Thirteen organisations working with children have united under one umbrella network to serve as a united voice for children and to ensure their rights are enshrined in the law.
Called the Malta Children’s Associations Network (MaltaCAN), this new platform was inspired by Eurochild President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and is being set up to promote, foster and support children’s rights and child participatory mechanisms in Malta.
“This is the first network of its kind in Malta and I believe it will open up new possibilities for the effective implementation of children’s rights at a local level. It will also consolidate the efforts of all these 13 organisations – and others who wish to join – to achieve meaningful child participation in all sectors of our society,” Ms Coleiro Preca, former President Emeritus, said.
The network is being facilitated by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society as part of its fifth anniversary celebrations. It will be aligning its work to the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child, and prioritising child participation through an integrative and collaborative approach.
Ms Coleiro Preca said: “As President of Eurochild, I strongly believe MaltaCAN is a step in the right direction to ensure children will truly become valued contributors to our society, as they rightfully deserve.
“The network is a collaborative effort to ensure children’s rights are observed and meaningful child participatory mechanisms are in place. It is truly this spirit of collaboration which needs to be nurtured in Malta to achieve the goals enshrined in the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child, which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.”
The network’s main aim is to give greater visibility towards a better understanding of children’s rights, and putting mindfulness practices on the national agenda.
The importance of children’s rights is widespread, capturing all areas of society, so the network brings together numerous organisations whose main interest is a child’s well-being.
The founding members include: the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, Assistance to Children in Care Association (ACICA), Birdlife Malta, Fondazzjoni Sebħ, Karl Vella Foundation, Church Schools Children’s Fund, Malta Dyslexia Association, Malta Girl Guides, MGRM, National Foster Care Association Malta (NFCAM), Right2Smile, Early Childhood Development Association Malta (ECDAM); Salesians of Don Bosco together with the Salesians Pastoral Youth Services.
Ms Coleiro Preca said the strengths of each respective member complemented the network’s vision for a multidisciplinary approach to mainstream children’s rights.
The members, she added, would be encouraged to pursue networking exchanges to strengthen their role in affecting change; establish a child right’s champion model; and share their expertise with the network to provide training and capacity building in relevant fields and sectors.
Interested NGOs who would like to join MaltaCAN, are to get in touch with the network via email on [email protected] or contact MaltaCAN on Facebook.
The following are the reactions of some of MaltaCAN’s founding members:
Malta Girl Guides
“As part of our mission to give all girls and women a voice, we believe that forming part of the Children’s Associations Network is our duty to be able to advocate for children’s rights and to make a positive difference in society.”
National Foster Care Association Malta (NFCAM)
“The National Maltese Foster Care Association has always believed that children should have a voice in any decision being taken about their life… being part of this network means ensuring their voice becomes stronger to make them better citizens.”
Early Childhood Development Association of Malta (ECDAM)
“Our goal is to strengthen the values, knowledge and skills of all those involved in early childhood education and care, to ensure a high quality learning programme for young children. ECDAM joined MaltaCAN to strengthen its mission to fulfil young children’s right to take part in decisions affecting them during the first seven years of their educational experience, leading to the fulfilment of all the other rights.”
Assistance to Children in Care Association (ACICA)
“We firmly believe every child, especially those living in care, have a right to be given the opportunity to flourish and bring out their potential so that one day they may grow and develop into healthy independent adults. Joining this network gives our NGO the opportunity to grow and share resources and strengths to reach one very important goal — ensuring the rights of each and every child.”
BirdLife Malta
Birdlife Malta offers the opportunity for thousands of children to connect with nature every year. We believe in the importance of child participation and the rights of children, particularly in terms of nature protection. Our future generations deserve the right to decide the future of their environment.”
Malta Dyslexia Association
“The network is directly related to the ethos, vision and mission of the Malta Dyslexia Association and allows associations and organisations to work with a better synergy, more cohesively and effectively for the benefit of all children locally and beyond.”
Salesians of Don Bosco
“Young people may see things from their developing perspective but if their views are respected they grow up to be engaged adults. As Salesians we believe in working together so that even those with fewer opportunities can make their voice heard, participate in society, develop self-respect and take responsibility for the world around them.”
Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society
“As a Foundation, children’s rights and meaningful child participation have always been a priority. Our work with children has served as an inspiration to set up the network, and we could not think of a better way to celebrate our fifth anniversary than to be part of this wonderful initiative. We truly believe that the Malta Children’s Associations Network can serve as an effective mechanism through which the voice of the child is heard.