Wife of Opposition leader Bernard Grech, Annemarie, took over the puppet station on Children’s Day at St Joseph School, Blata l-Bajda.
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Annemarie, who works as a primary school teacher, participated in a celebration of International Children’s Day by taking over the puppet entertainment – just one part of her role as a teacher on the day-to-day.
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The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government announced that Local Councils will organize Christmas activities in 30 localities across Malta and Gozo this December.
These events are supported by €400,000 in funding from the Directorate for Local Government under the scheme for annual cultural activities.
The program includes Christmas villages, light displays, concerts, activities for children and the elderly, traditional food events, and Bethlehem in Għajnsielem in Gozo, among other activities.
Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasized the importance of preserving Christmas traditions within communities, offering free entertainment for residents and tourists alike.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to cultural growth and improving quality of life through such events.
Financial support for Local Councils has been strengthened to enhance the quality of these activities. Civelli encouraged the public to attend and enjoy the events.
The activities will be held in Ħ’Attard, Mellieħa, Mġarr, Ħal Għargħur, Ħal Lija, San Ġiljan, Birgu, Isla, Raħal Ġdid, Ħal Qormi, Gudja, Ħal Luqa, Marsa, Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk, Santa Luċija, Santa Venera, Ħal Kirkop, Żurrieq, Għajnsielem, Għarb, Ta’ Kerċem/Santa Luċija, Nadur, Qala, San Lawrenz, Ta’ Sannat, Xewkija, and Żebbuġ.
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The Nationalist Party has called for urgent investment in both the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU) and the professionals who work there, highlighting the need for a better environment for the 4,000 children who rely on its services. Speaking at a press conference in front of the CDAU to mark World Children’s Day 2024, the party stressed the importance of providing vulnerable children with a suitable space for therapy and assessments.
Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties, and Children’s Rights Graziella Attard Previ criticised the current CDAU building, describing it as outdated and inadequate for the needs of children, particularly those facing developmental challenges. She called for the facility to be replaced, urging the Government to focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Shadow Minister for Health Adrian Delia emphasised the importance of a nurturing environment for early childhood development, stressing that the first four years are critical for mental growth.
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister Ivan Bartolo raised concerns over child poverty, pointing to an increase in families relying on food banks and the struggles of those living in substandard housing. The Nationalist Party urged the Government to prioritise education and social housing to address these issues.
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At COP29 in Baku, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration Miriam Dalli spoke on behalf of Malta, stressing the urgent need to tackle climate change. She highlighted that the 1.5-degree Celsius target is essential for the survival of millions and called for immediate, impactful action.
Dalli underscored the importance of strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to integrate both mitigation and adaptation strategies. “Resilience and sustainability must work together,” she said.
The minister also pushed for a robust climate finance agreement, advocating for the creation of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that involves a wider range of donors and combines public and private funds to support vulnerable nations. She highlighted Malta’s initiatives, including the Climate Vulnerability and Resilience Index and microfinancing projects, as examples of innovative ways to mobilize funding for small island states and least developed countries.
In closing, Dalli reiterated Malta’s commitment to climate neutrality, pointing to the Climate Action Authority as a key step in ensuring an integrated approach across all sectors. “The time for action is now,” she declared.
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