Primary school children called upon the Commonwealth to help developing countries so that every child around the world could have access to clean water, healthcare, education and other privileges which Maltese children had.
A group of students hailing from 10 state, church and private schools gathered at Auberge de Castille Ambassador’s Hall to mark Commonwealth Day.
Each school was asked to select a student to convey what they would like the Commonwealth to do.
Jack Carabott, from St Benedict College Birżebbuġa Primary, said he wished the benefits of globalisation would provide real opportunities to help developing countries.
He called for more sustainable programmes which would help bridge the gap between rich and poor countries.
Nathan Gatt from Stella Maris College said he wished all children could have access to a decent place to live and that their basic needs were catered for.
He hoped the Commonwealth would invest in water wells in rural areas so that children could go to school, and not spend hours walking to fetch clean water.
He hoped that everyone would have access to electricity, which powers life-saving devices.
Other students called for better communication which would enhance global awareness and that more women were assigned posts of responsibility, including seats in Parliament.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat quipped that the children had coloured the hall, which normally housed “boring” people.
He said Malta wanted to be an important part of the family of nations which share the same values. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, he continued, provided an opportunity for Malta to express the values it believes in.
This was namely that everyone should have the same opportunities, regardless of their background.
He said Malta wanted to convey the message for all that it is the land of equality, where everyone was treated the same.
Malta was also the land of innovation, where the young had the duty to come up with ideas which would be taken on board by the authorities.
Also present were British High Commissioner Rob Luke and Australian High Commissioner Jane Lambert.