaming the victim is rampant in most comments.
If we are to believe that the poor have only themselves to blame, why is it that, despite the progress in education, culture, and thought that those who run our society claim to have occurred in the recent past, more people are making illogical choices that render them poor
Alex Ellul
Nov 27th 2012, 15:04
Last winter, in Germany, some 800,000 households had their electricity supply cut off for the simple reason that the occupiers could not afford to pay the bills for months on end, and this in Germany.
http://notrickszone.com/2012/06/26/german-pols-now-demanding-energy-welfare-for-its-citizens-800000-have-had-their-electricity-cut-off/
C. Bezzina
Nov 27th 2012, 23:46
Do you want the Maltese people to be like that than!
John Azzopoardi
Nov 27th 2012, 13:24
How could we have poverty like this when you have all sort of social services available. What are the parents spending the money on then. Someone should investigate
Daniel Dimech
Nov 26th 2012, 20:01
Ix xemx ma titlax l istess ghall-kulhadd, ma tistax tigeneralizza u l bloggers qed jinsew ix xoghol tal perkarjat
Alex Ellul
Nov 26th 2012, 16:26
One of the causes of increased poverty in the west is the increased cost of energy. The price of energy has risen for the fact that the Arab/Left-wing dominated OPEC and the left-wing/green governments have found a different-means that justifies their common-end to raise the price of energy. OPEC to make more money and the left-wingers/greens to build millions of expensive but useless windmills
Terry COURTNADGE
Nov 26th 2012, 21:30
'millions of expensive but useless windmills'
Well said, Alex.
Michael Grech
Nov 27th 2012, 15:49
Left-wing dominated OPEC! Only 3 of the 12 Opec member-countries have left-wing governments. Most others are US stooges. Moreover, I think that Banks, the cost of food (even though our own EU subsidises the desctruction of certain crops), regressive taxation and the like have something to do with the increase in poverty in the West as well, and hence the situation does not boil down to energycosts
Paul Bajada
Nov 26th 2012, 16:08
Quote "But Mr Miceli insisted the Government has found money for many projects of little use. “Is it possible we cannot find money to help the poor?” Unquote
The above says it all. You GonziPN can be proud of all this! Definitely, according to you and your cohorts, you have nothing to do with this!
George Calleja
Nov 26th 2012, 15:56
Whilst sympathising with all those concerned, this percentage of children in poverty line is no exception to other countries, rich or poor, so we needn't alarm the general public. Or is this some fine propaganda used by certain politicians? If we have a change in government will this percentage diminish? I very much doubt it Mr. Miceli.
Charles Miceli
Nov 26th 2012, 16:28
Why wait for a change in government to take action?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 16:47
Who cares what happens in other countries? Their circumstances are different. And we are supposed to be living in paradise- or so we are told every day. It's no paradise for these people and its no consolation that they are a percentage figure like in other countries. As usual in this country, when things are bad we look at someone who is worse off and thank God that we we are in such great shape.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 26th 2012, 15:41
Utter rubbish.
People who feed their children only bread and pasta do so, because they are either too lazy or incompetent to cook or have very little common sense, if any at all, to realise that with the same amount of money spent on unhealthy foods and drinks one can make simple but nevertheless healthy and delicious meals.
If we are competent to do it in our household, why shouldn't they?
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 26th 2012, 18:19
Who are you to pontificate, as if you have first hand knowledge!
Michael Grech
Nov 27th 2012, 15:52
Assuming that what you are saying is right (which is not) why is it that, with the supposed progress in education, thought and behaviour, the number of parents who are lazy, incompetent or lack common sense is increasing? Moreover, as a matter of fact, healthy food (e.g. organic vegetables, etc) tend to cost more than ordinary ones. But then, it is always convenient to blame the victim.
Carmel Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 15:28
Charles Miceli should first teach these people how to choose their priorities . I know several of these people who have no money for essential items but have for super five and morning coffee. I know others whose head of the family refuse to have an extra job .. They do not help themselves. They prefer others to work for them.Perhaps unknowingly people like Charles are spoiling them.
A Galea
Nov 26th 2012, 15:19
People, although we all have tales to tell of "poor" neighbours who can't feed their kids but can smoke and drink, don't put everyone in the same category. While some people can't get their priorities straight, others are truly poor through no fault of their own. After all, spending a couple of million on people who actually need it is surely better than a project that nobody needs
Ms.D. Galea
Nov 26th 2012, 15:18
I know old age pensioners who spend all their pension at the nearest Maltco outlet within 24 hours of receiving it, and then go begging for free food from the parish priest and other outlets distributing freebies.
Alfred Vassallo
Nov 26th 2012, 18:15
''who spend ALL their pension'' taghgibiex!!
Tanya Briffa
Nov 26th 2012, 14:42
When Mons. Victor Grech, decades ago, warned us that a serious drug problem was present in Malta, he was ignored and even ridiculed. Today we know very well how right he was.
Just keep this in mind - and don't be too hasty with your judgements.
Ms Rudi Mcbeal
Nov 26th 2012, 14:38
Utter rubbish.
People who feed their children only bread and pasta do so, because they are either too lazy or incompetent to cook or have very little common sense, if any at all, to realise that with the same amount of money spent on unhealthy foods and drinks one can make simple but nevertheless healthy and delicious meals.
If we are competent to do it in our household, why shouldn't they?
Claire Busuttil
Nov 26th 2012, 16:24
@mcbeal, what a selfish comment. usually people who have had everything free from live make these kind of statements.
R Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 14:24
Are these poor families required to dress in rags in order to appease your prejudice? Have
you ever wondered if their designer clothes are from goodwill, or if their smartphones are
a knockoff or been given to them as presents? Have you ever wondered that some women can
actually do their hair and nails themselves? Aren't they allowed to look good? ...
M Cachia
Nov 26th 2012, 17:40
They are - but when you say you can't afford food for your kids/pay your water and electric bills and then proceed to purchase a fifteen euro bottle of nail varnish (which has happened to me), you can't really blame me for taking your claims of poverty with a strong dose of salt.
S.M. Cuschieri
Nov 26th 2012, 18:08
@ R. Farrugia
Thank you for your heartfelt comment. I was one who looked at these women with perfect nails, straightened hair and nice clothes with disdain and at times with disgust on learning that they were living below the poverty line with loads of small children in tow. But your comment really made me look at the perspective of things, and yes, you are very right.
S.M. Cuschieri
Nov 26th 2012, 18:15
@ M Cachia
A bottle of nail varnish does not have to cost fifteen euros :)!! I just bought one for my little girl for 1.90 euro and to be honest I liked it myself....It may not be certain brands but its ok!!! On a more serious note, the only thing I cannot stand is how these people know they are bordering on the poverty line and they keep on having multiple offspring.
R Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 20:29
@ M Cachia
I don't use nail varnish myself but I'm sure there are much cheaper brands and it's not a weekly purchase. I'm not saying that there aren't well off families who abuse the system but we cannot generalize and judge on appearances...
Vanessa-clair Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 21:10
There's a very popular brand of cosmetics which nailpolishes cost as little as 1.70 euros. And they are very good quality. I know quite a few people who dress expensively, but who have no idea of taste. I know others who wear clothes from il-Monti, but who are always very well turned out. Money doesn't buy taste, or class.
R Farrugia
Nov 27th 2012, 11:15
@ S.M. Cuschieri
What you said is true, maybe they should hand out free contraceptives along with the EU food handouts cause with the reasoning of some of the posters on here, for these said parents buying contraceptives may be seen as an extravagant purchase.
R Farrugia
Nov 27th 2012, 11:23
Also, why does it have to be a luxury for some families to have a baby these days? for a relative of mine, having a baby of his own is just a fantasy, his earnings from his minimum wage goes on bills, petrol and a Saturday take out at a fast food chain! I tell you what you can buy with a ten euro, a tin of baby milk formula that lasts about 2 days...
carmen delia
Nov 26th 2012, 13:42
i know of a family who get help from everywhere including The millenium Chapel and are still poor but they have enough money to sustain their hobby of pigeon breeding and racing. cigarettes a bottle of wine a day
hallina hey LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
PRIORITES is the key
Claire Busuttil
Nov 26th 2012, 16:26
Yes, ok....but why Generalise????
In life it is a common disease that can make you become poor all of a sudden.....and these are facts....
Tarcisio Bonello
Nov 26th 2012, 12:55
The comments below are simply unbelievable --- so these Ladies and Gentlemen are now doubting an NGO like Caritas !! The problem, I feel, is that most of us are above the breadline...and yes we go out to dine and spend a portion of our money on 'luxuries' etc.. But unfortunately that isn't so with the poor - before commenting one has to be 'In Touch'. and also a tenner doesn't buy much today.
M Cachia
Nov 26th 2012, 14:13
I don't know - I used to locum in a an area that reputably had a high poverty rate. People said they were so poor that the pharmacy used to accommodate them by accepting payment over a few days. However these same people always used to have wads of super five tickets and bags full of cigarettes and alcohol. While I'm sure these people are not rolling in it I doubt they're impoverished.
Toni Cardona
Nov 26th 2012, 12:53
Caritas ought to contact those two women who on TVM, last week, suggested that nowadays precooked meals are so cheap, it's not even worthwhile cooking. They specified that a roast chicken costs only Euro 5 ... Euro 150 for a whole month's chicken supply. I think I heard one of them say that there is no poverty, only wrong priorities. So try to phone those women up for some advice.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Nov 26th 2012, 12:13
Have we asked the question of why and how do we still find such families when our standard of living is on the increase when compared to other EU countries?
Are our social benefits adequate or should they be increased; or have we questioned the competence and maturity of such parents?
JC.
11.02
John Benner
Nov 26th 2012, 12:37
Mr Senior I am not sure where you get the idea that the standard of living in Malta is on the increase compared to others in EU , on the EU own figures that is certainly not the case , and it is also wrong to say all parents with this problem are incompetent , sweeping remarks with little foundation are not helpful especially to those in this category .
Francis Grech
Nov 26th 2012, 13:04
Most of the time that parents want be able to buy good staple food for their of springs is because they spend the children allowance on going to Bingo and coffee morning to be like the next door neighbour.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 16:53
Mr Cauchi Senior - I think from your comment that you have never left Malta's shores. You have no idea what a low standard of living we have. You are one those who think that eating a pizza out once a week is the height of living standards.
S S. Warren
Nov 26th 2012, 12:11
Can someone compile a report on those that shouldn't take support from the government?
1) How many ppl are being paid whilst working illegally?
2) ppl claiming things just to collect government benefits?
Last report should focus on ppl caught and what penalties are they given (to send a msg out).
elizabeth tabone
Nov 26th 2012, 12:37
the ones to blame are those employers who employ illegally to avoid extra taxes and bills because there are people out there that needs a job and don't care of illegalities. i have been trough it and it was not my fault if the boss didnt want to legalise my job. please be carefully how you say things first take note on how the facts are.
D. A . Agius
Nov 26th 2012, 13:38
Maybe we should also hear how the Government is making any progress on Tax criminals.
Tax discipline seems to be imposed mainly on wage earners before they even get their pay cheque and on the other hand recent black economy estimates ran at 26% of GDP 1 Year ago!!!
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20111016/local/Malta-has-one-of-the-worst-black-economies-in-eurozone.389281
Doreen Attard
Nov 26th 2012, 12:04
@Joe Fenech
You must be living on another planet Joe. If you were down here with us you would know that Mr Charles Miceli who is very well known for his knowledge on the subject, is right and knows exactly what he is talking about.
Adrian pace
Nov 26th 2012, 15:11
Doreen, This is the same caritas that a few months ago insisted publicly that the minimum wage should be raised. I think that the problem with this country is that we have it too easy. The poor seem to play tombola, super 5, take drugs, breed children like rabbits and reap in social security benefits without wanting to work while we sustain the welfare state which is fleecing us dry.
C Muscat
Nov 26th 2012, 11:55
It is a pity that some people do not realize that a number of families/persons are below poverty line with nothing to blame on them. Some are sick, some are unemployed (and would like to start work) some are earning very little...
I have been given the termination letter and will be joining these somes...
Marija Attard Raute
Nov 26th 2012, 15:13
These are the REAL poor then....MHUX kapricc...
Joe A. Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 11:55
" 10 per cent could not afford a meal containing meat, chicken and fish every second day. "
So if I don't eat meat does it mean that I am poor?
We are conditioning people to think that people that don't eat meat are poor.
Irena Shuke
Nov 26th 2012, 22:06
True, it's interesting how someone's state of things is still measured by whether they can afford to put "meat" on the table or not.
Peter Galea
Nov 26th 2012, 11:22
I hope that the parents of these poor children living in poverty, does not spend money on cigaretts, or buy lotto tickets, but since one wage plus children allowance, subsidy on water and electricity and house rent, is not enough to cope with living, there is nothing wrong to try to do some overtime work.
.
Mr Peter Korsten
Nov 26th 2012, 11:08
But hey, we have a shiny new hospital and a Valletta project with a €1,500,000 pay cheque for Renzo Piano. And a €5,000,000,000 national debt.
One wonders, though, where has all this money gone? Certainly not into the pockets of the lowest income groups.
John L Galea
Nov 26th 2012, 11:03
Another certificate of success for GOnziPN!!
C Sant
Nov 26th 2012, 11:03
Part (2)
If persons are really trying hard but still cannot cope that is one thing, but if it is as I believe, the majority of cases are self inflicted and a general resistance to try, then I am sorry, it is only their fault and it should not fall on us to sacrifice our selves for them.
Joseph Cauchi Senior
Nov 26th 2012, 11:02
Have we asked the question of why and how do we still find such families when our standard of living is on the increase when compared to other EU countries?
Are our social benefits adequate or should they be increased; or have we questioned the competence and maturity of such parents?
JC.
C Sant
Nov 26th 2012, 11:01
Can Mr Miceli please list the causes of poverty? It is very convenient to just state that the causes are many but hten not list them. Why is he afraid of doing so? Is it because once we know the reason, we might not feel so inclined to feel sorry or help these individuals? Are the main causes, drugs, alcohol, large uncontrolled number of births, lack of will to work, gambling, wrong priorities?
Charles Miceli
Nov 26th 2012, 14:20
A very valid point. There are various forms of poverty and the causes are numerous: wrong allocation of resources, ignorance, addictions, usury, precarious work, cost of living, corruption, unjust distribution of wealth, etc. etc.
But it is important that we stop blaming the victims and put our heads together to see how we can stop this suffering. Don't forget that 17,000 children are at risk.
J Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 10:55
But according to Gonz were doing fine in Malta, we can afford millions on a new parliament, bridge accross a breakwater, give millions to foreign company to fix our transport system(and fail), give ourselves 500 a week paryrise, and extra car to the AG, give phenominal wages to our blue eyed boys in high positions, but hey we still have thousands of appologists backing us.
Joe Fenech
Nov 26th 2012, 10:51
Yes, many can't afford food but can afford computer games, designer clothes and sports shoes, and their parents can afford drinking, smoking, going out...
ALLUNA TRIDUX! WHAT ARE WRONG ARE THE PRIORITIES! FEW ARE THE GENUINE CASES OF POVERTY.
Tarcisio Bonello
Nov 26th 2012, 11:29
Mr. Fenech - Whilst I have no affiliation with the MIllennium Chapel, why don't you go and see for yourself the reality at the Chapel.
You will be 'surprised' to find out that one of five people in Malta are truly poor.
joe vella
Nov 26th 2012, 11:37
I cannot but agree with you
try to get a table at a food outlet on a saturday evening or sunday noon without having reserved beforehand-most cases sorry sir fully booked!
it is an ingrained habit of us maltese to spend even for appearances' sake, and then moan and groan
yes a euro 10 note is the same whatever side you look at it, but the way it can be used, varies.
joe vella
Nov 26th 2012, 11:38
I cannot but agree with you
try to get a table at a food outlet on a saturday evening or sunday noon without having reserved beforehand-most cases sorry sir fully booked!
it is an ingrained habit of us maltese to spend even for appearances' sake, and then moan and groan
yes a euro 10 note is the same whatever side you look at it, but the way it can be used, varies.
Silvio Abela
Nov 26th 2012, 11:52
Your Christianity abounds! You have judged all of these people in one puerile sentence! As if all of them buy designer clothes, computer games and have the latest smartphones! There are people who have minimum wage and can barely scrape through a day.
Marija Attard Raute
Nov 26th 2012, 15:11
@ Tarcisio Bonello
I am sure there are a few cases of really poor people...but some people seriously do not know their priorities...maybe one could check what these people are wearing...I do not expect them to be wearing torn dirty clothes...but not brand new branded clothing, accessories and watches....nails, hair colour,
only ones who suffer are anyway the children....
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Nov 26th 2012, 16:57
Ms Raute - how do you know that it is these people that Mr Miceli is talking about? There may be others whom you do not see. I suppose in your opinion we should not do anything to help these people, then. Nice.
Claire Busuttil
Nov 26th 2012, 18:18
@vella...do you really think that everyone can afford to go and have dinner at restaurants??simply because you and many others can??
Joseph N. Attard
Nov 26th 2012, 10:50
Such findings are surely disconcerting. But perhaps the surveys would have given a more complete picture if the following information about the "poverty line" people was included: How many expensive mobile phone are there in the family? How much is spent on betting every week? What car do they drive? In short, are these people giving correct priority to how they spend their limited resources?
Joseph Vassallo, (Bugibba)
Nov 26th 2012, 10:37
Is it also true that less food is bought when the lottery jackpot rolls over? If so, then many have their priorities mixed up.
M Cachia
Nov 26th 2012, 15:31
And less medicine - I can confirm this
Eve Axiaq
Nov 26th 2012, 10:10
Social allowance given to those in need should be reduced and introduce food stamps.
Mr Mike Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 10:25
It is a well known secret that at least part of these allowances are sometimes being used to subsidise cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and gambling. However, some are truly in need of these allowances and an urgent effort must be done to individualise and scrutenise all these cases in order to reduce abuse and give the money saved to those who are really unluck in life, disabled, sick and mental cases.
C. Bartoli
Nov 26th 2012, 11:38
I fully agree with you, because it is funny how many of these family find enough money to buy cigarettes and bozze and many of these families will be the first to spend a lot of cash at the lotto offices or to flash a brand new mobile or a second hand BMW
Sue Borg
Nov 26th 2012, 10:07
Has a study about just how many of these parents mismanage their salaries?
Rather they using thier money wisely and setting the right priorities, I know of cases where money is spent on drink, lotto tickets, cars, mobiles ....etc. Or is this the Government´s fault too?
Claire Busuttil
Nov 26th 2012, 18:15
@Borg-yes it is the Government`s fault, because he must see who is really in need or not.
carlos ellul
Nov 26th 2012, 09:57
Its time to give families some serious family management courses. I am not arguing that there isn't poverty in Malta. What I am saying is that the biggest problem is mismanagement and the taxpayer money is not infinite.
Mr Mike Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 09:57
The problem with most of these people is that they have the wrong list of priorities. They need to be educated while being fed.
Charles Spiteri
Nov 26th 2012, 09:56
Quite truly so. The Government keeps talking only on three issues: Education, Employment and Health. But he never speaks about the income of middle class (which today is diminishing) and poor families. Does he reckon how many outlets sell bread, pizzas and pastizzi? There is where economy for the Maltese stand. Is this healthy food Saturday after Saturday?
John Cutajar
Nov 26th 2012, 09:49
But according to the gov. this is not true..isn't it?
Steven Brockwell
Nov 26th 2012, 10:30
i be leave caritas and not the government, to issue a statement like this, then it must be true.
the fear is! which one of us will be next to hit the poverty line
Austin grech
Nov 26th 2012, 09:31
it is a shame, the PN governments have led to poverty to arise and we all are to blame. Until we learn to vote, not for what is good for me, but what is good for all of us. Poverty will rule.
Antonella Briffa
Nov 26th 2012, 10:03
'Until we learn to vote, not for what is good for me, but what is good for all of us'
You are not serious are you?
Charles Muscat
Nov 26th 2012, 10:11
A very poor comment.
Jason Zammit
Nov 26th 2012, 10:25
I guess that if it rains for a whole day you would blame the PN too......ux hekk Mr Grech ??
Mark Spiteri
Nov 26th 2012, 10:34
...and what makes you think voting for Labour will solve this problem.....Labour has no plan whatsoever about anything. A poor comment indeed
Derek Grillo
Nov 26th 2012, 11:20
Austin, if there was an award for the most irrelevant, unintelligent remark of the year, you'd win it with flying colours.
elizabeth tabone
Nov 26th 2012, 12:27
jiena single mother li kont niehu ic-check ta lghajnuna socjali..jiena ma nafx haddiehor xjaghmel pero nassigura li 300 mitt euro fix xhar ma jservukx kif tista thallas il kontijiet u tiekol u thallas al lispejjes ta liskola kelli nohrog nahdem full time biex ibni ikun komdu bhal tfal ohra u xorta ma nlehhaqx mal-flus. ikun hemm min ikun hemm fil gvern irid igib lewwel il poplu umbad ilkapricci
Daniel buhagiar
Nov 26th 2012, 14:45
@ Elisabeth Tabone, excuse me what did you expect that the government just dishes out money....its not that I dont sympathize with you, far from that....but how much money where you expecting and why is it so wrong that you should be able to hold down a full time job to support your son.....the mind boggles everyone expects everything for free :/
Marija Attard Raute
Nov 26th 2012, 15:07
Ms. Tabone what is so wrong with working full time???? I am hoping you earn more than €300 per month...so life should be a bit better for you and your son.
M Cachia
Nov 26th 2012, 15:34
So Ms Tabone, what's wrong with you having to go out to work? Millions of us do it every day.
This is the problem I think - that the Maltese expect something for nothing. You need to help yourself to progress in life!
Vanessa-clair Farrugia
Nov 26th 2012, 19:55
Il-punt ta Elizabeth Tabone hu li bniedem li jahdem full time , xorta ma jlahhaqx mal-ispejjez b'paga wahda. Difficli hafna tipprova zzomm familja, anke jekk ta tnejn minn nies biss, b'paga wahda, meta minn dil-paga trid tnaqqas il-mortgage, il-kontijiet kollha u tibda tixtri dik li nghidulha l-hajja. U jekk jghogobkom, issemhux il-manteniment tal-missier, taf tkun armla...
P Callus
Nov 27th 2012, 10:39
L-verita hi li hafna nies ma jlahhqux ghax ghandom xi forma ta kapricci li jistaw jaddu minghajrhom (bhal tiekol minn barra, ssiefer, weekend breaks etc...). Jien gej minn familja ta 6 minn nies. Paga wahda tal-missier (middle class) u qatt ma kont nieqes minn xejn. Pero qatt ma niftakar lil parents jonfqu f'affarijiet li jistaw jaddu minajrom, dejjem kienu jonfqu bilaqal. x haga li llum rari.
P Callus
Nov 27th 2012, 10:41
@Ms Tabone,
Bir-rispett kollu... meta wiehed jiddieciedi li jgib t-tfal fid-dinja hija responsabilita tieghu u tieghu biss li jmantihom. Toqodx tigi tghidli ax single mother etc... tkun taf ghal xiex diehla u trid tkun lesta taghmel minn kollox. Dan s-socjalizmu estrem huwa l-kawza ta hafna mill-problemi li hawn fl-ewropa. Kulhadd jistenna li haddiehor jaghmel tajjeb ghalih.
S. Zammit
Nov 27th 2012, 16:06
Jiena nemmen li trid tghin ruhek biex Alla jghinek. Jien single parent ta tifla ta 8 snin, u baby ihor on the way, minn meta kella xhar binti hrigt nahdem, ghax emmint li jekk irrid noffri l-ahjar ghall binti ma nistax noqod cicci beqqi u nistenna il bajtra taqa f'halqi. Ghandi Loans, tifla skola tal knisja u spejjez bhal kullhadt, sinjura minix imma ghall grazzja t'Alla kampajt!!
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