The children’s local councils were established in every locality to give children a platform to be involved in decision-making. The Ħaż-Żebbuġ Children’s Council was one of the first to be established, and since the very first meeting the children have been working eagerly to make the locality more child-friendly.

With 14 active members and counting, the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Children’s Council has worked to make the locality more secure and accessible for all. Their passion traverses all realms – with a number of talented writers, artists, and debaters resulting in a well-rounded team. With the wholehearted support of the Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council, the children’s council has been able to flourish. The children are always treated with respect, honesty, and kindness, and the mayor and his team are always willing to speak to children on their level and develop ideas together.

One such idea is the Toroq Ħajjin – Playstreets initiative. This was something which the local council was very eager to involve the children in. The children were instrumental in the planning stage, marking places where streets could be closed for children to play in the locality, recommending activities and games to be held in the streets, and discussing the ideal days and times when children could join. The children were given the space to actively participate in every step of the process. After discussing the ideas with the children’s council, one child presented the idea to the adult councillors, and it was accepted unanimously. The children were also involved in the planning of the launch, and had the chance to write their own speech for the media.

In this speech, the children highlighted how they wished to have the opportunity to play outside in the street without fear, the way their parents could when they were young. They explained that they have chosen streets which are residential and quiet, so as not to disturb the flow of traffic too much. The first street will be closed on the 12th of April between 1.00-4.00PM. One street will be closed each month to allow the children of the locality to play freely.

This children’s council is a perfect example of how involving children in decision-making processes is beneficial and necessary. Children’s voices must continue to be amplified in their communities, as is their right. Not only will this increase community engagement amongst children, a value which is dying out, but it will also empower children to be active in the spaces which they inhabit. Children have a voice, we just have to listen to it.

– Written by Andrea, East & West Regions Children’s Council Coordinator