For the sixth consecutive year, the Office of the Commissioner for Children is organizing its annual children’s rights course ‘Rights 4U’. This is in line with the mandate given by Parliament to the Commissioner for Children to “provide public education and information designed to promote an understanding of the rights of children” (Commissioner for Children Act, art. 11). Each year, this course proves to be a success amongst the young participants in attendance, as they have fun and meet new friends, whilst actively learning their rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

For the first time ever, the Office of the Commissioner for Children is organising two courses due to the increasing number of young people wanting to participate in the Rights 4 U Course each year. The first course is being held in Malta at Marsaxlokk Youth Hostel from 30th July – 1st August, and the second course is being held at Manresa House in Gozo from the 26th – 28th of August. All young people between the ages of 13 and 15 are eligible to apply for this course.

Every year, the Rights 4U course tackles a particular theme throughout the weekend. This year’s theme is ‘Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion,’ in light of the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. Poverty and social exclusion comes in various forms, and research has shown that young people are more vulnerable and more likely to suffer from different forms of poverty and social exclusion than any other age group. In Malta alone, 20% of children and young people are at risk of poverty.

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 they develop critical thinking skills, build social ties, and practically implement the concepts which they are learning about in the course such as respect, responsibility, inclusion, and independence.

Applications for this fun and exciting weekend live-in are now being received by the Office of the Commissioner for Children until the 28th May 2010. Applications are available on the website of the Office of the Commissioner for Children which is: http://www.zghazagh.org.mt/. For further information please contact the Office of the Commissioner for children by telephone: 21485180 or by email: suzanne.gili@gov.mt.

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