On July 2-3, 2024, in Malta, Eurochild and The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society organized a large-scale event aimed at exchanging experiences, mutual support, and presenting good practices.
This year, Eurochild’s Convention, which brought together more than 150 participants, was held under the motto “Promoting rights-based solutions to tackle child poverty and social exclusion in Europe”.
Eurochild, as the largest network of children’s rights organizations in Europe with members from 42 European countries, strives for a society that respects the rights of every child. The organization advocates for systemic reforms to address structural inequalities, emphasizing prioritizing investments in childcare, education, healthcare, housing, and family support.
The Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society works towards a society where all people can grow and sustain a quality life within the framework of respected and dignified human rights.
The opening ceremony of the event was attended by Sabine Saliba, Secretary-General of Eurochild; Minister Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Malta; Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Eurochild; Katarina Ivankovich, Director of Social Rights and Inclusion at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion of the European Commission; Sirpa Rautio, Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights; Iris Abraham, Advisor on Communications and Fundamental Rights at the office of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Dubravka Šuica. The event also included a video message from Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights.
A special focus of the event was placed on protecting the rights of every child and lifting children out of poverty – an urgent issue requiring immediate measures related to social inclusion and support. “Child poverty is a reality, and our goal is to support decision-makers at the European level in overcoming obstacles and taking actions so that children have access to food, education, healthcare, and a safe environment,” said Ms. Coleiro Preca.
Minister of Social Policy, Michael Falzon, also emphasized that “we are used to saying that children are our future; children ARE our future, but they live in our present, and we must care for them now, in this moment.”
Eurochild’s Children’s Council (ECC) actively participated in the two-day event. At the official ceremony, youth delegates, after two years of work, passed on their mandate to the new members of the Council, including Bulgarian participation.
Early childhood development was a key element of the conference, with the Early Childhood Development Association Malta (ECDAM) participating in the event, highlighting the importance and power of early childhood care and education. The organisation’s goal is to strengthen the values, knowledge, and skills of all involved in early childhood education and care.
The program included 15 seminars led by Eurochild member organisations. More information about the seminars can be found in “Malta-convention-workshops-abstracts-speakers-bios_FOR-WEB.pdf” (eurochild.org).
Bella Damyanova, Coordinator of “Child Policies,” and Diana Andreeva, Coordinator of “Education,” moderated the seminar “Archipelago of Emotions,” designed for specialists in child mental health. Participants engaged in a session focusing on challenges faced by children, with a special emphasis on leading mental health issues in the age group of 10-18.
Participants in the seminar had the opportunity to step into the roles of both children and specialists, sharing viewpoints on mental health and offering solutions and practical advice. The goal of this special session during the Eurochild Convention 2024 was to provide experts in child mental health with a space to share experiences and concrete tools and solutions related to child mental health care.
Again, in the words of Mr. Michael Falzon, “The number of people with mental health issues is rising, and the age at which problems begin to manifest is decreasing.”
Ensuring a safe environment, developing socio-emotional skills, preventing destructive behaviour, and providing access to healthcare are crucial for the well-being of children.
