Thousands of booklets were donated by Appogg Agency to the Education Division to be distributed to Year 6 students. These booklets describe the different types of child abuse and explain what one can do in order to seek help.

The information is passed on through simple language and appropriate cartoons in order for children to understand the content easily. As part of the awareness the agency is trying to create among children, this booklet will serve as a catalyst so that children can become more conscious about this sensitive topic.

During a presentation at the Anthony Valletta Birkirkara primary school, Joe Gerada, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, said that children had the right for protection and that this booklet, produced by Appogg staff and the marketing team, was a practical tool to inform children of their rights as well as explain to them in simple language what abuse is and what they can do about it. He also thanked the director general of the Education Division, Cecilia Borg, for her collaboration on this project and for distributing these booklets to the students.

Mr Gerada pointed out that more teachers and heads of schools are coming forward and reporting cases which they consider needing attention and together with the Appogg social workers make the appropriate interventions. He said that Appogg seeks to strengthen its network with significant organizations such as the Education Division in order to increase the protection to children.

Marianne Gauci, acting operations director of Appogg, stated that for example during 2005 alone, over 800 new child abuse cases were referred to Appogg. She said that protecting children is hard and tough, as social workers would have to work against a lot of omerta (silence).

However, social workers are persistent people, trained to follow through each case they deal with until they are satisfied that the child is safe. This work often brings them face to face with aggressive individuals and sometimes social workers are physically attacked, even though such cases rarely hit the newspapers. She urged children to call the Appogg Supportline 179 if and when they need help and advice.

Dr Borg thanked Appogg for this initiative and acknowledged the excellent work that goes on between the Education Division and Appogg and the other agencies of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services. She said that these booklets will be distributed to all year six students in all schools and that she looked forward for more such useful information being published for students. In attendance were also Alfred Mallia, director operations within the Education Division, and the school principal Ms Magro.

Those interested in obtaining a free copy of the booklet can contact the marketing team of the Foundation for Social Services on 2388 5000, or download a soft copy from www.appogg.gov.mt from the section entitled Children’s Rights in the main page.

For more information about Children’s Fund, Agenzija Appogg and its services, one can visit the website www.appogg.gov.mt. Agenzija Appogg forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, which also incorporates Agenzija Sapport and Agenzija sedqa.