As someone who has served for many years as mayor in the past, I have seen first-hand how local councils can shape the daily lives of families and young people. I have always believed in the importance of local councils and their role in making our towns and villages truly child-friendly.
In this context, the research study launched in 2022 by the Office of the Commissioner for Children, entitled Healthy Spaces, Co-creating Child-friendly Towns and Villages, marked a significant and timely contribution to the national conversation. The study explored how Maltese localities can better realise children's rights through meaningful collaboration with children and young people themselves. Conducted by the Centre for Resilience and Socio‑Emotional Health, the study focused on essential areas such as safety, play and recreation, access to nature, inclusion, cleanliness, and participation in community life.
The locality in which a child grows up is far more than just a geographical area. It is the environment where they learn to navigate the world, where they build friendships, play, discover, and develop a sense of belonging. The idea that our towns and villages are extensions of children's homes is therefore both powerful and necessary in recognising children as rights-holders and active citizens within their communities.
One of the most important recommendations emerging from this research was the need to establish national indicators of what makes a town or village child-friendly, eventually leading to a recognised quality label. Such a system acknowledges the work of local councils and organisations that place children's rights at the centre of local governance, while also encouraging others to improve.
It is in this spirit that an inter-sectoral committee was established to develop the quality label initiative launched on 19 February 2026: TFULIJA-Towns and Villages for Us: Living, Inclusive, Joyful and Accountable. The process itself is as important as the outcome. The active involvement of the Children's Advisory Board throughout the design of the label reflects a fundamental principle: children have the right to express their views on matters that affect them.
The initiative's eight criteria, ranging from safety and inclusion to greening and health promotion, embrace a holistic understanding of children's well-being. Safe streets, accessible public spaces, and opportunities to engage with nature are essential. They are important for children's healthy development and mental well-being. In an era of increasing urbanisation and the increased use of technology, these priorities are more urgent than ever. Research consistently shows that access to green spaces reduces stress, improves physical health, and strengthens social bonds. When children feel safe in their communities, they gain independence, confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging.
The structure of the quality label, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, has the potential to become a strong motivator for local councils. Recognition brings about innovation, collaboration, and accountability. A number of special awards such as for meaningful child participation and partnerships with other organisations will also be given to different localities.
A truly rights-based approach means ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live, benefits from safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments. Ultimately, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to make children's rights visible in everyday life. When we build communities that are good for children, we create communities that are better for everyone. By placing children at the heart of local development, we are not only responding to their needs today; we are investing in a more resilient, inclusive, and hopeful future. The challenge before us now is to ensure that this vision is not simply recognised with awards, but genuinely lived in every locality.
Antoinette Vassallo is the Commissioner for Children