The Platform for Children, officially launched in October 2009, has initiated its work and recently held a workshop on Poverty and Social Exclusion for its members, following the decision of the Platform to focus its efforts on work within this sector. The workshop was held in order to familiarize the members of the Platform with the work and challenges currently being faced in this sector. A number of presentations on the topic were given, following which the Platform members engaged in a discussion aimed at formulating an action plan. It was evident from the wide-ranging experiences of the Platform members that a number of issues require critical attention. These include: the lack of a coherent legal framework within this sector that focuses on the rights of the child; the need for continuous research, monitoring, and evaluation of currently available services; the need for community-based services and care; the need for more inclusive education; as well as the importance of financial support and human resources for NGOs in order to collectively reach the necessary goals and targets. The Platform aims to highlight these in more detail during the coming months.

This workshop was held in line with the Mission Statement of the Platform, which states that “The Platform for Children, as a united voice of civil society organisations, will aim to place children’s rights on the national agenda, through bringing our experiences together, and formulating solutions to existing lacunae in the field of children’s rights and proposing them to Government authorities. The Platform for Children will actively strive to encourage similar civil society organizations in this sector to unite, and participate in accomplishing the aims of the Platform.”

The Platform for Children has grown since its launch, and is currently made up of representatives from Inspire (Eden Foundation and Razzett tal-Hbiberija), the People for Change Foundation, Gift of Life, the Malta Unborn Child Movement, Kopin (Kooperazzjoni Internazzjonali), Equal Partners Foundation, the Daniel Delicata Memorial Association, Central Office ‘Ejjew Ghandi’ (Children’s Homes), Caritas Malta, Mother and Baby Club within the Cana Movement, Commission on Domestic Violence, Dar tal-Providenza, and Guzeppa De Bono Home.

The Platform for Children continues to welcome expressions of interest from other independent organizations working within the field, in order to strengthen and add value and expertise to the Platform in various fields concerning the well-being of children. These organizations are encouraged to contact the Commissioner for Children’s Office on 21 485180 or sharon.a.attard@gov.mt.

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