Children in Gozo are being empowered to voice their needs and become a stronger presence in society through the creation of their very own hub which was launched to mark World Children’s Day.

The Gozo Children’s Hub is an offshoot of the Children’s Hub within the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, and follows on the success and inroads it made in bringing their concerns to the fore.

MFWS chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who is also president of Eurochild, a prestigious children’s rights advocacy network with 176 members in 34 countries, felt it was high time that children in Gozo had their own space to discuss their aspirations.

“Children in Gozo have unique needs and different hoops to jump through, so we felt this new branch will facilitate their participation, make them more visible and empower them to speak up,” Ms Coleiro Preca said.

World Children’s Day, celebrated each year on November 20, offers the opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, in the hope these will translate into dialogue and action that will build a better world for children.  

Ms Coleiro Preca added: “There is nobody more better suited to influence policies that affect children, than the children themselves. As one of our young members, Hailey, said, this hub gives them the chance to ‘dream big’ and be heard.”

To achieve this vision the Children’s Hub within the MFWS, is continuously investing in activities and projects that promote active citizenship. 

The launch of the Gozo Children’s Hub is intended to widen this safe space for children from Gozo and, among others, help adults understand children’s issues through a child’s perspective.

As Sharon Cilia, one of the hub’s founding members, said: “Being part of this team makes me feel like we can finally remove the masks. We are free to be our true selves. It gives me confidence. We feel a part of something. We are given the voice that is usually take away from us.” 

During the virtual launch, members of the Children’s and Young Persons’ Council in Malta shared their experiences with their counterparts in Gozo.