In state, church and even independent schools, the preventative program “Teen Outside the Box” continued to be given and strengthened whose main objective is to create a culture of more prevention and awareness among Form 2 students / Year 8.
This program aims to continue building on the other programs that are currently being implemented at the primary school level. The social professionals together with the teachers work together to give life skills that help children and teenagers to keep away from the temptations of addictions, mainly those of substances and even others linked to technology.
It is a program based on three sessions focused on substance abuse, wise use of technology and decision making.
The program is operated by Aġenzija Sedqa, within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), and on Wednesday morning sessions were given as part of this educational project, at Santa Margherita College, in Bormla.
Present for this session was the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon, the Minister for Education Clifton Grima, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, who they met, talked, and understood better what these teenagers encounter on a daily basis.
Minister Michael Falzon explained how such programs identify situations that can be dangerous for children themselves such as an inappropriate environment for children, problems related to health and even limited access to education.
“Let’s continue to advance the concept of a better life without addictions and we want to send this message with conviction to our teenagers. But if you make a mistake, today we have help. The FSWS invests a lot of energy, financial resources, and continuous educational programs in the schools and places where our young people frequent,” stated Minister Michael Falzon.
Minister Clifton Grima praised the initiative and said: “When I talk about education I always insist that the education we give our children should be a complete education, not only the education that teaches the curriculum, but that it is also education that looks beyond, to raise a responsible generation by also giving them information about life. Education that does not only look at information, the walk to the job bank, but also that informs and educates about the responsibilities of each student as an individual who is part of society”.
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg emphasized how important it is to continue training teenagers so that when they become adults, they can make wise decisions and with a sense of respect for others.
“This program, which covers important and preventive learning, will be beneficial for these teenagers who take part in it, because once the time has come for them to leave school and enter the world of work, they will preparations with a firmer character. In addition, I firmly believe that such initiatives are very important because we are passing on the necessary tools and training to our teenagers which will lead them to feel more comfortable expressing themselves even on a personal level,” said the Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg.
