Agenzija Sedqa has this morning re-launched two programmes in an updated version, carried out in primary schools, namely T.F.A.L 5 and T.F.A.L 6. This was done during an event held in St. Ignatius College, Siggiewi Primary School.

T.F.A.L 5 and T.F.A.L 6 programmes include a child-friendly book, one for each programme, including lessons on different topics. Each lesson is delivered by Sedqa facilitators/teacher, who provide such programmes in schools. Apart from an explanation, each book also includes a number of exercises and activities for children, which can be carried out with the assistance of the facilitator/teacher. Subjects dealt with in T.F.A.L 5 are: smoking, alcohol, medicines and other illegal substances, computer and internet, and gambling; while T.F.A.L 5 caters for: addictions, role models, media influences, peer pressure, and how to say ‘no’ to addictions.

During his address, Minister Chris Said mentioned the importance that children and young people learn from informed and reliable sources. Teachers and parents alike, have the key role to convey facts and information to children and young people on delicate issues in their life. This reduces the risk that children are misinformed and thus take decisions without being aware of the consequences, which consequences can effect their future. The Minister commended that parents have the responsibility to keep themselves informed, thus they would be in a better position to provide the best upbringing to their children.

Minister Dolores Cristina said in her address that this initiative compliments the work being done by the Safe Schools Programme, which the Department for Student Services operates withing state schools, with the aim to protect children from all types of abuse, be it substances, bullying and other problems that children might encounter. Hon Cristina referred also to the programme BeSmartonline which the Education Directorate, together with the Malta Communications Authority, Agenzija Appogg, the Police Force, and the Commissioner for Children launched last year, regarding safer internet use.

Ms Sina Bugeja, Chief Executive Offier, Foundation for Social Welfare Services explained that school prevention programmes delivered by Sedqa are tailormade to the ages and needs of children, and their main aim is to empower students to achieve the necessary skills to grow up in a healthy way. Ms Bugeja mentioned that in the past few years, the three Agencies within the Foundation, Sedqa, Appogg and Sapport, have been working closer together, and thanks to this synergy a larger number of people in need are being reached. As a result, T.F.A.L 5 and T.F.A.L 6 now include aspects related to the work carried out by the three Agencies.

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