The discussion was initiated by the Family Commission chairperson, Angela Abela who asked probing questions that stimulated a healthy discussion.

Several people spoke about their own painful and joyous experiences but the message of positivism was generally prevalent. One couple spoke about their experience when the wife had a myopic pregnancy and that painful incident was turned into a positive message through the foundation of a voluntary support group called ‘Wanting and Waiting’ which helps couples going through the pains of childlessness.

Another couple who have a mentally disabled child spoke about the pain they feel at the social exclusion of their son and of the many talents that this bright boy has. They also stressed the importance of forming some group which organises activities for these children who do not have a social life. An 18-year-old single mother from Floriana talked about her experiences trying to cope with this massive psychological problem in her life while another couple outlined their experiences as foster parents with two children. They urged the government to encourage this system of parenting.

Two couples regretted the fact that did not spend enough time together, however they were also positive about the help they receive from other quarters, especially one of the couples, who have four children, three of them triplets!

Another couple who recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary stressed the importance of unity and love throughout the family with the lady being particularly emotional on the concept of unity. Another couple recounted their traumatic experience when their twins were stillborn and how they managed to cope, turning to each other for support. Again they turned their experience into a positive one by forming another support group which assists those who have passed through similar forms of bereavement.

Ms Abela also asked each family what they believed were the most important issues that needed to be tackled by the Minister and which they identified as being the most urgent. Among the various topics suggested were a policy for child fostering, strengthening the family unit, possible financial help for those with a larger than usual number of children, social assistance to young couples who are facing huge debts just to survive, more support for voluntary organisations and similar assistance to childless couples.

A refugee, Mary Kamara from Sierra Leone, also recounted her tragic personal story that culminated in the recent death of her husband in a traffic accident, which was greeted with a spontaneous and emotional applause. Opposition spokesperson on Social Policy, Marie Louise Coleiro also spoke about the importance of recognising those families who were living in relative poverty.

In her concluding address, Ms Cristina said she appreciated the stand taken by the commission in the sense that it was involving all the families in its policy. She stressed the importance of a national policy on the family and voiced her frustration at the bureaucracy in her Ministry and also the long time it has taken to enact the much awaited Family Law, which is currently in the final draft stages at the Attorney General’s Office. The Minister also congratulated all the families who took part in this wide ranging and stimulating discussion while also offering a special thought for those families who are passing through tough and difficult times.