Children’s rights education is an area which deserves much importance amongst children and young people, and is of a high priority to the Office of the Commissioner for Children. Its aims to empower young people and make them aware of their rights. To this end, the Office of the Commissioner for Children is currently organizing its annual children’s rights course ‘Rights 4U’. This course will provide young people aged 13-15 with the opportunity to explore human rights and children’s rights during a live-in experience which will also help these young people to socialize, integrate and make new friends.

Children will learn and discuss issues related with children’s rights, attitudes and values within a diverse world as well as respect and inclusion. During practical sessions, participants will be coached to develop critical thinking skills, responsibility and independence. These workshops shall be delivered by qualified and experienced social education professionals, emphasizing not only the learning factors but also the social development factors. The Commissioner for Children, Ms. Carmen Zammit, will be present during the event, enabling constant dialogue between the Commissioner, facilitators, and young people.

Young people who attended this course in 2006 and 2007 had this to say about their Rights 4U experience:

When I read the application form and details of the course for the very first time, it seemed to be a very interesting course, so my friends and I decided to take the opportunity and apply.

I had never attended a live-in course before, so it was my first experience and I decided to make the most out of it. Although we were about 30 people there, which was quite a big number, I felt very comfortable to show and express my feelings and opinions.

On the first day of this course, everyone seemed to be shy with one another, but after we introduced ourselves, everyone felt more confident. There were many activities that we did, such as the night hike and the vox pop. Besides all these, on our second day we were honoured with the presence of the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, as well as Miriam Portelli and Dr. Marthese Portelli. Together we discussed the importance of the rights of the children, how much they are being observed, and most importantly the knowledge we have in Malta about these rights.

From these discussions, many important factors were pointed out, such as the type of family one is brought up in, and whether children’s homes are giving the love and attention a child needs in order to build a strong character.

Before I attended this course, I did not know how vast and delicate this subject was. It made me realise that everyone is on the same level as one another, and each one of us should have equal opportunities even if he/she comes from totally different culture and society.

Antonella Portelli, 15 years old

When I attended the Rights 4U course, I had really enjoyed it and we participated in different things. The course was spread over three days. Ms. Sonia Camilleri, who was then the Commissioner for Children, delivered a talk and the introductory session was conducted by Ms. Simone Ek from Save the Children, Sweden. We had three sessions with Ms. Simone Ek, and she spoke about the concept of saving children in Sweden. An activity was set up whereby we got to know each other better. It proved quite a task at first to learn all the names! We also spent some relaxing time together watching Freaky Friday during the DVD night.

Usually in the morning we used to hear Mass, and afterwards we proceeded to follow our eventful programme for the day. We usually worked in teams, and one of the activities was to carry out a survey with regards children’s rights awareness. I was with another girl called Shanna and we carried out the survey together, which I really enjoyed. To carry out the survey we went to Ghadira bay in Mellieha. Once the survey was done we had the opportunity to have a nice swim. Afterwards we went back to have a shower and continue with our work, and in fact we had to deliver a short presentation about our survey findings, together with our team-mates. I remember that day finished off with a barbeque whilst the youth council members shared their experiences. On the final day the elections for the new youth council members were held. It took longer than expected but finally four were elected.

Later we packed our belongings and everyone went back home. This memorable experience was held at Mount St. Joseph. Those three days were awesome!

Francois Zammit, 15 years old

I look upon the Rights 4U live-ins which are organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Children as interesting events whereby you have the opportunity to learn new things, and get to know about things which you might have not known about before. You have the opportunity to voice your thoughts by expressing your feelings and participating in a mature and positive manner. Above all you make new friends.

I had the opportunity to attend two live-ins. The first one was held in 2005, where I had the chance to be there and socialize with other youth of a similar age bracket, made new friends and got to know about issues which I did not know much about before. I was fourteen years old at that time and I was somewhat shy, and did not talk much and mingle with the other youth due to this. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience just the same, since I learnt about new things, and the live-in programme was planned in such a way as to include different and interesting activities that appeal to youth.

In view of the fact that I had been elected as part of the Office of the Commissioner’s Council for Children in 2006, I had the opportunity to attend the 2007 live-in which was held in Gozo. Despite the fact that the latter live-in had a lower turnout, we really enjoyed it and formed a strong bond. It felt just like a family, and we learnt many things and contributed as responsible youth.

I hope that these live-ins will keep on being held, so that the voice of the youth will continue to be heard and that youth can continue to benefit from the positive aspects of this course.

Mahmoud El Bakry, 16 years old

This course, the first of its kind, was aimed at enlightening adolescents to their rights as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It was a combination of a number of factors which led to my positive judgement of the course. Firstly, there was the professional way in which it was conducted, especially by the youth workers and personnel. The second positive aspect was that the participants managed to get to know each other enough to select four young people to serve on the Council for Children over a weekend, and the fact that such a decision was taken in such a short time reflects the good planning.
The various activities carried out during the weekend were, I think, very beneficial to teamwork, especially the survey at different beaches around Malta. Moreover, the debates provided a chance for the participants to put forward their views on the topics under discussion. Overall, however, I have nothing negative to mention and I sincerely hope that many adolescents will benefit from the knowledge of their rights.

Ramon Bonett Sladden, 16 years old

The Office of the Commissioner for Children is now accepting applications from children and young people for the 2008 Rights 4U course, which is open to all children aged 13-15. The course will be held from the 11th-13th July in Rabat, Malta. Applications will be received until the 30th May 2008. For further information
please contact: Office of the Commissioner for Children, 469 St. Joseph High Road, Santa Venera SVR 1012. Interested persons may also contact the office on 21485180, or by email to carmen.zammit@gov.mt or rights4u@gmail.com.

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