500+ Maltese children participate in local councils to shape their communities
Eurochild member Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society established 65 local and regional children's councils in Malta and Gozo to allow children to be involved in local decision-making.
The Local Children's Councils, which bring together the Foundation for the Well-being of Society, the Ministry for Education, the Ministry for Local Government, and the Association of Local Councils, are a key component of the Regional Interactive Guiding Hub & Training Society (RIGHTS). In December 2023, it was selected as one of only 10 initiatives to receive European Union funding out of 154 proposals submitted.
During meetings, participating children discuss region-wide issues which are impacting their community, and what locally specific matters they would like to work on.
Through this project, emphasis is being made on the need to amplify children’s voices and to protect those voices. Children, like everyone else, have the right to be heard in their communities and to be given an opportunity to contribute as active citizens.
The councils in numbers:
- 65 local children’s councils already set and meeting monthly
- 150+ local children’s councils sessions since June 2024
- 229+ local council members, staff members, educators and mentors trained
- 50 volunteers and mentors
Further Information:
