Children do not grow up on their own, and "as policymakers, we carry the responsibility to ensure that every child is given the best opportunities to grow, develop, and reach their full potential," PN Leader Alex Borg said.
During a visit to the Hand in Hand school in Rabat Malta, Borg praised the work carried out by professionals who support children with different abilities, including children on the autism spectrum. This school bases its services on collaboration, trust, and progress, and provides alternative educational pathways for students who require a different environment and methodology.
"The school, part of the CareMalta Group of the Vassallo family, is committed to redefining how autism should be approached and treated. It adopts a progressive and holistic approach that is also shared with caregivers and families supporting children with autism."
It is estimated that around 5% of Maltese children have ADHD, while one in every 60 children is on the autism spectrum, the PN said in a statement. "Institutions like this are essential to provide support not only to the children themselves but also to those who care for them. Many families are having to wait months or even years for their children to undergo initial assessments or to be assigned an LSE, delaying the support they need from an early age."
"It is also important to remember that many other children were born or now live in Malta to foreign parents working in our country or holding refugee status. These children matter too, and Malta has obligations towards them as well."
During the visit, the PN Leader spoke about the importance of investing in children's welfare. He emphasised that where possible, children should not be deprived of a family structure; and where this is not possible, other structures must be in place to provide a safe and caring environment where these children can grow.
"We must fight the poverty that today affects far too many children. One in every four children in Malta is at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The number of children going to school hungry has also increased. This is in addition to children living in unhealthy environments, or suffering from bullying, anxiety, or circumstances that are harming their mental health," the party said.
"World Children's Day must not be only a day of commemoration, but it must also serve as a catalyst for action."
The PN said that it will continue advancing policies that support all children, and said it will put forward a number of measures, including:
- The construction of a modern and dignified centre for Child and Young People Services (CAYS)
- Greater financial support for families and reduced taxation for parents
- More modern schools and greater resources for them
- Strong support for neurodiverse children and their families from early childhood, and a reduction in the CDAU waiting lists
- Higher quality standards in childcare centres
- Stronger support for vulnerable children
- More open spaces where children can play
- A national observatory for children up to seven years of age to ensure cohesive and holistic policy
- Measures that support a better work-life balance
- A Child Trust Fund to provide for the future of every child.
Present for the visit together with Borg were Shadow Minister for Neurodiversity and Child Protection Albert Buttigieg, Shadow Minister for Inclusion and Consumer Rights Graziella Galea, and Shadow Minister for Education Justin Schembri