Colourful drawings and beaming smiles lit up Mater Dei Hospital's foyer at the opening of an exhibition of works of art by young patients.

"Children need to be kept active and allowed to express their creativity and imagination even if they are in hospital," explained Priscilla Spiteri, who helped set up the exhibition entitled Artists In The Making.

One of the young artists, Nathan, could not agree more. "I love drawing and making things. It's fun," he said as he pointed out his collage of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine.

"I cut out the people and used my mother's kitchen foil for the background," he smiled, adding that he and his twin sister had dressed up as the two Disney characters in carnival.

Ms Spiteri, the teacher in charge of the hospital classes, explained she was part of a team of eight. Two teachers ensured that children did not fall back on academic subjects while in hospital and the other six helped them improve their confidence and imagination through arts and crafts.

The mother of a girl, whose works were also exhibited, said she appreciated the efforts put in by the hospital team that dedicated so much time to the children. "Exposing children to art and creativity really does help boost their morale in hospital," the mother said.

The exhibition was officially opened by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Joe Cassar on the occasion of World Children's Day. It will run until Thursday.

At another event held at the Mqabba primary school, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services marked World Children's Day with the launch of a new educational booklet.

This will assist in the delivery of a four-session programme to students, focusing on topics such as self-esteem, alcohol abuse, smoking, decision-making and peer pressure.

The foundation also launched updated editions of material used during the delivery of the programme by means of puppets.

The foundation will be holding an educational fun-filled day tomorrow at the President's Palace in Valletta between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Apart from the dissemination of educational material there will be puppet shows, interactive educational sessions, balloon-modelling and drawing opportunities for children.