To mark Social Media Day, the Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, held an engaging discussion with a group of teenagers to better understand the impact of social media on young people’s lives and how their voices can shape future reforms.

The event took place at the offices of FreeHour Malta, a popular youth-focused platform.

It formed part of a broader series of initiatives by the Parliamentary Secretariat aimed at exploring how digital platforms influence communication, mental health, and participation among young people.

Ms Buttigieg reflected on the importance of listening to young voices, “From Instagram to TikTok, Snapchat to Messenger this is the world many people now communicate through, with realities we might not always be fully aware of.”

The meeting emphasised the critical role of youth perspectives in shaping effective and balanced social media policies. The teenagers shared honest insights into their digital habits, including the pressure to maintain online presence, the benefits of online communities, and concerns about screen time and privacy.

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A new centre providing therapeutic services for people with disabilities has been inaugurated in Għajnsielem, Gozo, under the project titled ‘Together We Flourish’. The new facility, located within the Għajnsielem Learning Hub and made possible through space provided by Aġenzija Sapport, will serve as a one-stop shop for therapy and support services. It will be operated by the NGO Voice for Inclusion.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia Portelli, and Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri. They were joined by Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Aġenzija Sapport.

With this dedicated and professional space, Voice for Inclusion can now welcome clients and deliver its services more efficiently and visibly. The project involved a holistic investment of €120,000, partially funded by European funds, the Good Causes Fund, and the Ministry for Inclusion through the NGO Co-Financing Fund administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli praised the initiative, stating, “The opening of this centre further demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to making inclusion a reality for all not only in Malta but also in Gozo. Voice for Inclusion plays a vital role in the community, and with this investment, we are ensuring it has the necessary support to amplify the voice of persons with disabilities. This Government will continue to invest in the resources needed to improve quality of life and strengthen inclusion at every level.”

Minister Clint Camilleri added, “Today, we opened this centre in the Għajnsielem Learning Hub for children with disabilities. It will be run by Voice for Inclusion, which works tirelessly to uphold the rights and access to services for children with disabilities in Gozo. This is an important step in providing a range of services locally, reducing the need for Gozitan families to travel to Malta. It is a vital move to ensure that Gozitan children receive the same services as those available in Malta.”

Pauliana Said, Executive Chairperson of Voice for Inclusion, stated,“The official opening of this facility is a significant milestone for our organisation. This space gives us the tools to offer an enhanced service. More importantly, it guarantees Gozitan families equal and fair access to services just like in Malta. Inclusion and equality are not just words they are principles we must put into practice, and this office is a concrete step in that direction.”

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