Children from disadvantaged backgrounds should receive financial assistance to take part in cultural and sports activities in order not to be ostracised, a former head of government welfare services has suggested.
Joe Gerada, former chief executive of government agency Appoġġ, said child poverty was a serious concern and huge efforts needed to be made to identify vulnerable children at an early stage.
"They should also be helped financially to participate in entertainment activities, sports and cultural events so as not to be ostracised and be able to fulfil their aspirations like other children," Mr Gerada said, insisting poverty prevented children from enjoying a full social life.
The single most important decision that could be taken to break poverty's vicious cycle, he added, was to ensure "universal and affordable" early childhood education for all children.
His comments at a University seminar on child poverty organised by fourth-year law students as part of their child law credit, were supported by an official from the Children's Commissioner Office, who said poverty stopped children from reaching their full potential.
The event formed part of the focus week programme marking the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.
The nine law students presented a number of suggestions including increasing the minimum wage, improving accessibility to child care centres for low-income families, creating a pro-fostering culture, expert advice to children caught up in their parents' separation proceedings, the enactment of a Children's Act and the re-introduction of trade schools.
The seminar was also addressed by the founder of the Dar Nazareth Foundation in Żejtun, Fr Anġ Seychell, who said the removal of trade schools had reduced the educational opportunities for a substantial number of children, who were more inclined towards manual work.
While poverty had many facets, he added, exorbitant utility bills and the higher cost of living were eating away at families' disposable income.
"The minimum wage should go up but if this is not possible because it will hit employers hard, then more money should be channelled to families with children through the children's allowance," he said.
Labour MP Anthony Agius Decelis said child poverty had to be tackled in a holistic manner with collaboration between the state, the family and non-profit organisations.
"Education is important and very crucial to eradicate poverty but alone it is not enough," he said, pointing out that families struggling to make ends meet had to be helped so their children would not be disadvantaged in society.
Family lawyer Ruth Farrugia, who lectures the students, said the participation of NGOs was important but the ultimate legal responsibility rested with the state.
A student made the point that children should be consulted and involved in decision-making processes. This prompted Mr Gerada to call for children to be allowed to participate in the choice of the Children's Commissioner.