On Thursday morning, the TFULIJA (Towns & Villages For Us: Living, Inclusive, Joyful and Accountable) Quality Label was launched. The label aims to give greater visibility and awareness of the work being done by local councils and other organisations. This while encouraging more councils and voluntary organisations to propose projects and open spaces aimed at children.
This while giving priority to children to participate in the planning and enjoyment of open public spaces across the Maltese Islands. This initiative will be encouraging more projects that continue to beautify localities, and more importantly, be planned for the needs of children. Thus, local councils will be encouraged to come forward with concrete proposals that have children at their centre.
The Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon spoke about how children are the heart, present and future of this country. He therefore stressed that the Government continuously strengthens their rights and well-being in the community. “This initiative is another link in a chain that reflects the broader vision of creating inclusive environments that support families and empower younger generations,” stressed Minister Michael Falzon.
Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government, Alison Zerafa Civelli, said that local councils are working at the heart of our communities, particularly for children who represent future generations.
“This initiative is a testament to how much local councils are being protagonists in the life of our communities, while serving as a main bridge between the citizen and various government entities.” The Parliamentary Secretary continued by saying that this initiative goes hand in hand with the Malta 2050 Vision, where the Government is stressing that children are at the centre of the decisions that are made, as well as on the creation of more open spaces for families.
Commissioner for Children Antoinette Vassallo spoke about how this initiative emerged from a key recommendation put forward by the research study ‘Healthy Spaces – Co-creating Child-friendly Towns and Villages’, which was published by the Office of the Commissioner for Children.
“Today we are taking a concrete step towards communities that are not only inclusive of children, but are also designed with them and for them. Because when we build towns and villages that are designed for children, we are building better communities for everyone”, stated the Commissioner for Children.
From today, local councils, with the support of regional councils, can apply for the TFULIJA Quality Label through the website tfal.gov.mt. The Quality Label evaluates initiatives according to eight key criteria linked to the well-being and quality of life of children in the community: Child Participation; Safety; Inclusion; Age and Developmental Appropriateness; Health Promotion; Availability and Flexibility of Use; and Management and Maintenance.
There are three levels of recognition: Bronze, Silver and Gold and each recognition remains valid for three years. A number of special recognitions will also be presented. Local councils are encouraged to contact the Office of the Commissioner for Children on 21485180 or via the email address cfc@gov.mt for more information.
