The experiences of Maltese Children on Eurochild’s European Children’s Council

For the past two years, Sharon Cilia, a member of the Children’s Council within the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, was the Maltese representative on the European Children’s Council coordinated by Eurochild.

This council was inspired by an initiative taken by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society – which has, since its inception, worked and spoke of the importance of child participation in democratic processes – a model which even led to Maltese children participating actively in a number of international fora, including within the European Union.

This week, Eurochild is holding its General Assembly in Brussels. Eurochild is an advocacy network of organisations working with and for children throughout Europe, striving for a society that respects the rights of children.

Bringing expertise from its members, which amount to more than 170 organisations, the network influences policies, builds internal capacities, facilitates mutual learning and exchanges practice and research to support the children’s rights sector.

Sharon Cilia describes her experience as being “nothing short of remarkable.”

She said that, “It’s a bit sad seeing my time as an ECC member come to an end but at the same time, I can see the golden sunshine on the horizon. The ending of the wonderful, empowering and unforgettable time spent working with the Eurochild’s children council is actually the beginning; dawning of a new era of ideas and projects.

“The plans, work and effort that we have made into our meetings in the past 2 years will now continue and blossom further, just as I’d always hoped would happen, just as I always knew would happen.”

Martina Oliva, a member of the Young Person’s Council within the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, and a member of the National Eurochild Forum, will be serving as the Maltese representative on Eurochild’s European Children’s Council

Martina expressed her believe that Eurochild will give her the opportunity to express herself and share her opinions with all the other participants.

“I think that sharing our experiences in such a council will not only help us influence each other positively, but also grow together while working to achieve the goals we always dreamt of achieving. I feel that together we will leave impact on society and create a better future for everyone,” Martina said.

President Emeritus, and Chair of the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that she is indeed proud of the children of Malta and Gozo, and expressed her satisfaction on the fact that the Foundation was indeed a pioneer on active child participation in Europe.

“I look forward for further opportunities of collaboration between the Foundation and other European organisations and stakeholders, so that, on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we ensure that all children, whoever they are, wherever they come from, have equal access to what is rightfully theirs,” Coleiro Preca stated.