The Office of the Commissioner for Children is currently organising its annual Rights 4U Course, which empowers young people and enables them to voice their opinions.

The interactive programme of the Rights 4U course includes various activities in which children not only learn about their rights, but also actively explore and engage in discussions on their rights.

Children are also given the tools to stand up for their rights, and to participate in matters of social concern to a higher degree, in such a way that they are empowered as active and independent members of society.

The Rights 4U course also focuses on personal development, as the participants develop critical thinking skills, build social ties, and practically implement the concepts they are learning about in the course, such as respect, responsibility, inclusion, and independence.

The first course will be held at the Marsaxlokk Youth Hostel from July 30 to August 1; the second will be held at Manresa House, Victoria, from August 26-28.

The Office of the Commissioner for Children is now accepting applications from young people for both courses, which are open to all children aged 13-15. Applications will be received until Sunday; however limited amount of places are available.

Applications are also available for download at www.tfal.org.mt. For more information call 2148 5180, or e-mail suzanne.gili@gov.mt or rights4u@gmail.com.