Maltese authors Simon Bartolo and Clare Azzopardi read and share their experiences with children at Castille to mark World Children’s Day. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Students from every school in Malta and Gozo will take part in a public consultation on the selection of a new Children’s Commissioner on Saturday, Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said.

Ms Coleiro Preca told a press conference the consultation exercise would see children from every State, Church and private school as well as post-secondary schools and colleges give their view on the commissioner’s role.

The consultation process will be held at Marija Regina Boys Secondary School in Taż-Żokrija, Mosta.

Ms Coleiro Preca said that the students would be divided into three age categories: nine to 12, 13 to 15 and 16-17.

A series of 25 workshops will be carried out and then administered by personal social development teachers.

Shortly after taking office Ms Coleiro Preca had announced that current commissioner Helen D’Amato would finish her term before a new appointment was made.

Children’s rights consultant Lauren Kenely said the event had been purposely designed to collect children’s opinions and insights. These will be compiled into a report and presented to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat next month.

Ms Coleiro Preca said the consultation demonstrated the government’s commitment to helping children and young adults take part in democratic activities.

“We believe children are not only the future but also the present. Young people can contribute greatly to society and we are committed to facilitating this,” she said.

Asked for details on the proposed Children’s Act, expected by the end of next year, Ms Coleiro Preca said the government was scrutinising all gaps in enforcing children’s rights.

She said the National Commission on Children’s Rights had been split into six working groups, tackling issues such as cyber bullying, child pornography and child participation in democratic activities.

“It’s a tall order but this all needs to be done. We believe in the need for new politics on children and we are going to see that happen,” she said.