Be the first to comment!Taking bBrave to the Community – anti-bullying voluntary organisation
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Taking bBrave to the Community – was the first official even for bBrave, Malta’s only anti-bullying voluntary organisation.
The event, held the Refectory Hall within the Archbishop’s Curia, was for stakeholders and interested individuals who are concerned about bullying in Maltese society.
bBrave President Ing. Norman Zammit and Secretary General Dr. Aaron Zammit Apap introduced the organisation, explaining what led to its setting up, the work completed so far, and the projects bBrave had on the horizon. bBrave was set out to bring awareness on this social scourge, and eventually move on to offer support services.
Chairperson of the Safeguarding Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta Mr. Andrew Azzopardi, delivered the opening speech, when he explained that the Safeguarding Commission was an organ intended to curb any forms of abuse within the Church, including bullying.
Mr. Azzopardi later joined other stakeholders to discuss the bullying problem in Malta. The panel included Mr. Andrei Azzopardi (bBrave Treasurer and a person having suffered from bullying in both his childhood and in his working life), Dr. Mark Xuereb (Psychiatrist), Ms. Marianna Micallef Grimaud (Anti- Bullying Service, Ministry for Education and Employment) and Mr. Kurt Abela, Online Support Mentor, Kellimni.com – SOS Malta).
bBrave said hat the panelists interacted with the audience, and among other important issues raised, it was largely agreed that society required more “upstanders” rather than “bystanders,” who could contribute positively by assisting in bullying cases, or at a minimum, not act to encourage or glorify bullying behaviour.
Ms. Amanda Lia, bBrave PRO, launched the organisation’s website. Ms. Lia highlighted the I NEED HELP page, which was an important reference point for all those seeking help in relation to bullying cases.
She explained that relevant organisations that could offer support are listed here in accordance to the nature of the bullying problem.
Anyone willing to help battle this issue, please join bBrave and help them with their mission.
Photos: Panellists (from left to right): Mr. Andrew Azzopardi (Chairperson of the Safeguarding Commission of the Archdiocese of Malta), Mr. Andrei Azzopardi (bBrave Treasurer), Mr. Kurt Abela, Online Support Mentor, Kellimni.com – SOS Malta), Ms. Marianna Micallef Grimaud (Anti-Bullying Service, Ministry for Education and Employment) and Dr. Mark Xuereb (Psychiatrist); and the bBrave Team: Dr. Aaron Zammit Apap (Secretary General), Ing. Norman Zammit (President), Ms. Gillian Azzopardi (Member), Ms. Greta Antignolo (Vice-President), Mr. Raymond Apap (Projects Coordinator), Ms. Amanda Lia (PRO), Ms. Nehemie Abbi-Gael (Volunteer), Mr. Andrei Azzopardi (Treasurer)
